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 pain and arm numbness or tingling.
Who Should Consider Cervical Disc Replacement?
This effective and safe procedure for treating degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. Patients who are 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.
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The advantages of cervical disc replacement.
This procedure involves replacing an injured or diseased intervertebral disc with an artificial one to restore normal spinal alignment and function. This procedure can be highly successful if there are healthy discs adjacent to the injured one and has been found to have a very high success rate.
The benefits of cervical disc replacement include restoring the natural movement of the vertebral segments and preserving blood vessels, ligaments, and adjacent segments from further damage caused by excessive motion. Patients who undergo this procedure can quickly return to their normal activities with improved symptoms. Additionally, this surgery does not require fusion which can be associated with decreased mobility at other levels of the spine due to excessive immobilization.
Types of Cervical Disc Replacements
Artificial Disc Replacement
Artificial disc replacement is a surgical option for those 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 will remove the damaged intervertebral disc and replace it with a prosthetic device made from metal or plastic. This allows for more natural motion at the affected segment of the spine while preserving adjacent segments from further damage caused by excessive motion. 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 a surgical option for those suffering from degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine. 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, which helps preserve adjacent segments from further damage caused by excessive motion.
The surgeon will use intervertebral discs during this procedure 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 while preserving adjacent segments from further damage caused by excessive motion. 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 of two or more vertebrae together 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 while preserving adjacent segments from further damage caused by excessive motion. 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 replacements are safe options for those suffering from degenerative disc disease when conservative treatments have failed or no longer provide satisfactory results. By restoring normal alignment and preserving adjacent segments from further damage caused by
Diagnosis and Treatment Options for Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is characterized by chronic 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 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.
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
Potential Complications from Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure that treats degenerative disc disease in the neck area. During the procedure, the surgeon will implant an artificial disc into the affected area. 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 potential 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. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, improve posture, and promote flexibility in the joints. Additionally, stretching exercises can be beneficial for alleviating pain and improving mobility. A doctor may also recommend other treatments such as epidural steroid injections or nerve blocks to reduce inflammation and provide relief from pain. Additionally, the doctor may prescribe medications such as NSAIDs or muscle relaxants if necessary. Lastly, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or losing weight can help reduce stress on the spine, which can lead to improved mobility and reduced pain levels.
Post-Surgery Management
Cervical disc replacement surgery is a highly effective procedure in relieving 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 normal activities such as work and daily living with minimal 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.
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Why Should I Choose Dr. Taghva?
Alexander Taghva, M.D., F.A.A.N.S., is a highly-skilled, board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in the treatment of cervical disc disease, neck pain, lower back pain (lumbar spine), brain tumors, and other conditions requiring spine or brain surgery. He is the only neurosurgeon in Orange County offering endoscopic spine surgery, a technique that minimizes incisions and trauma for patients. Dr. Taghva is a top choice among patients for his numerous qualifications:
- Graduated from John Hopkins University School of Medicine and completed his residency at the University of California
- Completed a prestigious fellowship at the Ohio State University in Neuromodulation and Functional Neurosurgery
- Specializes in the treatment of spinal stenosis, spinal disorders, herniated discs, and chronic pain
- Performs minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, artificial disc replacement, spinal surgery revision, and other spinal surgery
- Specializes in brain surgery to treat brain tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, pituitary tumors, and Parkinson’s disease.
- Actively involved in medical research and the lead investigator for clinical trials on spinal cord stimulation orange county
- A highly-respected neurosurgeon with many years of experience, including treating chronic pain via stimulation of the spinal cord and brain
FAQs about Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that treats degenerative disc disease in the neck. During this procedure, the surgeon will insert an artificial disc into the space between two vertebrae to replace the damaged or diseased disc. This type of surgery can be beneficial for relieving pain and restoring mobility as it helps prevent further degeneration of the spine. Additionally, the surgeon may use bone grafts to help anchor the artificial disc in place and provide stability for long-term results.
Rehabilitation after cervical disc replacement surgery is an important factor in ensuring a successful recovery. Generally, patients should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous physical activities for the first few weeks after surgery to allow the neck to heal properly. However, patients should also start engaging in light non-surgical therapy such as stretching and range-of-motion exercises as early as possible to promote natural movement restoration and reduce stiffness in the neck area. As healing progresses, you can gradually resume more intense physical activities with close supervision from your doctor. Patients must adhere strictly to their post-operative instructions and contact their doctor immediately if any new symptoms arise during rehabilitation. With proper rest and following all necessary precautions, most patients can expect to make a full recovery within 3-4 months after surgery.
The cost of a cervical disc replacement surgery can vary depending on the type of artificial disc used, the complexity of the procedure, and other factors. Generally, the total cost of this type of surgery may range from $20,000 to $30,000. In some cases, insurance may cover all or part of the cost. Patients should speak with their doctor about payment options prior to the procedure so that the appropriate arrangements are made in advance.
If you are looking for cervical disc replacement surgery in Orange County, CA, you can make an appointment with Dr. Taghva at the Pacific Spine and Sports Institute. Dr. Taghva is a highly experienced spine surgeon who specializes in cervical spine surgery procedures such as disc replacements and spinal fusion surgeries. He provides effective treatment plans tailored to each patient’s individual needs, offering the most cutting-edge treatments available today.
If you live near Mission Viejo, CA, Dr. Taghva offers Cervical Disc Replacement surgery among its services, and is conveniently located at 26732 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 541, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Schedule Your Cervical Disc Replacement Consultation
If you are experiencing ongoing, chronic neck or back pain, contact us to learn more about cervical disc replacement in Mission Viejo, CA. Call 949-388-7190 to schedule your private consultation with board-certified neurosurgeon Alexander Taghva, MD, or visit AlexTaghvaMD.com to learn more about cervical disc replacement in Orange County, CA.
