Artificial Disc Replacement is a relatively new surgical procedure used as motion preserving alternative to spinal fusion surgery. Watch the video below to learn more about how disc replacement surgery works and how back pain sufferers are able to return to the lifestyle and activities they love after surgery.

You may be a candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement if you have experienced any of the following:

• Neck pain with or without arm pain
• Lower back pain with or without leg pain
• Conservative treatment without significant relief of pain
• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated cervical or lumbar discs
• Previous disc surgery with continued pain
• You have been advised to consider fusion surgery

• Return to work faster - On average, Artificial Disc Replacement patients can return to work within 2-3 weeks, while fusion surgery potentially requires a longer recovery time.
• Greater range of motion - Unlike vertebrae that have been fused together, a spine repaired with Artificial Disc Replacement can move, bend, twist and turn with a natural range of motion.
• Less stress on adjacent discs - X-rays comparing Artificial Disc Replacement to lumbar fusion show that adjacent disc degeneration occurs 1/3 as often* in patients who received Artificial Disc Replacement.
• Less likely for future surgery - Patients with cervical spinal fusion are 3 to 5 times* more likely to have additional surgery than cervical Artificial Disc Replacement patients.

*National Library of Medicine

While individual results may vary, most patients can expect to follow a recovery timeline similar to the following:

• Return home 1-2 days after surgery
• Return to work in 2-4 weeks
• Gradually begin to bend, twist and lift 4-6 weeks after surgery
• Resume recreational activities after 2-3 months

Texas Health Center for Diagnostics & Surgery, located in Plano, Texas near Dallas, is committed to providing thoughtful, attentive care that supports a positive hospital experience for you and your family. Designed with a boutique hotel in mind, the hospital offers a comfortable setting and amenities such as a gourmet coffee bar in the lobby to room service meals prepared by a culinary trained chef. Discover how a calm, supportive environment can enhance your surgical journey.