Doctors sometimes recommend disc replacement surgery as a way to relieve nerve pressure in the spine and restore long-term mobility. When a patient has not found relief through conservative treatments and therapies, a spine surgeon in New Jersey may recommend a cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) surgical procedure. Let’s examine how each works and how they differ.
What Is Spinal Disc Replacement?
Spinal disc replacement is a modern surgical procedure that removes a damaged or degenerated disc and replaces it with an artificial disc implant designed to mimic natural movement.
Instead of permanently joining vertebrae together as spinal fusion does, disc replacement preserves motion at the affected segment. This approach can reduce stress on adjacent discs and promote faster recovery.
Modern replacement is a viable alternative to spinal fusion in appropriate cases. Because it can be performed as a minimally invasive spine surgery, patients typically experience smaller incisions, less blood loss, and shorter hospital stays.
Disc replacement is most effective for individuals with:
- Persistent neck or back pain unrelieved by non-surgical care
- Disc herniation or degeneration confirmed by imaging
- Good bone quality and healthy facet joints
These surgical disc degeneration treatments aim to relieve pain and maintain flexibility so patients can return to daily activities sooner. In the U.S., approximately 35,000 total spinal disc replacement surgeries were performed in 2023, representing about 2.3% of all fusion procedures. Cervical disc replacements account for roughly 53% of those procedures, and lumbar replacements comprise around 47%.
Cervical Disc Replacement: Restoring Neck Function
Problems with the neck vertebrae at C1 through C7 typically cause stiffness, nerve pain, and numbness. The surgeon makes a small incision in the front of the patient’s neck to remove the diseased disc and then inserts an artificial disc. The goal is to relieve nerve pressure and restore function.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours, with many patients walking the same day and resuming light activities within weeks. With experienced post-surgical care, patients often enjoy improved flexibility and much lower stress on adjacent segments and tissues.
Lumbar Disc Replacement: Treating Lower Back Pain
A lumbar disc replacement addresses chronic back pain or sciatica caused by a worn disc in the lower spine (L1 through L5). The surgeon makes a small abdominal incision, carefully moves aside muscles and vessels, removes the damaged disc, and places a durable artificial disc implant to maintain motion.
Because the lumbar spine bears more weight, recovery is gradual. Expect to return to light activity in four to six weeks and complete function in several months. The procedure relieves pain, preserves movement, and offers long-term stability.
Comparing Cervical and Lumbar Procedures
Let’s look at the anatomical and surgical differences in these two common spinal procedures.
The cervical spine supports the head and allows extensive movement. In contrast, the lumbar spine carries nearly the body’s entire weight and must withstand higher mechanical stress. These anatomical contrasts directly affect surgical planning, patient candidacy, and rehabilitation timelines.
In cervical disc replacement, the operation typically involves a small incision in the front of the neck. The surgeon accesses the spine by gently moving aside muscles, the trachea, and other soft tissues, allowing precise removal of the damaged disc and placement of an artificial implant.
Because the neck endures less load, the risk of implant wear or loosening is relatively low. Patients generally experience rapid symptom improvement and regain normal motion within weeks, making cervical procedures both common and highly successful.
In contrast, a lumbar disc replacement requires a more complex approach through the abdomen. Surgeons must navigate around major blood vessels and organs to reach the lower spine safely. The lumbar region’s larger discs, heavier load, and biomechanical demands increase both technical difficulty and recovery time.
Patients often need several months of rehabilitation to rebuild core strength and stability. However, long-term pain relief can be substantial when performed by a highly experienced spine surgeon.
While cervical disc replacement is suitable for a broader range of patients, lumbar disc replacement remains an excellent choice for carefully selected candidates seeking motion preservation and relief from debilitating lower back pain. Each procedure offers distinct benefits tailored to the spine’s unique structure and function.
Consult With Dr. Goldberg To Discuss Your Options
Dr. Grigory Goldberg with the Modern Spine Institute combines extensive experience in minimally invasive spine surgery with a patient-centered approach to care. He takes the time to explain every step of the process so you can make confident, informed decisions about your spine health.
Dr. Goldberg accepts most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
To learn more about understanding cervical disc replacement surgery, contact the Modern Spine Institute today at (844) 373-2772.
Frequently Asked Questions About Disc Replacement Surgery
If you’re considering cervical or lumbar disc replacement, these additional insights address common questions patients often ask during consultations.
Will the Artificial Disc Set off Airport Metal Detectors?
No, modern spinal implant materials will not set off airport or security metal detectors. They are made from surgical-grade titanium and other alloys that usually do not trigger security scanners. In any event, you’ll also receive an implant card verifying your device for travel and security purposes.
Can I Return to Sports or Physically Demanding Work?
Yes, most patients can return to athletics or manual labor after completing rehabilitation, depending on their overall physical health. Surgeons typically clear low-impact activities first, like swimming or cycling, before allowing heavy lifting or more physically demanding sports after three to six months.
Can I Drive After Disc Replacement Surgery?
You can generally resume driving after disc replacement surgery once you are no longer taking prescription pain medication and can comfortably turn your head or body without pain or restriction. That’s often within two to three weeks for cervical procedures and four to six weeks for lumbar cases.
How Can I Maintain My Results Long-Term?
Doctors usually recommend that patients maintain durable results by keeping a healthy weight, practicing good posture, strengthening core muscles, and avoiding tobacco use.
