A method is effective for prophylactically treating discs and facet joints near a spinal section that requires surgery. The method comprises the steps of performing a surgical procedure on a section of a spine, and reinforcing a disc or a facet joint adjacent to the surgically treated area with an effective amount of an injected, in situ curable biocompatible matrix or biocompatible polymeric compound. The procedure delays or prevents the development of permanent or irreversible degenerative changes in the treated disc and/or facet joint, thus offering the spinal surgery patient a higher probability of long-term success for arresting disc and facet joint degeneration and prevention of latent adjacent disc/facet joint problems.