Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery in Phoenix, Arizona

MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE CHRONIC NECK PAIN AND OTHER SYMPTOMS ASSOCIATED WITH A DAMAGED DISC IN THE CERVICAL SPINE THINK THAT SPINAL FUSION SURGERY IS THE ONLY OPTION.

IF YOU QUALIFY, CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT SURGERY MAY BE AN ALTERNATIVE.

What is Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

A cervical disc replacement is a procedure in which Dr. Baig removes a damaged disc in your neck. After it is removed, the disc is replaced with an artificial cervical disc.

Unlike spinal fusion, cervical disc replacement surgery preserves motion in your spine at the point of the damaged disc.

Who Can Get Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

ARE YOU CONSIDERING CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN PHOENIX, ARIZONA?

DISC REPLACEMENT SURGERY IS NOT A MAJOR SURGERY, IT IS TYPICALLY AN OUTPATIENT PROCEDURE. EVEN SO, NOT EVERYONE IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR THIS SPECIFIC SURGERY.

CONSERVATIVE MEASURES THAT MANAGE PAIN AND HELP THE DISC REHYDRATE AND HEAL (I.E. MEDICATIONS, INJECTIONS, AND/OR PHYSICAL THERAPY) SHOULD BE TRIED FIRST.

If your pain and symptoms aren’t relieved with non-surgical measures, and if you meet the criteria, artificial cervical disc replacement surgery might be a good option for you. Dr. Baig will discuss all options and help you to make the best choice for you.

Cervical 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
have significant facet joint damage
have autoimmune problems
have had certain previous back or abdominal surgeries

What Happens During Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Cervical artificial disc replacement surgery is done anteriorly, meaning you’ll be lying on your back. An incision is made in the front of your neck for cervical disc replacement.

Next, the damaged disc is removed. It is replaced with an artificial cervical disc made of two pieces of metal that are 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 Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

FOR MANY PEOPLE, CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT SURGERY IS PREFERABLE TO FUSION SURGERY.

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.

THIS MEANS A SHORTER OVERALL RECOVERY TIME FOR AN ARTIFICIAL CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT.

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?

Here at the Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center, we provide 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 neck and 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.

Not all patients in Arizona with neck pain are candidates for artificial cervical disc replacement. And even for patients who are candidates, spine surgery may not be the best choice. This is why we don’t recommend this type of surgery unless it is the best option.

We believe in first trying conservative measures such as medications, injections, and physical therapy for the treatment of neck and back pain.

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

If you’ve been told that you need an artificial cervical disc replacement surgery, in Phoenix or anywhere in Arizona, it’s time to get a second or even third opinion from us.

Dr. Baig will recommend the best course of action for your specific condition.

Neck and back pain can cause a great deal of discomfort and even be debilitating. Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center was founded by Dr. Rafath Baig, one of the best cervical disc replacement surgeons in Arizona. We understand 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.

Book a consultation today.