Disc Replacement Surgery in Port Richmond, PA

Lower back and neck pain can seep into every aspect of someone’s life. Some treatment options provide temporary relief from headaches, migraines, and numbness. However, surgery is often a doctor’s preferred treatment option when the pain hasn’t subsided even after conservative treatment methods.

If you are suffering from pain in your cervical or lumbar spine, disc replacement surgery is one option to possibly reduce pain. Disc replacement surgery involves your surgeon removing damaged discs and replacing them with implants. Consult with an experienced back and spine specialist at NJ Spine & Orthopedic about disc replacement surgery in Port Richmond, PA. 

Types of Artificial Discs

Artificial discs come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. The material has an impact on the success of your surgery. Some patients have allergic reactions to certain materials. Spinal specialists might use one of four types of replacement discs during disc replacement surgery:

• Composite: These discs have two metal end plates that surround a plastic spacer.
• Elastic: Artificial elastic-type discs typically have two titanium end plates that surround a rubber or silicone core.
• Hydraulic: These disc implants have a gel-like core covered with polyethylene. They are also soaked in saline solution to provide space between vertebrae.
• Mechanical: Replacement disks of this type include two components of the same material, whether metal or composite.

Your surgeon will evaluate your medical history and condition and advise you on the type of disc implant that is best for your body. Some types have been more successful than others. Additionally, some types are more suited for the neck than the back and vice versa.

Good Candidates for Disc Replacement Surgery

Many back and spine specialists recommend disc replacement surgery for chronic pain that results from degenerative disc disease. However, chronic neck and back pain does not automatically qualify someone as a candidate for disc replacement surgery. Your doctor will gather your medical history and perform tests to decide if disc replacement surgery is a good fit for you. Tests typically include various types of imaging like CT scans, X-rays, discography, and MRIs.

Examples of things doctors look for in candidates for disc replacement surgery include:

• One or more hard discs in the lower back
• No compression of the spinal canal
• No previous major back or neck surgeries
• Absence of spinal deformities
• Healthy body weight

If you aren’t a good candidate for disc replacement surgery, your surgeon will discuss other treatments that could help alleviate your pain and discomfort in your neck and back.

What Happens During Disc Replacement Surgery?

The procedure typically takes two or three hours, but the length of the procedure depends on whether you have more than one disc replaced. Expect your surgeon to make a small incision in your abdomen to begin the procedure. Once the damaged disc is removed, the surgeon places a new artificial disc into the open space. Disc replacement is major surgery, so patients can expect to remain hospitalized for a few days after the procedure to receive care.

However, many patients can leave the hospital sooner. Sometimes, patients can go home on the same day. Your surgeon will want to have you out of bed and walking around soon after surgery. Once you return home, you can continue with most of your regular activities.

What Are the Benefits of Disc Replacement Surgery in Port Richmond, PA?

Disc replacement surgery often serves as an alternate treatment to spinal fusion surgery. Patients often heal faster and have more movement after a disc replacement surgery. Additionally, disc replacement reduces stress on nearby discs and surgeons typically do not need to use a bone graft like they do in spinal fusion procedures. Some of the other major benefits that come with undergoing disc replacement surgery include:

• Removal of the damaged disc
• Pain reduction
• More motion and flexibility in the affected area of the spine

Disc replacement surgery can help mitigate your pain and reduce other adverse symptoms.

Contact the Experienced Port Richmond, PA Spine Doctors at NJ Spine & Orthopedic Today

NJ Spine & Orthopedic offers minimally invasive treatments for neck and back pain, including disc replacement surgery, to patients suffering chronic pain from degenerative conditions. Our surgical team includes industry leaders in orthopedic laser and spine surgery.

The NJ Spine & Orthopedic team is committed to providing the best treatment and care to patients dealing with chronic back or neck pain. If you are suffering, we want to help give you relief and make your life better. Contact NJ Spine & Orthopedic today online or at (866) 553-0612 to learn more about the best treatment option for your back pain. We treat patients throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. Our Concierge Team can also help streamline your treatments.