A Guide to Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery For Back Pain

Artificial disc replacement surgery overview

Orthopedics was revolutionized by Sir John Charely, in the 1960's, who developed the total hip replacement surgery. Since then, orthopedics has advanced at a brisk pace. The development of the hip replacement surgery was closely followed by the knee joint replacement surgery. The surgery of the hip and knee is referred to as arthroplasty.

Spinal Fusion

Then came the spinal fusion procedure/surgery. This surgery is for patients who suffer from chronic back and/or neck pains. This surgery removes the degenerated discs from between the problematic vertebrae and then fuses/locks those vertebrae together. Due, to which they cannot move independently, which thus, reduces flexibility, permanently alters the biomechanics and, furthermore, increases the probability of degeneration of the discs above and below the fused vertebrae.

Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

But, in recent years, orthopedics has seen another landmark achievement i.e. the spinal arthroplasty or the artificial disc replacement surgery. It can be of two types cervical (neck) or lumbar (back) surgery. This procedure tends to replace the disc with an artificial disc. This disc, not only, alleviates pain but, also, allows a degree of mobility and flexibility to the patient. Despite its high success, the artificial disc replacement surgery is not without it disadvantages. First, there is no guarantee that the surgery will relieve the pain; sometimes it can even make the pain worse. Second, a condition known as spontaneous ankylosis can develop; it refers to the ossification of the surrounding tissue of the operated vertebrae, which develops a condition similar to that of a spinal fusion.

Treatment

After the major spine surgery, treatment is focused on non-surgical methods or options. Further surgery is only undertaken in extreme circumstances for example if the pain increases exponentially.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) - these drugs provide relief by reducing inflammation


• Physical therapy - help alleviate the pain through hot and cold treatments and massage


• Chiropractic care - alleviate pain through treatment of subluxations and misalignments in the spine


• Exercise