Lumbar Disc Replacement Specialists in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC
What is Lumbar Disc Replacement?
Lumbar or lower back pain is a common problem for many patients. A diseased or damaged disc is often the cause of lower back pain. While non-surgical treatment options treat most diseased or damaged discs and their symptoms, Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) specialists sometimes recommend surgery when these less invasive treatments fail to provide relief.
Lumbar disc replacement treats back pain by removing and replacing the damaged disc with a new one. After recovery, the full range of motion is restored. The CONA spine specialists in South Carolina are experts in lumbar disc replacement.
Would I Benefit from Lumbar Disc Replacement?
If you suffer from back pain, one of our top-rated spine specialists can help you decide if lumbar disc replacement suits you. We recommend the procedure to patients whose issues stem from diseased discs in the cervical or lumbar spine area. Patients should have good spinal motion and little to no arthritis. Lumbar disc replacement may be recommended to treat:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
Lumbar disc replacement only treats one vertebral level. Multi-level disc damage may require a spinal fusion procedure.
How is Lumbar Disc Replacement Performed?
A lumbar disc replacement is performed under general anesthesia. After the patient is completely asleep, a CONA spine specialist will:
- Begin surgery – Muscles and soft tissues are gently retracted.
- Remove the disc – The inner part of the disc is carefully removed. The disc’s outer wall is left intact.
- Replace the disc – An artificial disc implant is inserted into the intervertebral space and rests against the disc wall.
- End surgery – Tissue layers and skin are closed. A sterile dressing is applied to the surgical site.
The total procedure time is usually about 2 hours.
What are the Benefits of Lumbar Disc Replacement?
While physical therapy and pain management programs can relieve back pain, lumbar disc replacement provides permanent, long-term results. Lower back pain is dramatically reduced shortly after the procedure. The surgery targets your spine problems directly, and after recovery, your entire range of motion is restored. It can also prevent damage to nearby discs, reducing the likelihood of needing more surgeries in the future.
How Long is Lumbar Disc Replacement Recovery?
Post-surgery, hospital staff monitor and control discomfort after the procedure. This usually includes at least one night in the hospital. Everyday activities such as walking, bathing, and sitting can be resumed immediately. Your CONA doctor will provide instructions after surgery, including refraining from high-impact activity until the surgical site is healed. Physical therapy is an integral part of recovery. Patients work one-on-one with a physical therapist to gain strength and flexibility.
Top Lumbar Disc Replacement Specialists in South Carolina
At CONA, we want to help you resume the activities you love. If you suffer from back pain, book an appointment online to start your journey to a pain-free future at one of our convenient locations in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC. If you need immediate care, our orthopedic urgent walk-in clinic locations are available Monday- Friday.