/assets/images/provider/photos/2789863.jpeg)
Chronic neck or lower back pain isn't just uncomfortable: It can affect everything from your sleep to your ability to work or enjoy daily life. When other treatments aren’t working, but you want to avoid spinal fusion, an artificial disc replacement might offer an ideal solution.
At Advanced Neurosurgery, our board-certified neurosurgeons in Reno and Carson City, Nevada, specialize in advanced disc replacement procedures. We use cutting-edge imaging, in-depth physical exams, and detailed reviews of your medical history to fully understand your condition before recommending any surgical option. When surgery is necessary, we prioritize minimally invasive spine surgery to ensure our patients can return to active lives as soon as possible.
If you're struggling with chronic neck or back pain due to disc damage or degeneration, this advanced procedure could be ideal for you. Here's what you should know about this innovative solution.
What is artificial disc replacement?
Disc replacement is a type of spine surgery that involves removing a worn or damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial disc. The goal is to reduce pain while maintaining spinal flexibility.
This procedure is most commonly done in the neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine). Unlike spinal fusion, which limits movement, artificial discs are designed to move like natural discs, which can help you maintain flexibility and range of motion.
Disc replacement is a gold standard procedure for severe disc degeneration or damage.
Studies show that many patients who undergo cervical artificial disc replacement continue to experience pain relief and improved mobility even 5-10 years after surgery.
Recent large studies also show that lumbar disc replacement is highly successful, reducing pain scores and improving mobility long-term in patients studies at 7 and 21 years postoperatively.
Signs you might need disc replacement
Not every patient with back or neck pain needs surgery. However, certain signs can indicate when it's time to look into options like disc replacement:
- You've tried physical therapy, medications, and other treatments without lasting relief
- Imaging shows one or more damaged spinal discs
- You’re experiencing nerve-related symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness
- Your pain impacts your ability to work, sleep, or carry out daily activities
- You’ve been told you might need spinal fusion but want a motion-preserving option
We’ll take time to assess your symptoms, examine your imaging, and discuss whether artificial disc replacement is right for you.
Benefits of artificial disc replacement
For the right candidates, artificial disc replacement offers several advantages over traditional spinal fusion, including:
- Shorter recovery
- Pain relief
- Improvement in neurological symptoms connected to disc disease
- Preservation of motion at the treated spinal level
- Reduced stress on neighboring discs
Our team matches each patient with the most appropriate treatment based on symptoms, spine health, and long-term goals.
The problem artificial disc replacement solves
While spinal fusion was once the go-to solution for chronic disc damage, artificial disc replacement is often a better option because it has better long-term results. In addition to the benefits, artificial disc replacement can minimize future problems and reduce your risk of needing additional surgeries.
When two bones in your spine are fused together, they stop moving. This puts extra stress on the discs above and below the fused area, which can cause them to wear out faster — a problem called adjacent-level disease.
An artificial disc is designed to move like a natural disc, which may help reduce that extra stress and protect the nearby discs.
Artificial disc replacement in Reno and Carson City, Nevada
At Advanced Neurosurgery, we understand how intrusive spinal pain can be, so we provide highly personalized care using the most advanced tools available.
If you’ve been living with pain that doesn’t respond to nonsurgical treatment, and you’re ready to explore long-term solutions, contact our Reno or Carson City office today to book your consultation.