Disc Replacement Surgery in Germantown, PA

Discs in your spine that cushion the vertebrae can rupture, herniate, bulge, slip, and tear. These conditions can occur from stress, disc deterioration, and normal wear and tear. When a disc is damaged, some don’t experience any symptoms, while others may experience excruciating pain and discomfort with limited mobility.

If your damaged disc has been causing you chronic pain and limited movement and no other treatment options relieve your symptoms, your disc replacement surgeon can perform minimally invasive surgery. Disc replacement surgery in Germantown, PA at NJ Spine and Orthopedic can help get you back to work and the activities you love sooner rather than later.

Why Disc Replacement Surgery in Allentown, PA May Be Necessary

The outer shell of the disc is made of cartilage that protects an inner core made of a gelatinous material. When the thick matter escapes the confines of its protective cover and protrudes outside, this is referred to as a bulging, slipping, or herniated disc. If any part of the gelatinous substance has protruded, this means that the protective outer shell was weakened or compromised, causing it to rupture or tear. 

When the gelatinous matter protrudes from the outer protection of the disc, it can interfere with the nerves, causing pain and discomfort. This interference is why some people experience symptoms and others do not. No symptoms may occur if the disc’s inner core material is not touching or pinching a nerve. 

How to Recover From Herniated Discs 

Generally, herniated discs don’t heal themselves. Still, treatments can be applied to alleviate the pain, reduce swelling, and strengthen and stabilize the area around the disc to reduce the friction between the disc and the nerve. Treatments can include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications
• Epidural steroid injections
• Nerve block injections
• Physical therapy

Following these treatment directives from your doctor may be enough to lessen pain and regain mobility. Replacing a disc through surgery will only be recommended if no other treatment options help with the chronic pain and discomfort.   

How Long Is the Recovery Time After Disc Replacement Surgery in Allentown, PA?

Many people might think that surgery on their spine will result in an extended hospital stay and long recovery times. However, with the advancement of medical technology and techniques, disc replacement surgery often only results in a short hospital stay and recovery. It is not as prolonged as it once was.

Traditional spinal surgery requires the surgeon to make bigger incisions and spread muscles and organs to the side to be able to see and work on the affected area. More trauma applied to the skin, muscles, organs, and blood vessels causes a greater extent of damage and injury to recover from once the surgery is performed. With minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, only a tiny incision is made, and a small area of muscle and blood vessels might be affected by tube insertions during the surgery.

Because only a small area is affected during surgery, disc replacement recovery time generally takes three to eight weeks, although this differs between patients. Many patients can return to light daily activities and desk work within a week. However, a full range of activities may not be possible for up to three months for some.

Will Disc Replacement Surgery Bring Long-Term Relief?

The success rate of disc replacements has been shown to eliminate pain or significantly reduce pain after months of recovery. Again, this will differ from patient to patient. However, the significant reduction in pain that disc replacement surgery provides should be a noticeable improvement from the pain you experienced before the surgery. 

Following your surgeon’s postoperative orders regarding pain management, wound care, and the level of activities you can perform during the recovery process will help you get the best results from the surgery. Incorporating lifestyle changes like losing weight and quitting smoking will also help your recovery and prevent other discs in your spine from being damaged.

Call the NJ Spine & Orthopedic Disc Replacement Surgeons in Germantown, PA For Pain Relief

The disc replacement surgeons at NJ Spine & Orthopedic can work to replace any herniated discs causing you chronic pain when all other treatments fail. We will perform a physical exam and use diagnostic CT or MRI imaging scans to pinpoint where the herniated disc is located in the spine and how severe it is. Once the location of the herniated disc is confirmed, our Allentown, PA disc replacement surgeons will perform minimally invasive surgery to get you back to your active life.

At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, our orthopedic surgeons lead the field in relieving pain from any spinal condition, including herniated discs. We will work with you to evaluate your medical records and create a treatment plan. If you’ve tried many treatment options for your herniated disc and nothing has worked, call (866) 553-0612 or complete our contact form to get relief from your symptoms and regain your quality of life.