If you have been suffering from severe chronic back pain for a number of years, your doctor may recommend artificial disc replacement surgery. Artificial disc replacement is an advanced medical procedure in which a damaged or degenerated disc in the spine is replaced with an artificial one.
The goal of this surgery is to alleviate pain and restore normal movement in the spine, improving the patient’s quality of life. Those who undergo artificial disc replacement surgery reap a wide range of benefits.
Many patients wonder exactly what they can expect from artificial disc replacement surgery. Let’s explore what the surgery entails before we dive deep into the immediate, short-term, and long-term benefits of artificial disc replacement.
Understanding Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
Artificial disc replacement is a surgical procedure in which a worn or degenerated disc in the spine is replaced with a synthetic one.
The surgery involves an incision made in the lower back area. The damaged disc that has been causing pain and discomfort is carefully removed and replaced with an artificial disc. This manufactured disc is designed to mimic the natural disc’s function, providing support and allowing for normal motion in the spine.
The primary aim of this procedure is to alleviate chronic back pain and restore mobility. This contributes to improving the patient’s overall quality of life, allowing them to return to the activities they used to enjoy.
Artificial disc replacement offers fresh hope for patients with unrelenting low back pain that has not responded to other treatments, such as medication or minimally invasive options.
What to Expect Following Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
We understand that those who go into this procedure want to know exactly what they can expect throughout their recovery process and beyond. The following are immediate, short-term, and long-term outcomes of the procedure.
Immediate Post-Surgery Outcomes
Immediately following artificial disc replacement surgery, rest and pain management are the primary focus. Most people will no longer need any pain medications two weeks after the procedure.
Generally, the recovery period involves restrictions on activities such as bending at the waist, lifting more than 10 pounds, and twisting. Patients are advised against heavy lifting and vigorous activities for about 6 to 12 weeks post-surgery. A full recovery is expected typically between 3 to 5 weeks, however, full recovery for some may take up to three months.
Patients are always encouraged to have follow-up visits with their spine surgeon at three months, six months, and one year after surgery. It is important to remember that everyone’s recovery timeline is unique, and some may require more time to return to full activity.
Short-Term Artificial Disc Replacement Outcomes
Artificial disc replacement has shown promising short-term outcomes, significantly improving patients’ lives.
The procedure has been found to effectively reduce chronic pain symptoms and enhance physical function. These benefits also include preserving the range of motion in the spine. This improvement in physical function can greatly impact a patient’s ability to perform everyday activities and return to work.
Additionally, artificial disc replacement has resulted in satisfactory clinical outcomes with few complications and reoperations at short-term follow-up. Even more encouraging is that short-term pain relief is typically experienced by patients.
These results point to artificial disc replacement as a highly effective treatment for degenerative disc disease in the short term.
Long-Term Artificial Disc Replacement Outcomes
The long-term outcomes of artificial disc replacement are highly encouraging, providing prolonged relief from pain and consistent improvement in quality of life.
Studies, with follow-up times ranging from 5 to more than 10 years, have reported significant successes. Moreover, artificial disc replacement has shown high patient satisfaction in line with these long-term results.
Compared to short-term results, the relief from pain in the long term tends to stay consistent or even get better over time. This is especially clear in how well patients can get back to work and their favorite physical activities, whether that be participating in sports or playing with their children.
Artificial disc replacement is known globally as one of the least invasive back surgeries, with studies proving a success rate of 90 – 95%. The long-term outcomes of artificial disc replacement surgery are a testament to the high success rate of the procedure.
Artificial Disc Replacement Near Me in Colorado
Do not let severe chronic back pain affect the way you live your life. At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we have a team of highly skilled spine surgeons who specialize in comprehensive disc replacement surgery. Our procedure is personalized to you and designed to provide you with significant pain relief and increase your mobility, giving you a chance to reclaim your life from chronic pain.
To learn more about how we can help improve your situation or to book an appointment, simply reach out to Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery in Colorado at (303) 790-1800 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
We are dedicated to offering the best possible care and look forward to serving you.
