What Is A Disc Replacement?

This is procedure that is used to treat lower spine pain or ongoing neck pain. 

Why Is It Done?

Not everyone who has back or neck issues will require surgery. Often pain can be lessened through medication and therapeutic exercise. However, under these circumstances, surgery can be beneficial: 

• Your pain is not improving, in spite of more conservative treatment.
• Your legs or arms feel weak or numb.
• You have not had prior back or neck surgery.
• You do not suffer from bone disease such as osteoporosis. 

How to Prepare

Before your surgery, you will meet with your surgeon to discuss the procedure. Be sure to bring a list of all your questions with you, and don't be afraid to ask about all the pros and cons. Spinal surgery can be complex, and there are different procedures that many be beneficial for each condition. 

What to Expect

To perform this procedure, your surgeon will make an incision and completely remove the problematic disc, along with any bone spurs or disc fragments. Then the artificial disc will be inserted into the disc space. Learn more about BayCare's Spine Care Centers.

In most cases, you will be released from the hospital within 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. There have been reports of nerve damage after this procedure, but those instances are rare. In general, most patients experience an elimination of pain and they have few activity restrictions.