Artificial disc replacement is a novel treatment for treating a variety of disorders that cause persistent pain. Approximately 16 million persons have persistent or chronic back pain. While there are several reasons for persistent back pain, a diseased, damaged, or decaying spinal disc is frequently responsible for the unpleasant sensations that patients may feel.

Some of the most common back ailments that a disc replacement surgery can address include degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and chronic pain that has not responded to previous therapies.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is a type of back or neck pain caused by the degeneration of spinal discs. While pain is one of the most prevalent signs of degenerative disc disease, some people may also suffer numbness, weakness, or shooting sensations in their arms and legs. Degenerative disc disease often produces low-level chronic pain, with occasional periods of acute agony.

According to research, 40% of persons aged 40 and over have this ailment, with 80% having it after the age of 80. The frequency of degenerative disc disease increases as people age. As our bodies wear out, the spinal discs might degrade. An artificial disc can be used to replace damaged discs, restoring mobility and relieving chronic discomfort.

Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when the spinal disc's soft core protrudes via a fracture or rupture in the outer covering. While some herniated discs may not cause any symptoms, others can irritate nearby spinal nerves, resulting in chronic pain, weakness, or numbness. People with this illness may benefit from physical treatment or medication. Individuals with more severe herniated discs may require artificial disc replacement.

Herniated discs are most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50, with a 2-to-1 male-to-female ratio. Herniated disc symptoms differ according to their location and severity. Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back but can also affect the middle and upper back, including the neck.

Chronic Pain

Artificial disc replacement surgery may potentially be a viable option for chronic back pain that has not responded to conventional therapies. Low back discomfort is one of the primary reasons for activity restriction and global work absences. Persistent back and neck discomfort is unpleasant and can make regular tasks difficult. When persistent pain is caused by a damaged or diseased spinal disc, complete disc replacement may be a viable solution.

Artificial Disc Replacement Versus Cervical Fusion

Cervical fusion is another spinal procedure that has been shown to effectively cure damaged discs. A spine surgeon performs this operation by permanently fusing two or more vertebrae to restrict their range of motion. During spinal fusion surgery, a doctor inserts bone graft material between two or more vertebrae. Screws, rods, and metal plates keep the vertebrae together, allowing them to heal as a cohesive unit while you recuperate.

Most clinicians propose artificial disc replacement for intervertebral discs that are diseased or unhealthy. Artificial disc replacement surgery often has a faster recovery period than spinal fusion surgery. Total disc replacement may also be more successful in treating persistent back and neck discomfort. While most physicians advocate artificial disc replacement, spinal fusion may be required in some situations, particularly if there is substantial illness in the facet joints.

Is Disc Replacement Surgery Suitable For You?

Artificial disc replacement surgery is an effective way to alleviate spinal discomfort and chronic pain. If you suffer from pain or other unpleasant side effects caused by a damaged or diseased disc, you may be a candidate for artificial disc replacement surgery. A spine expert can help you assess whether you are a suitable candidate for prosthetic joint replacement. Ideal back disc replacement candidates often have the following characteristics:

• Chronic back discomfort resulting from intervertebral discs;
• Ideal weight and overall good health;
• No history of significant spinal surgery;
• No substantial bony compression of nerves or facet joint disease;
• A healthy spine free of abnormalities, such as scoliosis.