If you suffer from back or neck pain that impacts your daily life, you’re not alone. The Health Policy Institute reports that about 8%, or 16 million, American adults have chronic back pain. Herniated disc degeneration accounts for five to 20 annual cases per 1,000 adults, according to StatPearls.
Low back pain and neck pain can worsen over time. When conservative treatments fail, you might consider disc replacement surgery or spinal fusion, but which is better?
Top spine surgeon in New Jersey, Grigory Goldberg, MD, uses various medical advancements to help patients find back pain relief. The guide below breaks down the differences between disc replacement and spinal fusion, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
What You Should Know About Degenerative Disc Disease
Spinal discs are the tough yet cushion-like fibers between each vertebral bone that offer support and ease of movement within the vertebrae. Some disc degeneration is typical as people age due to injuries, sports, daily activities, and ordinary wear.
Most people are likely to experience spinal disc degeneration over time. According to Columbia University’s Neurosurgery Department, about 30% of people over 35 will have notable disc degeneration, and the amount increases to over 90% for the 60 and up population.
In many cases with standard spinal disc degeneration, there is occasional pain. However, extensive lumbar and cervical disc degeneration can cause substantial pain and stiffness that can affect a person’s everyday life.
Difference Between Spinal Fusion and Disc Replacement Surgery
Spinal fusion is a more traditional way to approach degenerative disc degeneration than disc replacement surgery. Though both treatments help correct spinal deformities, spinal fusion involves fusing at least two vertebrae to minimize movements that contribute to back or neck pain. The surgery may involve removing a damaged disc and stabilizing the vertebrae with pins or a bone graft to stimulate bone growth.
One of the most common types of spinal procedures in the country is interbody fusion; iData Research reports that more than 342,000 of these procedures occur each year. Fixation of the cervical spine within the neck region is another common type of spinal fusion surgery.
Disc replacement surgery is a newer procedure in which a spine surgeon removes an affected disc and replaces it with an artificial one. This treatment is suitable for the cervical or lumbar spine due to conditions like:
- Chronic back pain
- Herniated disc
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
Who Is a Candidate for Surgery?
To be eligible for disc replacement or spinal fusion surgery, you shouldn’t have other spinal conditions or compression to your spinal nerves. Good candidates also won’t have the following:
- A previous spinal surgery
- Spinal fracture
- Herniated disc with radiculopathy
- Facet arthritis
- Spinal deformities
It’s also good to have a reasonable range of motion in your back and neck if considering total disc replacement surgery. Still, for either option, you must undergo conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy before you can become a surgical candidate.
Spinal Fusion vs. Disc Replacement: Benefits and Drawbacks
Spinal fusion is a trusted treatment for degenerative disc disease due to its long history dating back to the late 1800s. It can help with stabilizing the spine and relieving pain. Unfortunately, the fusion may also reduce the range of motion for the affected area in the neck or back due to the fusing of neighboring vertebrae around the missing disc.
With total disc replacement surgery, you may be able to retain your spine’s range of motion and mobility. Though both surgeries are invasive, disc replacement is a short procedure with a faster recovery period. However, the treatment is new in comparison to spinal fusion, and while the artificial discs’ durability can steadily improve over time, they can still wear down.
How Long Does Disc Replacement and Spinal Fusion Last?
Spinal fusion is a permanent procedure. Once the vertebrae adjacent to the removed disc fuse, they shouldn’t separate. Unfortunately, those who get spinal fusion surgery earlier in life often need secondary spinal surgery to address degenerating discs around the treated site within the spine.
A 10-year study published by the Journal of Spine Surgery reports that a lumbar prosthesis has long-term durability. Still, the likelihood of adjacent disc deterioration is smaller with disc replacement than with spinal fusion, so the latter surgery could produce positive results beyond the 10-year mark.
Explore Your Spinal Treatment Options in New Jersey With a Top Spine Specialist
If you’re dealing with the effects of degenerative disc disease and considering disc replacement surgery or spinal fusion, reach out to Grigory Goldberg, MD. As a caring spine specialist in New Jersey with more than 16 years of experience, Dr. Goldberg is an expert in advanced spine treatments and procedures. He and his team strive to improve the functionality of patients’ backs using minimally invasive procedures.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available—request an appointment online today.
Discover how minimally invasive procedures changed spine surgery in this post.
FAQs About Spinal Fusion and Disc Replacement Surgery
Read these answered questions if you’re unsure whether disc replacement or spinal fusion is right for you.
Who’s Not Eligible for Spinal Fusion?
If you don’t undergo at least six to 12 months of conservative treatment for your back pain, most doctors won’t recommend spinal fusion. People who smoke cigarettes or consume nicotine also aren’t ideal candidates because nicotine can impact healing.
Is Spinal Fusion Better Than Disc Replacement Surgery?
In many cases, disc replacement surgery is a better option than spinal fusion because the artificial disc allows for greater movement and mobility. It’s ideal for those who want to alleviate back or neck pain from a herniated disc while maintaining an active lifestyle.
Is Spinal Fusion Permanent?
Yes, spinal fusion is a permanent solution to back pain from prolonged disc degeneration.
Does Disc Replacement Have a High Success Rate?
The success rate for disc replacement surgery is high. According to a study in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, the patient satisfaction rate following a disc replacement within the lumbar spine is as high as 93%.
