4 Signs You'd Benefit from Disc Replacement Surgery

Spinal discs are the soft but tough cushions between the vertebrae of your spine. As well as acting as shock absorbers, these disks also provide the space necessary for the vertebrae to move.

Deterioration of spinal discs can cause neck and back pain, depending on the region of the spine affected. When your pain doesn’t respond to conservative treatment, you may need surgery to reduce your pain.

Traditionally, spinal fusion was the go-to method to stabilize the spine, a procedure allowing adjacent vertebrae to grow bone between them. While often effective at reducing pain, fusion limits spinal movement.

Disc replacement surgery, a specialty of Dr. Sanjay Khurana MD, uses a prosthetic in place of the damaged disc, reducing pain while maintaining function and movement of the spinal column. It’s an exciting new treatment for back issues, but not every patient is a good candidate for the procedure.

Today, we explore disc replacement surgery and four signs you’d benefit from such a procedure.

Degenerative disc disease

Any wearing down of spinal discs might get classed as degenerative disc disease. It’s a normal part of aging, and everyone over 40 has some level of degeneration. In about 5% of those people, neck or back pain becomes a problem.

As well as age-related moisture loss and tissue degeneration, back injuries, physically demanding occupations, being overweight, and smoking can also cause or accelerate the decline of spinal disc tissue.

Besides pain, symptoms of degenerative disc disease can include:

Numbness or tingling in your arms, hands, or legs
Pain that radiates away from the spine, such as sciatica
Muscle weakness in the arms or legs
Restricted motion involving twists of the spine

Pain symptoms can be constant; they may come and go or worsen when you perform specific movements like bending, lifting, or sitting.

Artificial disc replacement surgery

A natural spinal disc has two primary components - the annulus, the tough outer shell, and the gel-like nucleus it contains. Together, these tissues provide movement and cushion the bones of the spine against forces created by movement.

Artificial disc replacement surgery removes the natural disc and substitutes a prosthesis for the natural tissue. The artificial disc maintains vertebrae spacing while allowing movement like a natural disc.

Four signs you would benefit from disc replacement surgery

Some patients have a better chance of success from disc replacement surgery than others. Much depends on your unique condition. Common assessment points for disc replacement surgery candidates include these four conditions.

1. Nonsurgical treatments have failed

Conservative treatments, including rest, ice, heat, medications, injectable treatments, and physical therapy, fail to produce adequate pain relief, alone or in combination. Typically, you undergo several unsuccessful therapies before Dr. Khurana recommends surgery.

2. Degenerative disc disease is confirmed

CT and MRI scans can visualize soft tissue, including spinal discs, making it possible to diagnose degenerative disc disease. Disc replacement surgery is more likely after this diagnosis.

3. Referred pain is present

Pain from a problem disc in your neck can send pain signals into your arms and hands. When the problem is in your lower back, you feel these in your feet and legs. These symptoms, called referred pain or radicular pain, may play a role in recommending disc replacement.

4. You are a good candidate for surgery

Your ability to recover from surgery is a critical factor. Your spine must be fully mature with no bone growth remaining, and you must be in good overall health. You can improve your chances successfully by quitting smoking or losing excess weight.

Start the conversation in consultation with Dr. Khurana at his most convenient office. You can book your appointment online or by phone, so schedule your visit today.