Why Am I Just Now Feeling Pain Days After My Car Accident?
If you get into a car accident, the shock can delay the onset of painful symptoms. Here, we explore why that happens and what to do if you start hurting a few days afterward.
When to Consider Artificial Disc Replacement
Just like a car, our body relies on shock absorbers for a comfortable ride. That’s particularly true of your spine. In between each vertebra (spinal bone), you have a rubbery disc. These fluid-filled discs allow your spine to bend and twist comfortably, powering your mobility.
At least that’s the case when the discs function as they should. Over time, though, wear-and-tear and a wide range of health conditions can impact your spinal discs, leading to persistent back pain.
Fortunately, Patrick S Hill, MD, has a solution. By replacing your problem disc with an artificial one, Dr. Hill can restore comfortable mobility to your spine. Plus, as a specialist in minimally invasive spine surgery, he can apply his expertise to keep your incisions and recovery time at a minimum.
Is it time to make an appointment at our office in Beverly Grove, Los Angeles, California? To help you determine if disc replacement surgery is right for you, let’s look at it more closely.
Understanding artificial disc replacement
You’re asleep during your disc replacement surgery. Through a tiny incision, Dr. Hill removes the diseased, damaged, or degenerated disc. Then, he puts an artificial disc in its place. That gives your spine the cushioning it was missing in that section, easing your back pain.
After your procedure, you may need to stay overnight in the surgical center. Dr. Hill may also fit you with a brace or collar and recommend physical therapy to support your healing process.
In the weeks and months that follow, you should see a marked improvement in your back pain. As your body recovers from the surgery, it can now rely on the artificial disc for the shock absorption it needs.
When it’s time to get the surgery
Disc replacement surgery isn’t right for everyone. First, you should explore more conservative treatment options, like physical therapy or cortisone injections. Talk with Dr. Hill about your back pain and he can tailor a treatment plan for you.
If conservative treatments don’t work and your back pain causes limitations in your life, it’s time to consider surgery. The experts at Yale Medicine specifically recommend it when your back pain makes it impossible to perform your normal daily activities.
Beyond recurrent or constant back pain, keep an eye out for indicators like persistent:
- Weakness
- Numbness and tingling
- Headaches
- Neck stiffness
- Pain that radiates to your limbs
If any of that sounds familiar, don’t hesitate to talk with Dr. Hill. He takes the time to understand your unique back pain and what you’ve tried so far. Then, he builds a treatment plan to bring you relief. To get started, call our office or schedule your appointment online.
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