Is Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery the Right Treatment for me?
You may have heard about cervical disc replacement before and are wondering whether or not it is the right treatment for you. Symptomatic cervical disc disease is a condition that often leads patients to consider treatments like cervical disc arthroplasty or anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. If you are not sure this is the right choice of treatment you should explore other options to make sure that the treatment you get is definitely the one you need.
As a part of OLSS’s commitment to our patients, we have put together a quick and easy to use tool to help determine whether cervical artificial disc replacement is the right treatment for you.
To get started just click on the link below and take 5 minutes to accurately fill out the questions. Once submitted one of the professionals at OLSS will review your submission and get back in touch with you to provide you with the answers you need to get on the path to living pain-free.
Am I a Candidate for a Cervical Disc Replacement?
If you are certain that cervical disc replacement is the right treatment for you based on a referral from a doctor or recommendation from another surgeon, the highly skilled surgeons at OLSS are a great choice for getting this procedure done. Anterior cervical discectomy, which involves removing a damaged disc and fusing adjacent vertebrae, is often compared to cervical artificial disc replacement for its effectiveness in symptom relief and long-term outcomes.
With some of the most skilled and highly qualified surgeons in the industry, OLSS has one of the highest success rates. This in part is due to making sure patients we accept as candidates go through a candidacy checking process.
To get started just click the link below and take 5 minutes to answer the questions as accurately as possible. Once we receive your answers one of our professional staff will review them and get back in touch with you to provide feedback and let you know if you are a candidate and what the next steps are to getting you back to living pain-free.
About the Technology
The cervical artificial disc replacement offers painless motion to the injured cervical disc segment. In the past, the only reliable curative solution was a fusion. The problem is that the fusion removed any motion between repaired degenerative disc segments, only to stress the adjacent segments with stiffness and torque, causing them to wear down faster. The artificial disc was invented to stop the premature aging caused by fusion.
Cervical Disc Replacement: Pros and Cons
Degenerating cervical discs and pinched nerves in the upper spine can cause chronic pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness that impacts the entire upper body, sometimes extending down the arm. Arm pain is a common symptom associated with these issues, often resulting from pinched nerves or disc degeneration. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you’ve likely been doing everything possible to avoid surgery. This likely includes taking massive amounts of non-prescription and prescription pain relievers, getting cortisone shots, and other pain management techniques. However, nonsurgical treatments only work in some situations and typically only serve as a bandaid that provides some symptomatic relief.
Undergoing a cervical artificial disc replacement surgery can relieve or eliminate issues related to neck pain and loss of mobility. This is especially true when symptoms emerge from the degeneration of cervical discs. You don’t have to live with chronic neck pain if you are suffering from cervical disc degeneration, have a herniated disc, or have another issue with your cervical spine. Many patients consider cervical disc replacement surgery. Below we cover the pros and cons of this procedure so you can better understand your options.
Pros of Cervical Disc Replacement
Although there are some cons related to cervical disc replacement, the advantages of this procedure outnumber the disadvantages, especially when compared to the other popular surgical option for neck pain—spinal fusion. Here are the significant benefits of undergoing artificial disc replacement surgery, medically referred to as a cervical disc arthroplasty.
Preserves Motion in the Neck
The most significant advantage or pro of cervical artificial disc replacement is that you can bend, twist, turn, and flex your neck normally. The other standard option for neck issues is spinal fusion, which involves fusing two vertebrae to stabilize your neck. Fusion limits your neck’s movement, while disc replacement involves an artificial disc that mimics your neck’s natural ability to bend and rotate. Patient satisfaction is high with cervical artificial disc replacement because most patients end up with a full range of motion in their neck and don’t have to deal with chronic pain.
Quick Recovery
Cervical disc replacement is typically an outpatient procedure that heals relatively quickly. Not only do you avoid spending time in the hospital, you probably do not need to wear a brace. Our experience with patients reveals that most heal in about half the time it would take them to heal if they underwent spinal fusion. This means you can return to work and your daily routine within a couple of months. Most importantly, you can return to doing the things you love, whether hobbies or exercise.
Reduces Need for Additional Surgeries
Those who undergo cervical artificial disc replacement do not need repeat surgeries on the same disc, which is not always the case for spinal fusion. The bones fused in the process cannot move, which alters how the neck moves. This can stress areas of the cervical spine above and below the fused area. This stress makes it more likely for patients to develop problems in the future that require one or more additional surgeries. The same is true when spinal fusion fails. Ultimately, the fact that cervical artificial disc replacement preserves motion in the neck reduces the need for other surgeries.
Reduced Risk of Pseudoarthrosis
Pseudarthrosis is a condition that occurs when a spinal fusion procedure doesn’t work as intended. During the spinal fusion, the vertebrae in the neck are fused with the goal that they will heal in a particular formation that provides stability and relief for the patient. When the bones do not heal as expected, patients can suffer pain in their neck and back. Typically, the development of pseudoarthrosis requires another attempt at spinal fusion. Cervical disc replacement includes replacing a damaged disc with an artificial disc without any fusion, significantly reducing the chances of developing pseudoarthrosis.
Cons of Cervical Disc Replacement
Although cervical disc replacement is quickly becoming the gold standard for treating various cervical conditions and injuries, it has drawbacks. One significant concern is the potential for spinal cord compression, which can lead to serious complications. We take a closer look at them below.
Not Suitable for All People with Neck Pain
Cervical disc replacement is not always the answer for those who suffer from neck pain. Disc replacement is not always the go-to recommendation for those over 50. This is large because older adults often develop arthritis, even in their necks, and they do not typically reap the full benefits of the procedure. Additionally, those who are morbidly obese or have had previous spinal surgery are typically not candidates for cervical artificial disc replacement. Disc replacement is not a solution for those with certain conditions like fractured vertebrae, scoliosis, spondylolysis, osteoporosis, and pseudarthrosis. Finally, anyone with a history of allergic reactions to materials that make medical implants cannot typically undergo cervical disc replacement.
Possibility of Another Replacement in the Future
Artificial discs last for decades, so it will take some time before you need to worry about having your artificial disc replaced. However, if you undergo cervical artificial disc replacement when you are young, there is a good chance you will need another replacement. You should also know that the opportunity for additional surgery is much lower with cervical disc replacement than with spinal fusion.
Life After Cervical Disc Replacement
The idea of having surgery on your neck can be scary. However, corrective surgery is often the only way to reduce discomfort and pain, so someone can start living normally again. Fortunately, cervical artificial disc replacement offers advantages over fusing discs to stabilize the neck. Patients recover much faster and have a more excellent range of motion in their necks after recovery. Physical therapy is often recommended during the recovery process to aid healing and prevent recurrences of neck pain.
These advantages stem from the fact that during a cervical disc replacement, the space between the vertebrae does not need to fully heal as they do during a cervical fusion procedure. Even with the advantages of a cervical artificial disc replacement, you still have to take care as you heal. Below we offer more information about life after a artificial disc replacement in each area of someone’s life, followed by answers to frequently asked questions.
Returning to Work
The time it takes to return to return to work entirely depends on someone’s job. However, performing needed tasks for any job requires a range of motion in your neck. Office workers who sit in front of a computer all day need mobility in their necks to the same extent that truck drivers, teachers, nurses, and stay-at-home parents need to be able to move their necks.
You will need a couple of weeks to heal post-surgery, but beyond that, a discussion with your spine surgeon and listening to your body will let you know when you’re ready. The vast majority of people undergoing cervical artificial disc replacement surgery can return to their jobs and perform their duties better than before surgery. At the very least, they can perform them without pain.
Engaging in Exercise
If going to the gym or exercising at home was once a regular part of your life, but you had to give it up because of neck pain, you can again engage in exercise after a cervical disc replacement surgery. Most patients can stretch, lift weights, engage in other strength training, do yoga, and take other exercise classes without suffering neck pain.
Ultimately, patients can bend, stretch, and flex their necks in ways they haven’t been able to for months or years because they have increased mobility without pain after surgery. This again highlights the difference between a spinal fusion surgery that fuses vertebrae and a cervical artificial disc replacement surgery that replaces a damaged disc with an artificial one. The replacement leads to increased flexibility and a better range of motion.
Contact the Experienced Florida Back and Neck Specialists at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery Today
Neck pain is debilitating and keeps you from doing the things you need and want to do. You don’t have to cope with chronic lifetime pain. A cervical disc replacement can help you regain lost mobility in your neck and significantly reduce or eliminate your pain. Let the experienced Florida back and neck specialists at Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery help.
Our team works with multiple insurance carriers, and our treatments have at least a 95 percent success rate. Our success is related to our leadership. Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery is owned by Dr. Scott Katzman, a leading expert in orthopedic treatments who has practiced for almost two decades. Contact us today online or call (855)853-6542 to learn more about cervical artificial disc replacement surgery.
Q&A
What is cervical disc arthroplasty, and how does it differ from spinal fusion?
Cervical disc arthroplasty, commonly referred to as cervical disc replacement, involves replacing a damaged disc in the cervical spine with an artificial disc. This procedure preserves the natural movement of the spine, unlike spinal fusion, which limits mobility by permanently joining two vertebrae. Spinal fusion can also lead to increased stress on adjacent spinal segments, potentially causing future issues, while cervical disc arthroplasty avoids this complication.
Who is a good candidate for cervical artificial disc replacement surgery?
Candidates for disc replacement surgery typically suffer from degenerative disc disease, a herniated disc, or other cervical spine conditions that cause chronic pain. Younger patients without severe arthritis or significant spinal deformities, such as scoliosis, are often suitable for this procedure. However, those with previous spine surgery, osteoporosis, or other spinal issues may not be eligible. Consulting with a spine surgery specialist is crucial to determine the best course of action.
What are the benefits of cervical disc replacement surgery compared to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion?
Cervical disc replacement offers several benefits over anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). The artificial disc allows for motion preservation in the neck, which ACDF cannot provide. Additionally, cervical disc replacement reduces the need for further surgeries, as it minimizes the risk of adjacent segment degeneration—a common issue following ACDF. Patients also tend to recover more quickly from cervical disc replacement, often returning to physical therapy and regular activities sooner than with fusion surgeries.
How long does recovery take after cervical disc replacement surgery?
Recovery from cervical disc replacement surgery is generally faster than with traditional spinal fusion. Most patients can resume daily activities, including light physical therapy, within a few weeks, and return to work within a couple of months. Unlike spinal fusion, this procedure doesn’t require wearing a neck brace, and patients maintain a full range of motion in their neck, which aids in a quicker and smoother recovery.
Can physical therapy help after cervical disc replacement surgery?
Yes, physical therapy plays an essential role in recovery following cervical disc replacement surgery. It helps restore mobility, strengthen neck muscles, and prevent future issues with the cervical spine. Most patients begin therapy soon after surgery to ensure proper healing and regain full motion in their neck, which is a significant benefit of choosing cervical artificial disc replacement over spinal fusion procedures.