If you’re considering disc replacement surgery in New Jersey, it’s important to understand exactly what lies ahead. Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD’s staff guides patients through each phase of this advanced spinal disc replacement procedure so they know what to expect and can feel more confident going into the process. Below, we outline everything you should know.
Who Is a Candidate for Spinal Disc Replacement?
Spinal disc replacement is often recommended for patients whose pain originates from one or two degenerated intervertebral discs, whose symptoms have persisted despite non-surgical treatments, and who are in generally good health. Surgeons generally evaluate imaging, including MRI, CT, and X-ray results, along with overall health, to determine replacement or fusion requirements versus conservative care steps.
Trauma drives many disc-related problems across the country, with motor vehicle crashes accounting for about 48% of spinal injuries, followed by falls (21%) and sports (14.6%). On average, around 1% to 3% of the population suffers from herniated discs each year, with over 80% of Americans experiencing some form of back pain. Given these statistics, it makes sense that spinal disc surgeries continue increasing.
The latest surgery techniques make spinal disc replacement surgery accessible for many candidates.
What Disc Replacement Pre-Surgery Preparation Involves
Medical professionals work closely with patients to determine what procedures are appropriate and to plan out the process. The preparation process includes:
- An examination: Surgeons consider medical history, physical examinations, lab work, and imaging to locate problem areas with precision.
- Lifestyle optimization: Your doctor will likely recommend quitting smoking, managing weight, improving nutrition, strengthening core and cardiovascular fitness, and ensuring good bone health. These steps can optimize surgery outcomes.
- Reviewing medications: You’ll likely need to pause some drugs, especially anti-inflammatories or blood thinners, prior to surgery.
- Practical planning: You’ll get help with preparing your home for recovery, arranging help, planning transportation from the hospital, understanding work leave, and following fasting instructions.
Your provider’s team should educate you during the initial consultations, helping you understand the conservative methods if available. Many teams recommend using minimally invasive approaches when surgery is necessary.
What Happens During Disc Replacement Surgery?
During surgery, you’ll be under general anesthesia. The procedure involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial disc designed to preserve motion at that spinal level. The goal is to restore disc height, reduce nerve compression, and preserve as much natural motion as possible.
Lumbar disc replacement often involves an anterior (front) approach, while cervical disc replacement uses a small incision in the neck. Your surgeon removes the diseased disc, prepares vertebral endplates to accept the prosthetic disc, and checks alignment with real-time imaging. They will insert the artificial disc and close the incision with absorbable sutures.
The surgery typically takes about one to two hours for a single level, though time may vary depending on your anatomy and whether more than one level is involved.
Spine Surgery Expectations: Immediately After, Hospital Stay, and Post-Operative Care for Your Disc Replacement
After the procedure, you’ll spend time in recovery. Most patients stay overnight in a hospital for lumbar disc replacements. Some cervical cases or certain patients may be outpatient, depending on circumstances.
Pain management begins right away, with medications to control discomfort. Early mobilization, like walking with help, speeds recovery and reduces the risk of blood clots.
Post-operative care includes incision monitoring and restrictions on bending, twisting, and lifting heavy objects for several weeks or months as advised. Physical therapy typically begins a few weeks after surgery.
You’ll have follow-up appointments at intervals such as one or two weeks, four to six weeks, and later at three, six, and twelve months to assess healing and implant positioning.
The Back Surgery Rehabilitation and Recovery Timeline
Here is a rough timeline of what many patients may expect for artificial disc surgery recovery:
- Weeks one to two: Focus on walking short distances multiple times per day while avoiding lifting, bending, and twisting. Driving may be restricted.
- Weeks two to four: You’ll increase walking and begin gentle physical therapy. You may resume more daily activities with caution.
- Weeks four to eight: Expect more structured therapy focusing on core strength, flexibility, and posture, while any residual pain should lessen significantly.
- Three to six months: Your surgeon will look for significant functional improvements, and many patients return to work as more vigorous activities can gradually resume.
- 6 to 12 months and beyond: Many patients experience near full recovery, and the implant should be stable.
Are You Looking for a Spine Surgeon in New Jersey?
With proper disc replacement surgery preparation, careful surgeon selection, and disciplined post-operative care, many patients achieve a significantly improved quality of life.
If you live in New Jersey and are dealing with persistent back pain that hasn’t responded to conservative care, seeking an evaluation for treating chronic back pain with disc replacement may be the next step toward relief.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Contact Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD, today to schedule a consultation for your disc replacement. We’ll go over everything you need to know about post-operative care for disc replacement surgery during your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disc Replacement Surgery
Here are answers to some common questions our patients have asked about disc replacement surgery.
How Long Does an Artificial Disc Typically Last?
Many FDA-approved artificial discs can last at least 10 to 20 years, with some patients maintaining full function beyond that. Longevity depends on surgical technique, patient activity levels, and proper post-operative care.
Will I Set off Metal Detectors After Surgery?
It’s unlikely you will set off metal detectors after surgery, as most artificial discs are made of titanium or cobalt-chromium alloys. Your surgeon can provide a device card to carry if you travel or visit secure facilities frequently.
Can Disc Replacement Help With Leg or Arm Nerve Pain?
Disc replacement surgery can help with nerve pain caused by disc compression. Replacing the disc and decompressing the nerve can relieve symptoms like shooting pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs or arms caused by sciatica.
