Table of Contents
How do you qualify for a disc replacement?
- Your back pain mostly comes from only 1 or 2 disks in your lower spine.
- You have no significant joint disease or compression on the nerves of your spine.
- You are not excessively overweight.
- You haven't previously had spinal surgery.
How long does it take to heal from disc replacement surgery?
On average, artificial disc replacement recovery time takes about 3-5 weeks; however, artificial disc replacement recovery time varies from patient to patient. Many patients can return to light activities and desk work within 1 week, but a few may not be at full activity level for up to 3 months.
Are disc replacements worth it?
will not improve mobility, but should restore it to what it was prior to surgery. Replacing the damaged disc will relieve associated pressure on surrounding nerves, thus eliminating pain, tingling, and numbness, and improving quality of life.
Is disc replacement major surgery?
Lumbar disk replacement is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay.
Who is not a candidate for disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement is not recommended for patients with facet joint syndrome or a bony compression on spinal nerves. Patients with spinal deformities such as scoliosis or bone weakness from osteoporosis would not benefit from this procedure.
Who qualifies for cervical disc replacement?
- Confirmed cervical disc disease. …
- Radicular pain and/or neurological deficits caused by a problematic disc. …
- Nonsurgical treatments have been tried. …
- Surgery would be well tolerated.
When is disc replacement not an option?
Disc replacement isn't appropriate for everyone. If your condition involves several discs, for example, it's probably not a good choice. Most ADR patients need only one disc replaced and have never had back surgery before. The doctors at the OHSU Spine Center can help you choose the best treatment plan for you.
When should you have disc surgery?
Your doctor might recommend surgery as an option for your herniated disc if: Your symptoms have lasted at least 6 weeks and make it hard to do your normal activities, and other treatments haven't helped. You need to get better quickly because of your job or to get back to your other activities as soon as possible.
How long does pain last after disc replacement?
Pain should improve over the first few days such that you can switch to acetaminophen or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. Most people no longer need any pain medications 10 to 14 days after cervical artificial disc replacement surgery. Some patients have persistent or delayed onset of nerve pain.
Is disc replacement surgery painful?
There is usually some pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery. Most commonly, the recovering patient has some pain and soreness at the incision site at the front of the neck. Other symptoms may also be present, such as trouble with swallowing or speaking.
What can you not do after disc replacement?
- Excessive neck movements. …
- Heavy lifting. …
- Baths or other water submersion. …
- Driving. …
- Running or other vigorous activities.
How long does it take to get over disc surgery?
You may have relief from your symptoms right away, or you may get better over days or weeks. In the weeks after your surgery, it may be hard to sit or stand in one position for very long. You may need pain medicine. It may take up to 8 weeks to get back to doing your usual activities.
How successful is disc replacement?
Outcomes. Most patients can expect improvement of lower back pain and disability in weeks to months following surgery. Studies show that disk replacement improves, but does not completely eliminate pain. Before your surgery, it is important to talk with your surgeon about realistic expectations for pain relief.
How long do disc replacements last?
In more than 90% of patients, an artificial disc replacement will last at least 10 years and likely for the rest of your life. Simulated wear studies indicate artificial discs could last a minimum of 40 years and perhaps up to 100 years.
Is artificial disc replacement painful?
There is usually some pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery. Most commonly, the recovering patient has some pain and soreness at the incision site at the front of the neck. Other symptoms may also be present, such as trouble with swallowing or speaking.
Who is not a candidate for disc replacement?
Artificial disc replacement is not recommended for patients with facet joint syndrome or a bony compression on spinal nerves. Patients with spinal deformities such as scoliosis or bone weakness from osteoporosis would not benefit from this procedure.
Is disc replacement surgery serious?
Lumbar disk replacement is generally seen as an alternative to the more common spinal fusion surgery. Fusion permanently joins 2 vertebrae together. Lumbar disk replacement is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia and a hospital stay.
How long does disk replacement surgery take?
Most artificial disk replacement surgeries take 2 to 3 hours. Your surgical team will approach your lower back from the front through an incision in your abdomen. With this approach, the organs and blood vessels must be moved to the side. This allows your surgeon to access your spine without moving the nerves.
How long is recovery from disc replacement?
On average, artificial disc replacement recovery time takes about 3-5 weeks; however, artificial disc replacement recovery time varies from patient to patient. Many patients can return to light activities and desk work within 1 week, but a few may not be at full activity level for up to 3 months.
Is disc replacement surgery painful?
There is usually some pain and discomfort in the days and weeks following cervical artificial disc replacement (ADR) surgery. Most commonly, the recovering patient has some pain and soreness at the incision site at the front of the neck. Other symptoms may also be present, such as trouble with swallowing or speaking.