Disc problems affect the intervertebral discs, which are the soft, cushion-like structures between the bones of the spine. These discs allow for flexibility and movement, and problems with them can cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. Disc replacement surgery helps relieve these symptoms. Here are four benefits of this surgery:
Relieves Pain
Damaged discs may press on nearby spinal nerves, resulting in sharp, radiating pain. By replacing the deteriorated disc, the surgery removes this pressure, which can stop or reduce the soreness. A qualified surgeon places an artificial disc between the bones in the spine to prevent them from rubbing against each other and causing pain. The new disc functions properly, reducing irritation and inflammation in the spine, all of which contribute to discomfort. After recovering from the surgery, you may use less painkillers because the surgery successfully relieves your disc-related symptoms. Physical therapy is useful in strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine, further minimizing pain.
Prevents Adjacent Level Degeneration
Choosing disc replacement surgery over another treatment option, like a spinal fusion, enhances your spine’s natural movement. Unlike fusion, where the vertebrae are fused, disc replacement allows the vertebrae to continue functioning independently. This may reduce stress on the adjacent discs, helping to preserve their health. Maintaining flexibility may also prevent overworking the surrounding muscles and joints. When a disc is replaced, it keeps the vertebrae in their correct positions, preventing long-term degenerative changes in the spine.
Improves Range of Motion
When a surgeon replaces your natural disc with an artificial one, it allows for bending, twisting, and flexing. If you are less stiff, you can enjoy different physical activities without discomfort or restrictions. The ability to move freely lets you engage in exercises that strengthen the core muscles, alleviating some of the stress on the spine. When the spine is flexible, you can walk and move freely, which may reduce the risk of falls and injuries in your daily life. Preserving the spine’s natural range of motion may also help you maintain normal posture.
Enhances Recovery
A disc replacement procedure involves smaller incisions and fewer disruptions to the surrounding tissues compared to a fusion surgery. Because the replacement procedure is minimally invasive, it also has a quicker recovery outlook. Surgeons use advanced techniques, such as endoscopic tools and robotic assistance, to precisely place the artificial disc, minimizing trauma. They also utilize pain management techniques, like regional anesthesia or nerve blocks, which control pain during and after the surgery. Once the surgeon completes the treatment, you may be sent home that same day to rest and recover.
Learn More About Disc Replacement Surgery
If you’re experiencing significant pain in your neck or lower back due to damaged discs, visit a medical professional for a comprehensive examination and proper treatment recommendation. They may suggest disc replacement surgery to reduce your discomfort and allow you to maintain your natural level of movement. Contact a reputable medical clinic today to learn more about this spinal procedure and its benefits.
Disc problems affect the intervertebral discs, which are the soft, cushion-like structures between the bones of the spine. These discs allow for flexibility and movement, and problems with them can cause pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. Disc replacement surgery helps relieve these symptoms. Here are four benefits of this surgery:
-
Relieves Pain
Damaged discs may press on nearby spinal nerves, resulting in sharp, radiating pain. By replacing the deteriorated disc, the surgery removes this pressure, which can stop or reduce the soreness. A qualified surgeon places an artificial disc between the bones in the spine to prevent them from rubbing against each other and causing pain. The new disc functions properly, reducing irritation and inflammation in the spine, all of which contribute to discomfort. After recovering from the surgery, you may use less painkillers because the surgery successfully relieves your disc-related symptoms. Physical therapy is useful in strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine, further minimizing pain.
-
Prevents Adjacent Level Degeneration
Choosing disc replacement surgery over another treatment option, like a spinal fusion, enhances your spine’s natural movement. Unlike fusion, where the vertebrae are fused, disc replacement allows the vertebrae to continue functioning independently. This may reduce stress on the adjacent discs, helping to preserve their health. Maintaining flexibility may also prevent overworking the surrounding muscles and joints. When a disc is replaced, it keeps the vertebrae in their correct positions, preventing long-term degenerative changes in the spine.
-
Improves Range of Motion
When a surgeon replaces your natural disc with an artificial one, it allows for bending, twisting, and flexing. If you are less stiff, you can enjoy different physical activities without discomfort or restrictions. The ability to move freely lets you engage in exercises that strengthen the core muscles, alleviating some of the stress on the spine. When the spine is flexible, you can walk and move freely, which may reduce the risk of falls and injuries in your daily life. Preserving the spine’s natural range of motion may also help you maintain normal posture.
- Enhances
Recovery
A disc replacement procedure involves smaller incisions and fewer disruptions to the surrounding tissues compared to a fusion surgery. Because the replacement procedure is minimally invasive, it also has a quicker recovery outlook. Surgeons use advanced techniques, such as endoscopic tools and robotic assistance, to precisely place the artificial disc, minimizing trauma. They also utilize pain management techniques, like regional anesthesia or nerve blocks, which control pain during and after the surgery. Once the surgeon completes the treatment, you may be sent home that same day to rest and recover.
Learn More About Disc Replacement Surgery
If you’re experiencing significant pain in your neck or lower back due to damaged discs, visit a medical professional for a comprehensive examination and proper treatment recommendation. They may suggest disc replacement surgery to reduce your discomfort and allow you to maintain your natural level of movement. Contact a reputable medical clinic today to learn more about this spinal procedure and its benefits.