First Spinal Fusion Reversal in the U.S. Melissa Medalie: Bobbie Jo Ramirez would never have done this, or try this a month ago but now that she had spinal fusion reversal surgery, she can do more than she has in 10 years. Bobbie Jo Ramirez: I feel great. Melissa Medalie: A back injury led to the original fusion. Doctors weld two vertebrae together to stabilize the spine, electro stiff and in pain. Bobbie Jo Ramirez: It was excruciating, I mean just to try to rule your self out of bed and sit up right was just excruciating pain. Melissa Medalie: She had migraines three times a week and the pain permeated throughout her body forcing the softball fanatic to quit the game she loved. Bobbie Jo Ramirez: It started up the neck but I mean it radiates through your shoulders, to your arms, to your fingertips. Melissa Medalie: Orthopedic surgeon Kenneth Light says many spinal fusions shouldn’t be done. Kenneth Light: There is a common saying in the medical community and that is never have a spinal fusion. Melissa Medalie: He says the surgery severely limits motion and for some, the pain doesn’t go away. Doctor Light became the first in the U.S. to revere a fusion. He implants an artificial disc. Kenneth Light: In low and behold, we put the implant in, she woke up; she was fine. She felt fine enough to go home the next day and four weeks later, she is doing exceptionally well. Bobbie Jo Ramirez: I have not had a headache since I came out of surgery. Melissa Medalie: Critics are not sure if the implant will last and there is a chance of paralysis if it fails. But Bobbie Jo’s is reversing her fusion reversed her painful path. Bobby Joe Ramirez: I felt like I made a decision that is going to give me life again. Melissa Medalie: I'm Melissa Medalie reporting.