Motion-Preserving Relief for Neck and Back Pain
Chronic neck or back pain caused by damaged spinal discs can significantly affect your quality of life, limiting your ability to work, exercise, and enjoy everyday activities. At Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine, our spine specialists offer advanced surgical options, including Total Disc Replacement (TDR), to relieve pain while preserving the natural movement of the spine.
What Is a Total Disc Replacement?
A Total Disc Replacement, also known as Artificial Disc Replacement, is a motion-preserving surgical procedure in which a damaged spinal disc is removed and replaced with an artificial implant designed to mimic the function of a healthy disc.
Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae together, total disc replacement is intended to maintain movement at the treated level of the spine while relieving pressure on the nerves and reducing pain.
Total disc replacement may be performed in the:
- Cervical Spine (Neck) – Cervical Disc Replacement
- Lumbar Spine (Lower Back) – Lumbar Disc Replacement
Conditions Treated with Total Disc Replacement
A total disc replacement may be recommended for patients suffering from:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated cervical or lumbar discs
- Chronic neck pain
- Chronic low back pain
- Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
- Disc-related arm or leg pain
- Persistent symptoms that have not responded to conservative treatment
Not every patient is a candidate for total disc replacement. A comprehensive evaluation and advanced imaging studies are necessary to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
Common Symptoms
Cervical Disc Symptoms:
- Chronic neck pain
- Pain radiating into the shoulders or arms
- Numbness or tingling in the hands or fingers
- Weakness in the upper extremities
- Reduced range of motion
Lumbar Disc Symptoms:
- Chronic lower back pain
- Pain radiating into the buttocks or legs
- Sciatica
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Difficulty sitting, standing, or walking for prolonged periods
When Is Surgery Recommended?
Most patients begin treatment with conservative therapies, including:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Activity modification
- Epidural steroid injections
- Chiropractic care
- Home exercise programs
When symptoms persist despite nonsurgical treatment and significantly impact quality of life, surgery may be considered.
How Is a Total Disc Replacement Performed?
The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.
During surgery:
- The damaged disc is carefully removed.
- Pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord is relieved.
- The disc space is prepared for implantation.
- An artificial disc is inserted between the vertebrae.
- The implant is positioned to restore disc height and preserve motion.
The artificial disc is designed to allow continued movement of the spine while maintaining stability and proper alignment.
Benefits of Total Disc Replacement
Potential benefits of total disc replacement include:
- Relief of neck or back pain
- Reduction of arm or leg pain caused by nerve compression
- Preservation of spinal motion
- Improved flexibility and mobility
- Reduced stress on adjacent spinal levels
- Faster return to activities for many patients
- Improved quality of life
For appropriately selected patients, total disc replacement can provide excellent long-term outcomes while preserving the natural biomechanics of the spine.
Total Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion
Total Disc Replacement:
✔ Preserves motion at the treated level
✔ Maintains more natural spinal mechanics
✔ May reduce stress on adjacent discs
✔ Often allows for quicker recovery in select patients
Spinal Fusion:
✔ Eliminates movement at the affected level
✔ May be necessary in cases of instability, deformity, or advanced degeneration
✔ Remains an excellent option for many spinal conditions
Your physician will discuss which treatment option is most appropriate for your individual condition.
Recovery After Surgery
Recovery times vary depending on the location of surgery and individual patient factors.
Many patients can expect:
- Walking shortly after surgery
- An outpatient procedure in most cases
- Gradual return to light activities within several weeks
- Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
- Continued improvement over several months
Your surgeon will provide a personalized recovery plan to ensure the safest and most effective return to activity.
Are You a Candidate for Total Disc Replacement?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have persistent neck or back pain despite conservative treatment
- Have degenerative disc disease affecting one or two spinal levels
- Do not have significant spinal instability or severe arthritis
- Desire a motion-preserving alternative to fusion surgery
A thorough evaluation, including imaging studies such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays, is essential in determining candidacy.
Why Choose Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine?
At Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine, we are committed to delivering advanced, patient-centered spine care using the latest technologies and minimally invasive techniques.
The Barbour Difference:
✅ Fellowship-trained spine specialists
✅ Expertise in motion-preserving spine procedures
✅ Advanced MRI, CT Scan, and Digital X-Ray services on-site
✅ Comprehensive spine care under one roof
✅ Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient
✅ Minimally invasive surgical options whenever appropriate
✅ Compassionate care focused on restoring movement and quality of life
Take the First Step Toward Relief
If chronic neck or back pain is preventing you from living life to the fullest, the specialists at Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine are here to help.
Our team can determine whether a Total Disc Replacement may be the right treatment option for your condition and help you regain mobility with less pain.
Your Movement Matters.
Contact Barbour Orthopaedics & Spine today to schedule an evaluation and learn more about our advanced motion-preserving spine treatment options.