Cervical Disc Replacement
At Covenant Spine and Neurology
At Covenant Spine and Neurology, we are committed to providing cutting-edge spine treatments, including Cervical Disc Replacement as a non-fusion alternative to traditional spinal fusion. This advanced procedure helps patients suffering from chronic neck pain, herniated discs, and degenerative disc disease while preserving natural movement and flexibility.
Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently locks vertebrae together, Cervical Disc Replacement allows for continued motion of the cervical spine, resulting in reduced pain, faster recovery, and lower risk of future complications.
What is Cervical Disc Replacement?
Cervical Disc Replacement is a minimally invasive spine surgery that replaces a damaged or degenerated cervical disc with an artificial disc. This preserves the spine's natural movement, unlike traditional fusion surgery, which eliminates mobility between vertebrae.
This procedure is ideal for individuals suffering from neck pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms due to spinal nerve compression.
How Does Cervical Disc Replacement Work?
Cervical Disc Replacement involves the removal of a damaged disc and the implantation of an artificial disc that mimics the natural function of a healthy spinal disc. The procedure is performed through a small incision in the front of the neck, minimizing tissue disruption and promoting rapid healing.
Key benefits of this approach include:
- Preserved Motion: Maintains normal neck movement and flexibility.
- Minimally Invasive Technique: Reduces trauma to surrounding tissues.
- Faster Recovery: Many patients experience quicker return to daily activities.
- Lower Risk of Adjacent Segment Disease: Unlike fusion, this procedure reduces stress on nearby vertebrae.
Conditions Treated with Cervical Disc Replacement
This procedure is used to treat several spinal conditions, including:
- Herniated Cervical Discs: Reduces nerve compression and associated pain.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: Replaces worn-out discs while maintaining mobility.
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Relieves nerve pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms.
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis: Expands the spinal canal to reduce pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
- Chronic Neck Pain: Provides long-term pain relief while preserving motion.
Cervical Disc Replacement Procedure
Artificial Disc Replacement
A cutting-edge procedure that removes the damaged cervical disc and replaces it with an artificial one, allowing for natural movement and reducing long-term complications.
Motion-Preserving Stabilization
Maintains spinal flexibility by using specialized implants instead of fusion.
Minimally Invasive Approach
Uses small incisions and advanced imaging for precise disc placement, reducing tissue damage and recovery time.
Benefits of Choosing Cervical Disc Replacement
- Maintains Natural Motion: Unlike fusion, this procedure allows for continued spinal flexibility.
- Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions mean less pain and faster healing.
- Reduced Risk of Adjacent Segment Disease: Fusion can increase stress on surrounding discs; replacement avoids this issue.
- Faster Recovery: Most patients experience a shorter downtime compared to spinal fusion.
- Lower Risk of Long-Term Complications: No need for future surgeries related to fusion failure.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
Before Surgery
- A thorough evaluation including MRI, X-ray, or CT scans to determine the best approach.
- A personalized treatment plan tailored to your condition.
- Discussion of non-surgical alternatives before considering surgery.
During Surgery
- A small incision is made in the front of the neck for minimal tissue disruption.
- The damaged disc is removed, and an artificial disc is placed in its position.
- The procedure takes approximately one to two hours and requires minimal downtime.
After Surgery & Recovery
- Many patients return home the same day or within 24 hours.
- Light activity can often be resumed within a few days.
- Full recovery and return to normal activities within a few weeks.
- Physical therapy may be recommended for optimal rehabilitation.
Why Choose Covenant Spine and Neurology for Cervical Disc Replacement?
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are experiencing chronic neck pain or nerve compression and want to explore Cervical Disc Replacement as a non-fusion alternative, our specialists at Covenant Spine and Neurology are here to help.
Book Your Appointment Now
For more information or to schedule an appointment call us at 336-761-4020.