Disc replacement procedures have been around for many years and with technological improvements, doctors are using artificial discs as a treatment for disc degeneration. Kamal R. Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS, conducts disc replacement in Dayton to offer a promising alternative to a patient suffering from back pain. Before you seek help, here is everything you need to know about disc placements.
What is the importance of disc replacement?
The disc prostheses help with your mobility when a segment of the spine is affected by disc degeneration. Disc wear occurs to many people and the risk increases with age. A disc replacement improves the mobility and resilience of your neck and boosts a normal rotation
In the past, doctors conducted therapy as an intervention to disc degeneration and spinal fusion or stiffening. However, it was a long process with no conclusive results. The advantage of disc replacement surgery is that it has a relatively shorter application time than therapy.
Disc replacement becomes necessary since the spine can become unstable due to degeneration and smaller vertebral joints can develop and increase the pain in your back. Therefore, it is essential to carry out a disc replacement surgery, likely under the supervision of experienced neurosurgeons similar to Dr Timothy Steel. It can stabilize the spine and save it from further degeneration.
Further, this procedure helps in managing other conditions such as neurological failure and chronic back pain. It also helps slow down other neurological problems such as muscle weakness, loss of sensation, and paralysis. Additionally, it relieves and improves the function of your facet joints.
Are you the right candidate for disk replacement?
Before a disc replacement surgery, your doctor conducts several tests to determine your suitability. These include MRI scans, Discography, CT scans, and X-rays. The findings enable the specialist to assess the course of your pain.
Your doctor may not recommend a replacement if you have lower back pain and have had a prior lumbar spine injury.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure can last up to three hours since Kamal R. Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS approaches the lower back from the abdomen area through incisions. It helps protect the nerves in your spine as the problematic disk is removed and a new one inserted.
Recovery from the surgery
After the surgery, you will stay in the hospital for up to three days. However, the duration may extend depending on your recovery process and whether the pain is well managed. Sometimes, your doctor puts you through therapy to enable you to walk and resume your everyday activity.
Kamal R. Woods, MD, MBA, FAANS encourages you to take light walks to boost the recovery of the spine area. Other exercises such as stretching are encouraged in the first few days after surgery. However, avoid strenuous workouts that can strain the back.
Within a few months, your back greatly improves, and pain significantly reduces. However, studies reveal that the procedure only eases the pain but does not eliminate the discomfort. Before the disc replacement surgery, your doctor discusses the expectations of the surgery in managing pain.
Artificial technology can help where back pain is unbearable. Contact the experts at Vertrae to discuss your options.