Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common neurodegenerative condition that affects the aging population in particular. It may involve the cervical spine ( i.e your neck) or the lumbar spine ( your lower back) and it may cause moderate to severe pain accompanied by the inability to move, which in turn affect your quality of life. If you’ve been diagnosed with DDD and you want to learn more about the most effective and innovative treatment options, be sure to refer to the authoritative website spine .md and click on “ADR guide” to find out all there is to know about the surgical procedure called artificial disc replacement (ADR).
People suffering from chronic neck or back pain that does not respond to painkillers can benefit from artificial disc replacement. This is the most innovative treatment for DDD and it’s superior to the traditional surgical procedure known as spinal fusion for a number of reasons. According to Spine.MD, ADR allows the vertebral bones to twist, bend, and move, thus effectively restoring spinal movement. The recovery period is also significantly reduced because, unlike spinal fusion, ADR does not involve any bone healing. The artificial disc is implanted into a narrow slot made into the vertebral bone above and below the disc space.
The artificial discs that replace the painful discs are implants specifically designed to preserve motion and there are four different types – hydraulic, elastic, mechanical, and composite. Spine surgeons use an array of cervical and lumbar artificial discs and you can see and learn about each of them by visiting Lanman Spinal Neurosurgery’s website spine .md and clicking on “types of artificial disc replacement”. It’s worth noting that some of these artificial discs are more expensive than others, due to the materials used like titanium plasma spray, but your spine surgeon will help you make the best decision based on your needs and budget.
If you’ve been suffering from severe neck or lower back pain for more than 6 months and you want to learn more about the benefits of artificial disc replacement, feel free to visit spine .md where you can also fill the contact form to schedule a consultation with Dr. Todd Lanman, a renowned and well-respected spinal neurosurgeon in Los Angeles. Alternatively, you can book your appointment with Dr. Lanman by phone at 310-385-7766. Be sure to bring any films and test results pertaining to your condition so that Dr. Lanman can determine whether you make a good candidate for ADR.
