Disc Replacement Surgery in NJ
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Disc Replacement in New Jersey
A disc replacement is a surgical procedure designed to remove a damaged or degenerative disc in your neck (cervical spine) or lower back (lumbar spine) and replace it with an artificial disc. Unlike traditional spinal fusion, which limits movement at the affected level, disc replacement preserves your spine’s natural motion and flexibility. By restoring proper alignment and supporting healthy movement between vertebrae, this procedure can help relieve chronic pain, reduce muscle stiffness, and improve your overall function.
Benefits of Disc Replacement Surgery
If you’re dealing with chronic back or neck pain, disc replacement surgery can offer lasting relief while keeping your spine’s natural movement intact. Unlike traditional fusion, this spine procedure helps reduce stress on the discs around the affected area, lowers the risk of future problems, and supports a faster, smoother recovery.
Disc Replacement Benefits
- Keeps your spine flexible and mobile so you can move more naturally
- Reduces pain and eases muscle stiffness
- Protects nearby discs from further wear and tear
- Lowers the chances of needing additional surgeries down the road
- Less invasive procedure with quicker recovery
Disc Replacement Surgery Candidates
Disc replacement surgery is often an option for patients dealing with chronic back or neck pain caused by degenerative disc disease, especially if conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections haven’t provided relief. The best candidates are generally in good overall health, have normal spinal motion, and do not have significant arthritis or major spinal deformities.
Candidates for Disc Replacement
- Have one or two damaged discs in the lumbar (lower back) or cervical (neck) spine
- Experience persistent pain that affects your daily life
- Maintain healthy spinal alignment and normal motion
- Do not have severe osteoporosis or other major spinal deformities
- Have not undergone previous major spine surgery at the same level
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Choose Alliance Orthopedics for care that revolves around you. We listen, collaborate, and create a custom orthopedic treatment plan that fits your life, your goals, and your recovery!
Preparing for Disc Replacement Surgery
Preparing for disc replacement surgery involves several important steps to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s instructions closely, attend preoperative appointments, and arrange for support during recovery. Proper preparation helps reduce risks, promotes healing, and increases overall success.
Patient Preparation Checklist:
- Complete all necessary medical evaluations and imaging
- Review medications with your surgeon and adjust as directed
- Arrange transportation and post-surgery care assistance
- Prepare your home with easy access to essentials
- Follow fasting and hygiene guidelines before surgery
How is Disc Replacement Surgery Performed?
During disc replacement surgery, your spine surgeon will make a small incision and then gently move aside the muscles and soft tissues to access your spine. Once your surgeon has access to your spine, they will remove the damaged or degenerative disc and insert the replacement disc into the empty space. After the new disc is in place, your spine surgeon will close the incision with sutures, and a small dressing will be placed over the incision site. The procedure is typically done under general anesthesia and usually takes about 2-3 hours.
Disc Replacement Surgery Recovery
Recovery from disc replacement surgery usually progresses faster than traditional spinal fusion. Many patients are up and walking the same day, and most can return to light activities within 3 to 4 weeks as pain and stiffness gradually improve.
Physical therapy often begins around 4 to 6 weeks after surgery to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Most patients can return to their normal daily routines and work within 8 to 12 weeks. Regular check-ins with your spine surgeon make sure your artificial disc is healing properly and functioning as it should, giving you the best chance for long-term spine health and mobility.
What to Expect After Disc Replacement
Disc replacement surgery is designed to relieve your chronic back or neck pain while preserving the natural motion of your spine. Many patients notice significant improvements in comfort and mobility within just a few weeks. By maintaining flexibility and spinal stability, disc replacement surgery offers long-term benefits that traditional fusion may not provide. Most patients are able to return to work, hobbies, and daily activities with renewed confidence and lasting relief.
Disc Replacement Surgery FAQs
Most patients report that disc replacement surgery is less painful than traditional spinal fusion. While some discomfort is normal after surgery, it’s typically manageable with medication and proper postoperative care. Many patients notice their pain improving quickly as their spine heals.
Artificial discs are designed to be long-lasting, often providing support and mobility for decades. With regular follow-up visits at one of our New Jersey clinics, our spine surgeons can monitor your artificial disc and help ensure your spine stays healthy over time.
One of the biggest advantages of disc replacement surgery is the ability to maintain natural motion in the spine. Most patients return to their normal activities with fewer long-term restrictions than with spinal fusion surgery. In the early stages of recovery, you may need to limit heavy lifting or high-impact activities, but your surgeon will guide you through a safe return to your lifestyle.
Disc replacement surgery is designed to give you a long-term solution, so most patients never need further surgery. However, in the rare event that complications occur, the artificial disc can be removed or adjusted. At Alliance Orthopedics, our experienced New Jersey spine surgeons have the expertise to perform both disc replacements and revision procedures, ensuring you’re always in capable hands.
Why Choose Alliance Orthopedics?
When you choose Alliance Orthopedics for disc replacement surgery in New Jersey, you’re choosing a team of highly skilled, board-certified spine surgeons who are leaders in advanced spinal care. Our fellowship-trained spine specialists combine expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver safe, precise, and effective results. With multiple locations across New Jersey, expert spine care is always within reach. What sets us apart is our patient-first and multidisciplinary approach. We take the time to understand your needs, tailor a treatment plan to your goals, and guide you through every stage of recovery so you can get back to living life without limits.
Spine Surgeons in New Jersey
Our team of board-certified spine surgeons in New Jersey specializes in minimally invasive spine procedures like disc replacement surgery. Our spine specialists bring extensive expertise in treating complex spinal conditions with the latest techniques, ensuring you receive safe, effective, and minimally invasive care whenever possible. From your first appointment through your recovery, you’ll benefit from their skill, experience, and dedication to help relieve your pain.
Orthopedic Clinics in New Jersey
You’ll find multiple orthopedic clinics across New Jersey that make orthopedic spine care more convenient and accessible. Our board-certified spine surgeons specialize in procedures like disc replacement surgery and other minimally invasive surgical options designed to relieve pain and restore mobility. No matter which location you choose, you’ll receive a personalized treatment plan, compassionate support, and access to care close to home, so you can focus on getting better every day.
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