# Lumbar Disc Replacement

- Link: https://carolinaona.com/lumbar-disc-replacement/
- Published: 2019-01-21T16:50:50-05:00
- Author: Dallas Clifton

# Lumbar Disc Replacement Specialists in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC

 [Contact Us](https://carolinaona.com/contact-locations/)

### 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](https://carolinaona.com/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](https://carolinaona.com/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](https://carolinaona.com/physicians-staff/)
will:

 1. **Begin surgery** – Muscles and soft tissues are gently retracted.
 2. **Remove the disc** – The inner part of the disc is carefully removed. The disc’s
    outer wall is left intact.
 3. **Replace the disc **– An artificial disc implant is inserted into the intervertebral
    space and rests against the disc wall.
 4. **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](https://carolinaona.com/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](https://carolinaona.com/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](https://carolinaona.com/appointment-request-form/)
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](https://carolinaona.com/orthopedic-urgent-care/) locations
are available Monday- Friday.