As the name indicates, an artificial disc is a human-made spinal disc used in place of your worn or degenerative disc in the neck or back.
Artificial disc replacement surgery is an alternative treatment for spinal fusion (a type of surgery in which discs are fused together) as it offers greater spinal stability and motion.
There are many reasons to go for artificial disc replacement surgery. Let’s talk about the top 3 reasons to get an artificial disc and where you can go for effective pain management in Colorado.
Reason #1 To Get Rid of Back or Neck Pain That is Not Responding to Conservative Treatments
Anyone who suffers from severe and frequent neck and back pain, whether from age-related wear and tear (also known as degenerative disc disease) or an injury to the spine, knows how debilitating it can be.
When conservative tools for neck and back pain treatment, such as medications, physical therapy, cortisone shots, and stretches, fail to provide sufficient relief, surgery, especially disc replacement surgery, is considered.
During the artificial disc replacement surgery, the damaged disc that puts pressure on the spinal nerves of that area and causes pain is removed and replaced with a healthy artificial disc. As a result, you get long-term relief from your neck or back pain.
Reason #2 To Regain Your Back or Neck Mobility
Disc problems, such as disc degeneration and disc herniation, can limit your mobility. An artificial disc mimics the natural ability of your healthy spine to rotate and bend, allowing it to move as it used to before developing the disc disease.
The artificial disc also provides your spine greater flexibility and stability compared to other procedures like spinal fusion.
Reason #3 To Prevent Damage to Other Levels
When you do not treat your damaged or worn disc, your risk of having disc issues at other spinal segments increases due to stress transfer from the damaged disc onto the surrounding healthy discs.
An artificial disc, when placed in the place of the damaged disc, helps maintain the natural flexibility of your spine and preserves the health of other spinal discs.
Who Can Get Artificial Disc?
Not everyone can be a candidate for artificial disc replacement. For example, an artificial disc is not an option for you if you:
- Have a severely weakened spine due to osteoporosis or aging.
- Are excessively overweight.
- Have had a prior spine surgery
- Have scoliosis (deformity of the spine)
- Have facet joint disease or bony compression on your spinal nerves.
Artificial Disc Replacement in Colorado
At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, our highly trained and skilled surgeons perform many types of spine-related procedures, including artificial disc replacement surgery, on a routine basis.
Our spine surgeon will do a thorough evaluation to find out whether you are a candidate for artificial disc replacement surgery. If you are a candidate for the surgery, our spine surgeon will walk you through the entire process so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment. If the surgery is not right for you, our spine surgeon will find an alternative treatment for your spine condition.
To know more about our comprehensive services, call us today at (303) 790-1800. If you wish to schedule a consultation with one of our spine surgeons, fill out our online appointment request form.
