Disc Replacement

At Vertrae, we offer customized cervical and lumbar disc replacement solutions to preserve the natural motion of the spine. To determine if disc replacement surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kamal Woods at Vertrae. Our team will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

What is disc replacement surgery?

Disc replacement surgery is an advanced procedure designed to restore mobility and alleviate pain caused by severe disc degeneration. When one or more spinal discs become damaged beyond repair, they can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, and nerve compression. If conservative treatments such as physical therapy, pain management, and injections have not provided relief, disc replacement surgery may be an option.

Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae, disc replacement surgery involves removing the damaged disc and replacing it with an artificial one. This allows the spine to maintain its natural movement, reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration over time.

What conditions does disc replacement surgery treat?

At Vertrae, we often see patients seeking spinal disc repair in Montgomery County for conditions like:

Degenerative disc disease (DDD): A condition where the spinal discs wear down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Severe herniated discs: When a damaged disc presses on spinal nerves, causing radiating pain, weakness, or numbness.

What are the types of disc replacement surgery?

Disc replacement surgery can be performed in two primary areas of the spine:

Cervical disc replacement: Replacing a damaged disc in the neck (cervical spine) to relieve pain and restore range of motion.
Lumbar disc replacement: Replacing a disc in the lower back (lumbar spine) to improve function and reduce chronic low back pain.

What are the benefits of disc replacement surgery over spinal fusion?

Disc replacement surgery offers several advantages over traditional spinal fusion, including:

Preserving natural motion: Unlike fusion, which restricts movement, an artificial disc allows the spine to bend, twist, and move more naturally.
Reducing stress on surrounding discs: By maintaining movement, disc replacement lowers the risk of adjacent segment disease, a common issue with spinal fusion.
Faster recovery: Many patients experience a quicker return to daily activities compared to those undergoing spinal fusion.
Long-term pain relief: By addressing the root cause of pain, disc replacement can provide lasting symptom relief.

Am I a candidate for disc replacement surgery?

You may be a candidate for disc replacement surgery if:

You have been diagnosed with degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc.
Conservative treatments have not provided relief.
You have been recommended for spinal fusion but want to explore alternatives.
You do not have severe osteoporosis, spinal instability, or significant arthritis that may impact surgical outcomes.