Disc Replacement

What is disc replacement?

Disc replacement is a surgery to remove damaged spinal discs and replace them with an artificial disc. The goals of surgery are to relieve chronic pain and improve the health and function of your spine.

North Texas Brain and Spine Center offers minimally invasive disc replacement surgery to replace damaged discs in your lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) spine.  

The experienced neurosurgeons use advanced diagnostic technologies to assess your spine health and determine if you qualify for surgery.

Why would I need disc replacement surgery?

You may be a candidate for disc replacement surgery if you have chronic pain from a herniated disc that’s not treatable with nonsurgical therapies.

The North Texas Brain and Spine Center team might also consider you as a candidate for surgery if you have degenerative disc disease. This condition causes the breakdown of the protective discs that sit between your spinal vertebrae.

The discs absorb the shock of your movements and prevent the vertebrae from rubbing together. When trauma or age-related spinal changes damage your discs, the bones can run together, creating inflammation and pain. Damaged discs can also press on nearby nerves, triggering pain and mobility issues.

The neurologists may order X-rays or other diagnostic imaging tests to identify damaged discs and determine if surgery is an option for treatment.

What happens during disc replacement surgery?

North Texas Brain and Spine Center offers minimally invasive disc replacement surgery on an outpatient basis. However, if you’re having multiple discs replaced, you may need to spend a night or two in the hospital.

During surgery, your surgeon creates an incision over your spine and uses specialized surgical instruments to remove the damaged disc. They position an artificial disc within your spine before closing the incision.

Recovery from disc replacement surgery can take 2-6 weeks before you can return to work and other activities. As your spine heals, you should notice a significant reduction in pain and an increase in the mobility of your spine.

The medical team provides referrals to physical therapy and other resources to support your recovery.  They can also recommend stretching exercises and other strategies you can use to prevent additional disc damage.

Call the North Texas Brain and Spine Center near you today to schedule a disc replacement consultation.