Arizona Disc Replacement Surgery

Many people who have chronic pain and other symptoms associated with a damaged disc in the spine think that spinal fusion surgery is the only surgical option, but if you qualify disc replacement surgery may be an alternative.

Rather than fusing the vertebrae above and below the problem disc, disc replacement surgery removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an implant. Unlike spinal fusion, disc replacement surgery preserves motion in your spine at the point of the damaged disc.

Who Can Get Disc Replacement Surgery?

Are you considering disc replacement surgery in Arizona? Disc replacement surgery is a major surgery, so it is not the first treatment option for an injured disc. More conservative measures that manage pain and help the disc to rehydrate and heal (i.e. medications, injections, physical therapy and/or chiropractic care) should be tried first.

If your pain and symptoms aren’t relieved with non-surgical measures, and if you meet the criteria, disc replacement surgery might be a good option for you.

Disc replacement surgery is not recommended if you:

• have spondylolisthesis (slipping of one vertebra over another)
• have osteoporosis
• have a vertebral body fracture
• have a spinal tumor or infection
• are morbidly obese
• have significant facet joint damage
• have autoimmune problems
• have had certain previous back or abdominal surgeries

What Happens During Disc Replacement Surgery?

Disc replacement surgery is done anteriorly, meaning you’ll be lying on your back and an incision is made in your abdomen for lumbar disc replacement or the front of your neck for cervical disc replacement. Next, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with an artificial disc made of two pieces of metal separated by a biopolymer that mimics the shock-absorbing qualities of the natural disc. You’ll be under general anesthesia for the procedure.

Benefits of Disc Replacement Surgery

For many people, disc replacement surgery is preferable to fusion surgery because replacing the disc preserves the mobility of the spine at the affected site and avoids the need for bone grafts. Patients need to remain immobilized for a much shorter time (one week as opposed to four to six with fusion surgery). Research also suggests that the increased mobility in the vertebrae around the disc implant may protect those vertebrae from further degeneration.

Need Lumbar or Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery in Arizona?

With a complete commitment to patient care, the Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center provides personalized focus to each patient with an emphasis on helping them make the best healthcare decisions that fit their unique situations. No matter what issue you’re dealing with, it’s important to understand that the root cause of back pain varies from person to person. Naturally, for this reason we don’t practice a one size fits all approach in the treatment of back and spinal ailments.

Thankfully, not all patients of back pain are candidates for disc replacement surgeries in Arizona which is why we don’t recommend this type of invasive surgery unless it is the only remaining option. We believe in first trying conservative measures such as medications, injections, and physical therapy for the treatment of back pain.

Need a Second or Third Opinion for Disc Replacement Surgery in Arizona?

If you’ve been told you need any type of surgery like cervical or lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery in Phoenix or anywhere in Arizona, it’s time to get a second or even third opinion from us. We’ll recommend the right course of action that is best suited for your specific condition.

Back and neck pain can cause a great deal of discomfort and even debilitating pain. Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center – founded by Dr. Rafath Baig, one of the best disc replacement surgeons in Arizona – understands the tremendous impact back pain can have on the quality of your life. If you or your loved one is suffering from back or spinal issues, we can help. Contact us today.