Spinal disc replacement surgery, also known as artificial disc replacement or total disc replacement, involves swapping a worn-out or damaged spinal disc for an artificial one. Doctors usually recommend this surgery if other treatments like physical therapy haven’t worked to ease neck or lower back pain. Summit Orthopedics specializes in leading-edge disc replacement surgery in the greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area.
Why You Might Need Disc Replacement Surgery
The spine is made up of a series of bones (vertebrae) cushioned by spongy discs. These discs act like shock absorbers, allowing the spine to move. Over time, these discs can wear down or become damaged due to injury, aging or disease. When this happens, the damaged disc can press on surrounding nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness or weakness. Discs in the neck (cervical spine) and the lower back (lumbar spine) are the most likely to be damaged.
Historically, spinal fusion surgery has been considered the “gold standard” for managing degenerative disc disorder. This procedure fuses two or more vertebrae together in the spine. In fusion surgery, you lose mobility in that part of the neck or back.
Artificial disc replacement was created as an alternative to spinal fusion. During disc replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial one that mimics the function of the original disc. Ideally this surgery eases spine pain while preserving the natural range of motion and function of the neck or lower back.
Benefits and Risks of Disc Replacement
There are several key benefits to lumbar or cervical artificial disc replacement, including:
- Faster recovery: Many people experience a quicker recovery after disc replacement than after a spinal fusion. This means a faster return to your daily activities and your job.
- Fuller range of motion: Many people can move their neck normally with a cervical disc implant, unlike after fusion surgery.
- Pain relief: After the surgeon removes the damaged disc, the pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord is relieved, leading to less pain.
- Reduced risk of future spinal issues: Because disc replacement surgery allows for the spine to remain flexible, it may reduce wear and tear on adjacent discs and lower the risk of future spinal problems.
While disc replacement surgery offers significant benefits, like any surgery, it comes with potential risks. These include problems with the implant, infection, potential nerve damage, ongoing pain or other complications. Your provider will carefully discuss all the benefits and risks of disc replacement surgery with you so you can make the best decision for your health.
Recovery After Surgery
Disc replacement surgery is a significant procedure, but most people who undergo back or neck disc replacement experience positive outcomes.
The procedure is an inpatient surgery, and you will need to stay in the hospital one to three days. Your recovery time will vary depending on your overall health and the complexity of the procedure. In general, a recovery timeline will look like this:
- Soon after surgery: You will experience discomfort and soreness around the incision site. As you heal, your doctor will recommend that you start walking or moving around gently. Avoid heavy lifting, bending and twisting.
- A few weeks after surgery: You may start physical therapy. Many people can return to work, especially if they have a desk job. Continue to avoid physically demanding tasks.
- Several months after surgery: By this time, most people can return to normal activities, including exercise. However, full recovery may take up to six months.
Total Disc Replacement at Summit Orthopedics
Not everyone with neck or lower back pain is a good candidate for disc replacement. The best candidates have pain caused by one or two discs and otherwise good health without significant spinal complications. It’s essential to work with an experienced spine surgeon who can assess your unique case and recommend the most appropriate treatment. At Summit Orthopedics, we offer numerous highly specialized procedures, including disc replacements. Our surgeons were some of the first to perform cervical disc replacement in the Midwest, and our years of experience help ensure that our patients enjoy improved outcomes, preserved range of motion and restored function.
If you’re experiencing chronic neck or back pain, learn if disc replacement surgery at Summit Orthopedics could be an option. Find a spine expert or request an appointment online.
