Your spine is an engineering marvel that facilitates freedom of movement throughout your day. Unfortunately, sometimes the discs between your vertebrae that are meant to cushion that movement wear down, and no amount of ibuprofen, stretching, or home remedies can relieve the resulting pain. If you find yourself in such a situation, you should consider disc replacement surgery.
Signs You Should Consider Disc Replacement Surgery
In most cases, disc replacement is employed to treat chronic lower back pain. However, just because you have lower back pain does not mean disc replacement is the best remedy for you.
Suitable candidates for disc replacement typically include those who:
- Have back pain that radiates primarily from one or two lower spine discs.
- Do not have underlying conditions such as a major joint disease or nerve compression in the spine.
- Have not previously had spinal surgery.
- Do not suffer from scoliosis or other form of spinal abnormality.
When Should You Consider Disc Replacement?
1. You Have Degenerative Disc Disease.
Your discs are seated between your vertebrae and house a gel-like substance encompassed by a firm exterior. As you age, your discs begin to thin and dry, decreasing their effectiveness in protecting the vertebrae. This issue causes degenerative disc disease and increases the risk of developing a herniated disc, which occurs when the interior breaks through the exterior of the disc.
2. Nonsurgical Treatment Has Been Ineffective.
If you have tried every medication, injection, therapy, and various other remedy to ameliorate the continuing pain in your back, but nothing takes the edge off, you should consider disc replacement surgery. Even if you are uncertain you want the surgery, you will benefit from talking to an experienced spine surgeon about the cause of and potential solution to your pain.
3. You Have Compromised Spinal Stability.
Due to degenerative disc disease, compromised spinal stability can make it difficult to stand up straight without pain. If spine pain has caused such a significant burden in your day-to-day life, you should seriously consider surgical intervention.
4. Pain and Decreased Mobility Have Led to Your Inactivity and a Decline in Mental Health.
The mind-body connection has been proven time and time again. When your body suffers, your mind suffers, and vice versa. There is ample evidence to support that people who experience chronic pain or condition are at an increased risk of depression and other mental health disorders.
Disc Replacement Surgery, Step-By-Step
Patients approved for and interested in disc replacement surgery are often curious about what happens during the procedure.
During disc replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon, often assisted by a vascular surgeon, will create an incision in your abdomen, approaching the spine from the front. Many surgeons use this frontal approach so they can reach the spine without interfering with the nerves. This approach requires that the organs and blood vessels be moved out of the way for spinal access. Once appropriate access is attained, your surgeon will remove the target disc or discs and replace them with artificial ones.
After Your Surgery
Disc replacement surgery is an inpatient procedure, so you will stay in the hospital for one to three days following your procedure. Your level of pain and functionality will determine the length of your stay following your operation. We recommend that you keep realistic expectations. Your pain will diminish in the weeks to months after your disc replacement, but it should fade after some time. If your pain persists after disc replacement surgery, consult your surgeon.
Disc Replacement with Dr. Yashar
You should consider disc replacement surgery if other means of pain management have failed, you experience pain caused by degenerative disc disease, and if it could significantly improve your quality of life and mental health.
If you want to learn more about disc replacement surgery, contact Dr. Yashar’s highly rated office and take the first step to relieving your chronic lower back pain.
