Cervical Disc Replacement in Orange County, CA (Mission Viejo)

The cervical spine consists of multiple vertebrae that are connected by discs that help to cushion the spine and enable movement. Over time, these discs can become worn down due to age-related deterioration, resulting in instability of the vertebrae, which can cause neck and arm pain or tingling.

Who Should Consider Cervical Disc Replacement?

This is an effective and safe procedure for treating degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. Patients suffering from spinal nerve compression, disc herniation, or cervical disc disease should consider this procedure if more conservative treatments have failed to provide relief of symptoms. Additionally, individuals who suffer from nerve injury, spinal cord injury, or spinal stenosis may also benefit from the use of artificial discs to restore normal alignment and function of the spine.

It is important to note that this procedure should only be done on patients with healthy adjacent discs, as replacing an injured disc can cause further instability and damage to the spine. The goal of cervical disc replacement is to provide a safe and effective way to restore natural motion at the affected segment while preserving adjacent segments from further damage caused by excessive motion.

Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement is a surgical option for patients suffering from degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. This procedure replaces an injured or diseased intervertebral disc with an artificial one to restore normal spinal alignment and function. It is highly successful if healthy discs are adjacent to the injured one, and it can provide significant pain relief and improved mobility for those affected by this condition.

During artificial disc replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged intervertebral disc and replaces it with a prosthetic device made from metal or plastic. This technique not only allows for more natural motion at the affected spinal segment but also exemplifies the benefits of cervical disc replacement by preserving adjacent segments from further damage.

Additionally, artificial discs help restore normal alignment and function of the spine, allowing patients to quickly return to their normal activities without worrying about further complications or pain.

Intervertebral Disc Replacement

Intervertebral disc replacement is another surgical approach. During this procedure, the surgeon will replace an injured or diseased intervertebral disc with an artificial one to restore normal spinal alignment and function of the affected spinal level. It is highly successful if healthy discs are adjacent to the injured one.

During this procedure, the surgeon will use intervertebral discs that are typically made of a strong, durable material such as metal or plastic. They are designed to mimic the structure and function of a natural, healthy intervertebral disc to help restore normal alignment and motion at the affected segment. This surgery does not require fusion, which can be associated with decreased mobility at other levels of the spine due to excessive immobilization.

Spinal Fusion Surgeries

The medical community has used spinal fusion surgeries for many years as a form of cervical disc replacement to treat degenerative disc disease in the neck area. During spinal fusion, the surgeon will attach two or more vertebrae to restrict motion between them and prevent further nerve root irritation. This procedure can effectively treat bone spurs, herniated discs, and/or narrowing of the spinal canal that causes nerve impingement on nearby nerve roots and can help restore stability and alignment to the spine.

In some cases, artificial disc replacements may be used instead of traditional spinal fusion surgery.

Made from metal or plastic, artificial discs mimic the structure and function of a healthy intervertebral disc. This type of surgery allows for more natural motion at the affected segment while maintaining stability to protect the surrounding spinal cord from further nerve root impingement.

Overall, spinal fusion surgeries or artificial disc implants are viable options for those suffering from degenerative disc disease when conservative treatments have failed or no longer provide satisfactory results.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is characterized by chronic neck pain and the loss of range of motion at the affected level. The primary risk factor for developing this condition is age, as degeneration increases over time due to wear and tear on these discs. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to managing this condition to reduce pain and improve quality of life.

To diagnose degenerative disc disease, a doctor will typically perform a thorough physical exam to assess the range of neck motion at the affected level. The doctor may also use X-rays to visualize any narrowing of the spinal canal or other abnormalities that could be causing nerve root impingement. Additionally, the doctor may order an MRI to better evaluate the soft tissues around the spine, such as ligaments and muscular structures.

Effective treatment options for degenerative disc disease vary depending on each case but can include lifestyle modifications such as physical therapy or chiropractic care, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or muscle relaxants, injections such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks, or even surgery if all conservative treatments have failed.

Risks and Potential Complications Associated With Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery

While this procedure can be effective in relieving symptoms, it does carry risks of potential complications. The most serious of these risks include damage to the spinal cord or nerves, which can lead to severe nerve pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and even paralysis. Other risks include infection at the site of surgery or movement of the newly implanted disc, which could result in further nerve root irritation.

To reduce the risk of complications, patients should follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by their doctor. Additionally, they should make sure that their surgeons are highly experienced with cervical disc replacement procedures, as this will minimize any potential risks associated with this type of surgery. Lastly, patients should always ask questions about potential risks before undergoing a cervical disc replacement so they can make an informed decision about their treatment options.

Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery on the Adjacent Level

In some cases, a surgeon can perform the cervical disc replacement procedure on adjacent levels to the affected area. This type of surgery is known as an adjacent-level disc replacement, and it can address problems caused by the degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae. During this procedure, the surgeon will insert an artificial disc into the space between two vertebrae to replace the damaged disc. As with any surgery, there are risks and common complications, including damage to nerve roots or spinal cord tissue, infection at the surgical site, and movement of the newly implanted disc.

Patients should discuss all risks and potential complications with their doctor before undergoing any kind of spinal surgery. An experienced surgeon can help minimize these risks by performing a thorough evaluation before surgery and taking steps during surgery to protect nerve roots or spinal cord tissue from any potential damage. Additionally, patients should follow all post-operative instructions closely to ensure optimal recovery.

Disease Treatment Options After Cervical Disc Replacement

After a cervical disc replacement procedure, patients may need to undergo physical therapy or other treatment options to help manage the symptoms associated with degenerative disc disease.

• Utilize physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the spine, enhance posture, and increase joint flexibility.
• Perform stretching exercises to alleviate pain and improve neck mobility.
• Consider additional treatments like epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Follow a doctor’s prescription for medications, potentially including NSAIDs or muscle relaxants, as needed.
• Implement lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight to lessen spinal stress, thereby enhancing mobility and reducing pain.

Cervical Disc Replacement Post-Surgery Management

Cervical disc replacement surgery is a highly effective procedure for patients with neck pain and restoring mobility. Generally, patients can expect to see some improvement in symptoms within weeks after surgery. After the initial few weeks of recovery, patients should be able to resume daily activities such as work and daily living with minimal activity restrictions. In general, clinical success rates for cervical disc replacement are high, with most patients experiencing significant relief from their symptoms.
In terms of post-surgery management, patients should take the necessary steps to ensure a successful recovery. For example, they should follow all post-operative instructions given by their doctor and adhere to any recommended physical therapy exercises or other treatments such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks.

Additionally, patients should continue taking medications prescribed by their doctor while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle with proper nutrition and exercise. Lastly, they should avoid activities that put too much strain on the neck area to protect the newly implanted disc and promote healing.