Spinal discs are thin, flexible, and round cushions of cartilage between the bones in the spine. The discs provide stability for the spine and shock absorption. When these discs wear out, there is usually pain in one or more areas of the back that worsens with age. Treatment for damaged or degenerating discs has traditionally involved several different methods: anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, physical therapy, injections, and surgery – with varying degrees of success.
What is Lumbar Disc Replacement?
Lumbar disc replacement is an alternative procedure to fusion, in which the damaged disc is replaced with an artificial prosthetic. It is effective in replacing the injured segment with a healthy one and it works by removing or replacing the bad or deformed disc.
The disc replacement procedure is an effective treatment option for major spine injury, spondylolisthesis, and disc degeneration. There are many benefits of lumbar disc replacement over other procedures such as fusion.
Benefits of This Procedure
The main benefits of lumbar disc replacement include:
i. Less pain and improved quality of life.
This procedure has a better success rate than other surgical methods. This is because the surgery relieves pressure to the spinal cord, relieves pain and restores your flexibility.
ii. Favorable short-term and long-term results
This replacement is a successful procedure because it produces favorable long-term result today and in the future. The long term outcome is determined by the number of discs that are replaced along with how long surgery is performed.
iii. Works on any level of the spine
The replacement works on any level of the spine. Back pain can affect you in different ways at different levels of the spine. For example, lumbar disc replacement can relieve back pain at any level of the spine – although for some patients i n the thoracic or cervical region, it is more effective.
iv. It is less invasive than other procedures
The procedure is less invasive because it does not require removing the nerve roots as in spinal fusions. This means that post surgery you can still feel sensations from your extremities and this reduces the chance of incontinence after surgery.
v. Relives nerve pressure
Shocks and stresses to the spine can cause intense pain. These pressures can also result in other injuries. Disc replacement eliminates these pressures and allows you to function normally.
Lumbar disc replacement is an effective surgical procedure for treating spinal stenosis and degenerative conditions. It is a safe procedure that relieves pain, restores flexibility, and improves your quality of life.