According to an estimate, 8 out of 10 American adults experience chronic back pain at some point in their life. This chronic back pain can be caused by various spinal conditions, including osteoporosis, bulging or herniated disc, fractured vertebrae, and compressed spinal nerves.
Suppose you suffer severe back pain and conservative treatment and physical therapy are not relieving the pain. In such a case, your spine surgeon may recommend surgery.
Fortunately, advancement in technologies has developed metal and plastic implantable devices approved by the FDA to replace damaged discs in the spine. However, before recommending artificial disc replacement surgery, your spine surgeon will review your condition, medical history, and assess several other factors to ascertain if you are a suitable candidate for spinal disc replacement surgery.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options Haven’t Worked
Primarily non-surgical treatment options are found to be effective in providing relief from back pain, and surgery is not considered unless your back pain or other related symptoms persist after several weeks of conservative treatment. Simple conservative treatment options include rest, ice, prescription medication, and physical therapy. If you are not getting relief from these treatment options, your spine surgeon will recommend you to consider artificial disc replacement surgery.
Pain is Coming From a Damaged Spine Disc
Artificial disc replacement surgery is a good option for patients whose back pain, numbness, and tingling originate in only one or two discs in the spine. You are also considered a candidate for artificial disc replacement surgery if you have discs that are damaged enough to cause nerve compression.
No Significant Facet Joint Disease or Bony Compression on Nerves
The back and neck pain is often due to facet joint syndrome, which is an arthritis-like condition. In this syndrome, the cartilage inside the facet joints breaks down, gets inflamed, and triggers nearby nerves’ pain signals. Artificial disc replacement surgery is not recommended in facet joint syndrome.
An artificial disc replacement device should also not be used if you have significant osteoporosis or an active infection. In the case of arthritis, your doctor may suggest other treatment options but not artificial disc replacement surgery.
Healthy Spine with No Deformity
Most people experience back pain due to spinal deformities. Common spinal deformities are scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis. Surgery may result in additional complications in patients with spinal deformity, including implant failure, dislocated artificial disc, or loosened implant.
Spinal fusion is recommended instead of artificial disc replacement for patients with spinal deformity.
A Healthy Weight and No Prior Major Spine Surgery
If you are overweight, you are likely to suffer from disc disease. Even though artificial disc replacement surgery can be successful in obese patients, there is a chance of repercussions and post-operative complications, such as infection and thromboembolism. Therefore, if you are overweight, your spine doctor may recommend you to lose weight before undergoing surgery.
Good candidates for this surgery are those who haven’t undergone spinal surgery before.
Artificial Disc Replacement in Lone Tree, CO
If you think you are a candidate for artificial disc replacement surgery, visit us at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery. Our skilled providers will offer you the best spinal care you deserve. We are committed to providing you a quality artificial disc replacement surgery at our state-of-the-art facilities.
To know more or get in touch with us, you may request an appointment through our secure online form or call us at (303) 790-1800. We look forward to giving you pain-free life!
