Has chronic back pain turned your life upside down? The World Health Organization says you’re not alone, reporting that 1.71 billion people have some form of musculoskeletal condition causing them pain or discomfort. Still, if it is limiting your mobility or reducing your quality of life, you might be one of these billions considering disc replacement surgery.
Why not discuss this option with Grigory Goldberg, MD, a top-rated spine surgeon in New Jersey? It could help you find neck and back pain relief so that you can continue enjoying life. Below are five signs that disc replacement surgery might be right for you.
1. Disc Diseases or Damage
Your vertebral column holds up your body, facilitating your ability to feel and move. When you end up with spine conditions, mobility and quality of life suffer, and you may have immense pain along with those limitations.
If you have any of the following conditions and more conservative methods haven’t helped, a disc replacement surgery might be your solution:
- Degenerative disc disease: Your spine consists of several discs of gel-like material inside bones. Degenerative disc disease means the gel substance dries out. As such, it can no longer protect your spine against injuries.
- Herniated spinal disc: Sometimes, the hard outer shell of the disc breaks and the gel inside contacts the spine canal. This herniated disc will cause nerve irritation or other potential damage.
- Spinal stenosis: The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases defines spinal stenosis as the spaces around the spine narrowing and putting pressure on nerve roots and the cord itself. Another condition, aging, or an injury may cause this narrowing.
- Regular wear and tear: StatPearls places aging and years of repetitive motion as the top reasons for degenerative forms of back pain. Pregnancy or staying upright for too long causes postural problems, too.
If other arthritis treatments don’t alleviate your pain, disc replacement surgery is also a possible treatment route.
2. The Back Pain Never Goes Away
A study in the Medicine journal reports that after your first episode of lower back pain, it is more likely to return – and feel worse each time it recurs. Are you always in a state of pain, whether mild or debilitating? Ask about spinal disc replacement surgery.
StatPearls defines pain that lasts 12 weeks or more as chronic pain. If current treatments aren’t helping, don’t hesitate to call your medical provider. Help is out there.
3. Non-Surgical Back Treatments Don’t Help
Typically, as with any invasive surgery, disc replacement surgery would be a last-resort treatment option. First, you might try non-surgical methods to reduce or completely relieve your pain. Common non-surgical treatment options include:
- Rest
- Stretching
- Medication
- Spinal injections
- Acupuncture
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle changes
Your healthcare provider will suggest options to fit your lifestyle and symptoms. However, if relief isn’t apparent after six months of treatment or your pain has only worsened, surgery could help.
4. Back Pain Limits Your Life
Pain can severely limit you physically and mentally. The World Health Organization confirms that musculoskeletal pain can severely limit mobility and reduce people’s well-being and participation in society. Chronic pain can also affect your ability to work and have fun, so you might find yourself becoming inactive and feeling depressed.
Spinal instability can reduce your flexibility. Pain, too, may prevent you from moving around or make you want to sit or lie down for extended periods to get relief. At the same time, if you miss out on events, stop enjoying hobbies, or don’t see your friends or coworkers as often, spine issues can severely affect your mental health.
Do you feel like you’re missing out on opportunities and fun because you’re trying to avoid pain? Speak to your doctor about disc replacement surgery.
5. The Pain Is Spreading Beyond Your Spine
One final key indicator that spinal disc replacement surgery should be part of your treatment plan is if your pain not only worsens but spreads to new areas. You might notice symptoms such as:
- Headaches or migraines
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
If you already have migraines outside of back pain, you might not notice the onset of these symptoms – they’re quite similar. So, as you seek treatment for back pain, it’s important that you let your healthcare providers know all of your symptoms, even if you think they’re unrelated to your back pain.
The nervous system is highly complex and affects many parts of your body. The onset of arm and leg pain might not be so random after all. Spreading pain is often due to a pinched nerve in the spine.
Learn About Spinal Disc Replacement Surgery With Grigory Goldberg, MD
Chronic back pain can make daily life challenging or cause you to miss out on some important events. If you feel like you’ve tried every non-surgical option there is and are yet to see any difference, why not book an appointment with Grigory Goldberg, MD? Learn why procedures becoming more minimally invasive changed spine surgery – it may be the answer you’ve been looking for.
Book an appointment with us online. 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 the most frequently asked questions directed to Dr. Grigory Goldberg, MD.
What Are the Symptoms of Needing a Disc Replacement?
The symptoms of needing a disc replacement include disc disease or damage and persistent pain spreading beyond your spine. You should also take note of when conservative treatments like physical therapy don’t improve your symptoms.
Who Is a Candidate for Disc Replacement Surgery?
You may be a good candidate for disc replacement surgery if your pain comes from a disc or two in your spine and you are healthy enough to go through the procedure. If you have exhausted all other treatment options, this is also worth a look.
How Painful Is Disc Replacement Surgery?
Disc replacement surgery should be minimally painful, as the surgeon does not cut major muscles. You may be uncomfortable due to mild soreness for up to three days following the surgery.
