The discs in your spine may degenerate just as any other part of your body can. These resilient spinal discs wear down over time due to repetitive stress and physical damage, and when enough degeneration happens, the discs or vertebrae move and squeeze certain important structures. Many instances of disc injury respond well to physical therapy and routine exercise, but surgery is the best option in more difficult situations. Spinal fusion and disc replacement are the two most common surgical treatments for disc problems in the spine. While fusing two vertebrae may relieve pressure on the disc and keep it from moving, the procedure is far from ideal. More and more surgeons are advocating for artificial disc replacement in patients who might benefit. Seeking disc replacement Dayton has several advantages, some of which are discussed here.
Preserves motion
The ability to bend, twist, and flex properly after artificial disc replacement surgery is the biggest advantage of this procedure. Disc replacement affects the vertebral set that contains the damaged disk, while spinal fusion restricts spinal mobility by fusing two vertebrae. Total disc replacement involves removing the diseased disc (the nucleus) and its outer shell (the annulus) by your specialist. The mechanical component of the artificial disc is designed to replicate the spinal column’s innate flexibility and range of motion. Thanks to this technology, you can move your spine normally, as before you had disc disease.
Sometimes, a doctor may suggest replacing only the nucleus and leaving the annulus alone. The damaged disc is cut into smaller pieces, and the pressure on the nerves in the area is relieved. Tiny incisions are made in the vertebrae surrounding it to secure the prosthetic disc.
Maintains normal disc function
The artificial disc aids in preserving the health of other spinal discs by keeping the spine flexible. Because the fused segment can no longer flex as it would in a healthy spine, the surrounding discs take on more load. The likelihood of future disc problems at other spinal segments is reduced when an artificial disc is implanted.
Quicker healing times
Most disc replacement surgeries may be outpatient, sparing patients an overnight hospital stay. You can return to work and your routine in roughly half the time it would take to recuperate from spinal fusion. As a bonus, you probably won’t require a brace following surgery.
Treats more than just slipped discs
If your lower back discomfort is caused by pinched nerves, artificial disc replacement may help. The following are some examples of conditions that benefit from artificial disc replacement:
- Disc degeneration
- Disc herniation
- Osteoarthritis of the facet joints.
- Stenosis of the lumbar spine
- Spinal injury
The artificial discs have received FDA approval. They work to lessen the discomfort by relieving pressure on adjacent nerves and decreasing the instability and tension in the muscles, resulting in painful micro-movements as the spine attempts to compensate for a damaged disc.
Find out whether you are a candidate for mobility preservation with artificial disc replacement surgery if you are experiencing discomfort due to a deteriorated disc or other disorders in your lumbar spine. Get in touch with Vertrae® to schedule a consultation.