As an excellent alternative to spinal fusion surgery, artificial disc replacement is one of the most popular procedures in the US to relieve pain and restore mobility and function.
It is the treatment of choice for people who suffer from excruciating neck and back pain due to damaged or worn discs.
Let’s learn more about artificial disc replacement, in what conditions artificial disc replacement is performed, and where you can go for artificial disc replacement in Aurora, CO.
Artificial Disc Replacement: An overview
Our spine is made up of bones (vertebrae) and discs that are present between the bones. These discs cushion between the bones and contribute to the flexibility and motion of your spine.
These discs of the spine themselves have two parts: the inner jelly portion called nucleus pulposus and an outer stronger and more fibrous part called annulus fibrosus. The outer part is in contact with the nerve fibers that travel to the brain and nociceptors (receptors that send pain signals).
Spinal discs can become a source of pain when damaged beyond repair or with cracks or tears. Such discs can be replaced by artificial discs made of materials like medical-grade plastic and metal.
While keeping your spine flexible and functional, artificial disc replacement surgery removes the damaged or worn-out disc and places an artificial disc in its place. This could potentially treat the underlying cause of neck or back pain and protect you from developing disc problems at an adjacent level of the spinal column.
Conditions That Artificial Disc Replacement Can Treat
Certain conditions warrant artificial disc replacement, including:
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease (wear and tear of the spinal discs) is one of the most common reasons people seek artificial disc replacement.
Believe it or not, your aging is one of the most common reasons for the wear and tear of your spinal discs– as, with aging, the water in your discs dries out, making them more prone to tear or crack. Additionally, certain motions of your spine and physical stress can also contribute to wear and tear of the spinal discs.
Artificial disc replaces your worn-out and damaged disc, restores your spine mobility and function, and eliminates pain.
Herniated Disc
Otherwise known as a disc protrusion or bulging disc, disc herniation is when your intervertebral discs extend beyond their natural place in the spine and pushes into the spinal canal, pinching the nerve. This nerve pinching or nerve irritation caused by herniated discs can cause chronic neck or lower back pain.
In disc replacement, the herniated disc is removed, and an artificial disc takes the place of a herniated disc in the spine.
Artificial Disc Replacement in Aurora, CO
Have crippling pain in the neck or back? Visit us at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery for thorough evaluation and customized treatment. At our facility, we have a team of spine surgeons who are committed to providing you with top-notch care for your spine. Our spine surgeon, Dr. Michael Rauzzino, will thoroughly assess your spine condition, give you a diagnosis and develop a tailor-made treatment plan for you.
If you would like to make an appointment, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or use our easy-to-use online form.
