What Are the Signs of Needing a Disc Replacement?

The human body has a range of mechanisms that help you move comfortably throughout the day. For example, the arch of your foot helps to absorb shock as you walk and run, while cartilage allows your joints to glide smoothly. 

Your spine is no exception. Between the bones in your spine (vertebrae), you have discs. These cushion your spine and allow you to bend, twist, and more without your bones rubbing against one another.

Well, that’s the case when your discs function like they should. However, everything from aging to car accidents can cause one or more discs to fail. This unsurprisingly leads to pain. 

For some people, the best way to relieve that pain is to replace the problem disc. As an expert in this type of specialized surgery, Patrick S Hill, MD, can help you decide if disc replacement is suitable for you. Visit our team at our office in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, California, to determine if you should consider this procedure.  

Here are a few signs the answer might be “yes.”

When to consider disc replacement surgery

Persistent pain is the most significant sign that you might benefit from disc replacement. The location of the pain depends on the location of the problem disc. 

If it’s in your cervical (upper) spine, you might have chronic neck pain. If the disc with the issue is in your lumbar (lower) spine, you may deal with back pain. 

The spine issue might create other symptoms, including:

• Muscle weakness
• Numbness 
• Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
• Stiffness in your spine
• Radiating pain

If you have radiating pain, it’s usually confined to the part of your body with the problem disc. If the issue impacts your neck, the pain might radiate to your arms and hands. If the problem disc is in your low back, you’re more likely to have radiating pain shooting down your buttocks and legs. 

If all of this sounds familiar, talk with Dr. Hill. Before he recommends surgery, he explores other options with you. You’re only a candidate for disc replacement if your spine doesn’t respond to more conservative treatment options. 

What to expect with this procedure

If nothing else brings you relief and Dr. Hill recommends disc replacement, he has extensive experience with this procedure and performs it using minimally invasive surgical techniques.

Under general anesthesia, you sleep through disc replacement surgery. As you rest, Dr. Hill makes a tiny incision near the problem disc. Then, he removes the disc and replaces it with a synthetic one. Next, he closes the incision with absorbable sutures. 

You may need a brace or collar to immobilize the area while it heals. Expect to spend at least a day in the surgical center, but you won’t be confined to your bed. Our team will help you get up and walk around as soon as you’re able to help support your healing.

To help you heal, we might recommend physical therapy paired with temporary pain management medication. 

Most people return to their usual activities within 4–6 weeks with less neck or back pain. 

If you’re curious to see if disc replacement surgery might be right for you, call our office or schedule your appointment online today. A conversation with Dr. Hill and our team can help you explore your options for relief from your back or neck pain.