The goal of lumbar ADR is to allow patients to maintain flexibility while reducing pain caused by spinal compression. This minimally invasive procedure can be particularly beneficial for those who have not responded well to traditional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and rest. Patients often find that their mobility and quality of life are improved due to ADR’s ability to reduce inflammation and restore the full range of motion.

Benefits of the Procedure

One of the main benefits of lumbar ADR is that it offers a more natural solution for those suffering from lower back pain. Unlike other treatments, such as spinal fusion, which involves combining two or more vertebral bones to provide stability, lumbar ADR preserves the healthy disc and allows the patient to maintain flexibility and mobility. The procedure also helps reduce pressure on nerve roots and blood vessels located in the spine. As a result, patients experience improved comfort and less pain.

In addition, unlike traditional surgeries that involve large incisions and long recovery times, lumbar ADR is minimally invasive and can be performed quickly with minimal downtime. Recovery times are much shorter compared to other treatments as well due to less disruption of surrounding spinal bones. This makes it an ideal option for those who need relief from lower back pain but don’t want to endure a lengthy recovery period.

Is Lumbar ADR Right for Me?

You should decide whether to have a lumbar ADR under careful consultation with your doctor or neurosurgeon. Depending on your medical history and particular condition, you may not be eligible for this procedure. However, if you suffer from chronic lower back pain that has not been successfully treated with other methods, lumbar ADR may be an appropriate solution.

If you are considering lumbar ADR, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor. They will give advice as to whether it is right for you and how it can improve your quality of life.

Causes of Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

Natural Aging Process

Aging is a natural process that can take its toll on the body over time. As we age, our bodies naturally experience wear and tear, which can lead to the development of degenerative disc disease (DDD) in the spine. In particular, the discs that are located in the cervical spine (neck) are especially vulnerable to this condition.

Overall, aging is one of several potential causes of DDD. You should consult with your doctor if you believe you may be suffering from this condition to determine the best course of action for treating your symptoms.

Trauma or Injury to the Spine

Injury or trauma to the spine can be a major cause of degenerative disc disease (DDD). Injury to the spinal column can result in damage to adjacent levels, which can cause further damage to the diseased disc. The pressure from the injury may also compress and irritate spinal nerves, leading to increased inflammation and pain. Those who have experienced significant trauma or injury should seek medical attention right away to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

The process of diagnosing DDD typically involves your doctor conducting a physical exam. During this exam, the doctor will assess your posture and range of motion, as well as any other signs or symptoms you may be experiencing. The doctor may also use imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI to get a better look at the damaged disc(s) and surrounding structures. Following this assessment, your doctor will then suggest an appropriate course of action for treating your condition.

Genetics and Other Health Conditions

Genetics, as well as other underlying health conditions, can contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease (DDD). Genetics plays a role in determining the amount of natural motion that your spinal discs possess. When this motion is reduced due to genetics or other causes, it can lead to increased wear and tear on the discs, which may cause them to become damaged over time. Additionally, certain underlying health conditions such as osteoporosis and diabetes can increase the risk of developing DDD by weakening the spine and affecting its ability to naturally repair the damage.For treating DDD, spinal surgery such as lumbar ADR may be an appropriate option for those who are suffering from chronic pain due to their condition. This procedure replaces worn-out or damaged discs with artificial ones to restore natural motion and reduce pain. While this surgical option comes with some risks, it can often provide significant pain relief for those struggling with DDD. However, you should consult your doctor before making any decisions regarding your treatment plan to determine if surgery is right for you.

Diagnosing DDD and Indicators for ADR Surgery

Depending on the severity of the condition, indicators for ADR surgery can range from persistent pain in the affected area to difficulty performing certain activities due to stiffness or mobility issues. Additionally, your doctor can use imaging tests such as X-ray or MRI to confirm a diagnosis of DDD to take a closer look at the spinal level and identify any disc herniation or other abnormalities.

In some cases, the doctor may recommend spinal fusion surgeries for those suffering from DDD to reduce pain and increase mobility. This option involves fusing two adjacent discs to prevent them from slipping or causing further damage to the spine. However, not all cases of DDD require surgical intervention, and other treatment options may be more suitable for those with milder symptoms such as physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications.

Conservative Treatments Prior to Consideration for Surgery

The doctor may use a number of conservative treatments prior to considering surgery. Pain medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and muscle relaxants can help reduce pain and improve mobility, while physical therapy exercises can strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine and restore natural motion. Additionally, clinical studies have shown that epidural injections with corticosteroids can provide short-term relief for some patients suffering from DDD.

While these treatments can sometimes help reduce pain and restore normal motion, they may not always be able to address more severe cases of DDD. In these cases, the doctor may recommend lumbar ADR surgery as a safe procedure for restoring the intervertebral discs and reducing chronic pain. Before undergoing this type of surgical intervention, patients should consult their doctor to determine if surgery is right for them.

Risks and Complications of Lumbar ADR Surgery

While the complication rate is typically low, patients should be aware of these risks to make an informed decision regarding their treatment plan. Potential risks include infection, nerve injury, and failure of the artificial discs due to a faulty design or poor implantation technique. Additionally, there may be difficulties restoring spinal motion due to the limited range of motion that some cervical discs possess, which can lead to further complications such as instability or facet joint pain.

Patients should also consider the potential outcomes of this type of surgery prior to making a decision, as not all patients will experience optimal results from ADR surgery and some may even require additional corrective surgeries down the line to address any residual symptoms or complications. You should always consult your doctor before undergoing this type of surgical intervention to determine if lumbar ADR surgery is right for you based on your individual needs and health condition.

The Surgical Procedure for Lumbar ADR in Orange County, CA

The surgical procedure for lumbar artificial disc replacement (ADR) typically involves the use of advanced artificial disc technology to replace a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc. The surgeon will remove the damaged disc and then insert prosthetic discs between adjacent spinal segments to restore normal motion and range of motion. During this procedure, the surgeon will ensure that the artificial discs are properly implanted within the spine and that any nearby tissue is not damaged during the process. In some cases, the surgeon will use additional instruments to help stabilize surrounding vertebrae and enable a normal range of motion.

Once the surgeon has completed the procedure, patients can usually return home on the same day and begin participating in physical therapy or other rehabilitative exercises to promote healing. While results vary based on individual cases, many patients experience a reduction in pain symptoms and improved mobility following lumbar ADR surgery for various spinal disorders such as DDD.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement

Booking an Appointment

Insurance carrier approval is a major barrier to lumbar artificial disc replacement. If your insurance does not approve your surgery, alternative financing options are available. Factors influencing of the cost of lumbar disc replacement include implant cost, number of levels treated, anesthesia cost, vascular and neurosurgeon costs, operating room costs, nursing and after care. Out of pocket costs for lumbar disc replacements not covered by insurance vary widely, but are generally upwards of $70,000 per level at many centers. Through partnership with the Medicare-accredited GALEA Center for Advanced Surgery, Dr. Taghva is able to provide significant discounts to patients by bundling these components to provide fair “all-in” pricing. To learn more about non-invasive treatments for neck and lower back pain, call 949-403-6912 or schedule an appointment with Alexander Taghva in Orange County, California.