Chronic neck or back pain can make everyday tasks feel impossible, and with certain diagnoses, conservative treatments may not be effective. Grigory Goldberg, MD, a spine specialist in New Jersey, helps clients understand whether disc replacement surgery is the right move. Here’s more about this type of surgery compared to traditional spinal fusion.
What Is Disc Replacement Surgery?
Disc replacement surgery removes your damaged spinal disc and puts in an artificial one, whereas spinal fusion permanently binds two or more of your vertebrae to each other. Replacements are a modern spine surgery technique that aims to preserve your body’s natural movement. As with the real thing, an artificial insertion acts as a cushion between your vertebrae and mimics how a healthy disc functions.
According to StatPearls, over 85% of symptoms from acute herniated disks resolve within 8 to 12 weeks with conservative management. Around 90% of symptomatic cases resolve after six weeks. However, when conservative care has failed, patients may need to turn to surgical intervention to treat conditions from herniated discs to degenerative disc disease.
Benefits of Artificial Disc Replacement
What is disc replacement surgery’s appeal? Choosing artificial disc replacement over fusion may offer several advantages, including:
- More natural spine flexibility: This alternative to spinal fusion maintains range of motion, allowing your spine to bend, flex, and rotate naturally after healing.
- Reduced adjacent disc stress: Maintaining natural motion with the help of the artificial disc may protect the surrounding ones from early wear.
- Quicker return to daily activities: Since vertebrae do not need time to fuse, disc replacement patients may also experience faster recovery times to resume normal routines sooner.
Pain relief and restored function remain the primary benefits of disc replacement surgeries. According to a study published in the Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan in 2015, patients who underwent total disc replacements were 91% more likely to be satisfied than those who underwent lumbar fusions.
Who Typically Qualifies for Spinal Disc Surgery?
Not everyone with back or neck pain qualifies for this procedure. Professionals like Grigory Goldberg, MD, a spine surgeon in New Jersey, carefully evaluate the condition before determining a patient’s eligibility. The ideal candidate typically has one or two damaged discs and severe pain that has not abated with physical therapy or epidural steroid injections.
You may qualify for spinal disc surgery if you meet the following criteria:
- You are between the ages of 18 and 60.
- You do not have severe osteoporosis or spinal deformities.
- You want to maintain an active lifestyle, which fusion may compromise.
- Your spine has healthy discs and vertebrae surrounding the damaged disc.
Your surgeon will typically use advanced imaging to assess your situation before making a recommendation.
Recovery Times After Disc Replacements By a Spine Specialist in New Jersey
The Journal of Spine Surgery reported that lumbar degenerative disc disease accounted for 13.8% of all spinal fusion surgeries in the United States in 2008. Fusions are common for a variety of reasons, but recovery after disc replacement surgeries typically takes less time.
After one to three days in the hospital, you may be able to start with light activities and gradually increase movement over several weeks. While every case is different, many patients return to work within three to six months.
Ready To See a Spine Surgeon in New Jersey? Schedule a Consultation With Grigory Goldberg, MD
When other treatments fail, disc replacement surgery may offer you a motion-preserving solution for chronic spine pain. Understanding the types of spinal fusion surgery and alternative approaches can help you make an informed decision.
Explore your options today by contacting Grigory Goldberg, MD, at (844) 373-2772 for Clifton, NJ, or (732) 908-8585 for Toms River, NJ. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about disc replacement procedures.
How Long Does Disc Replacement Surgery Take?
Typical disc replacement procedures take two to three hours. It depends on the case and the number of discs the spine surgeon must replace.
Can Artificial Discs Wear Out?
Modern spine disc replacements can last 40 years or more. Individual results vary based on activity level and overall spine health.
Does Insurance Cover Disc Replacement Surgery in New Jersey?
Our New Jersey practice works with various insurance providers, and many policies will cover a disc replacement surgery if your spine surgeon deems it medically necessary.
