Your spine contains many small bones, known as vertebrae, that form your spinal column. Injury or wear-and-tear can damage these bones or the cushioning spinal discs between them, causing symptoms like persistent back pain or neck pain.
While the team at Total Spine Institute of Sherman Oaks and Calabasas, California, pursues conservative treatment options whenever possible, in some cases, you may need spinal surgery to address your symptoms effectively. That can include artificial disc replacement surgery, removing damaged vertebral bone, and adding an artificial disc to stabilize your spine.
Dr. Andrew Fox and Dr. Ryan Mattie of Total Spine Institute specialize in minimally invasive spine surgery. We keep the impact of your surgery on your body as limited as possible, with a focus on pain management overall. What can you expect during and after this procedure? Here’s what you need to know.
Artificial disc replacement can proceed in several different ways. In all cases, the first thing that needs to be accomplished is the surgical removal of damaged vertebral bone.
Then, it’s time to restore the structure of your spinal column. Your surgeon may need to modify vertebral bones above or below the damaged area. They then place an artificial disc into precise alignment with your spine before closing the incision.
After you heal, the artificial disc will work similarly to a natural spinal disc. Artificial disc replacement is an outpatient procedure.
Most patients go home within four hours of artificial disc replacement surgery. Typically, patients need about 3-5 weeks to recover from the procedure. Three months is the longest you can expect it to take before full recovery.
Most people can manage pain in the first few days after surgery with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you had a cervical disc in your upper spine replaced, your provider might prescribe additional pain management medication.
You might be able to return to non-physical work and light activity within a week. Other patients need a longer recovery period. It’s easier to get through recovery if you’ve prepared ahead of time, getting a recovery space ready for yourself, stocking up on foods, supplies, and medications, and arranging help and support for yourself at home.
Your provider at Total Spine Institute provides you with instructions on how to care for your surgical incision, how to keep yourself clean, and what activities to limit while you heal after artificial disc replacement surgery.
The strength and flexibility of your spine return as you heal. A few weeks into your recovery, your provider at Total Spine Institute may recommend starting physical therapy exercises and stretches to ensure that you heal right.
We check up on you several times during your recovery, using imaging techniques like X-rays as needed to ensure that everything looks right in your spine and that your new artificial disc is working as intended.
With the team at Total Spine Institute, you can recover completely from your surgery and enjoy the benefits of your restored spine for many years to come! To learn more, schedule an appointment online or over the phone today.
