Cervical Disc Replacement in Los Angeles

Cervical Disc Replacement also goes by the name of Artificial Disc Replacement, or Total Disc Arthroplasty. This spine surgery is performed by expert Encino-Los Angeles Spine Surgeon Dr. K. Rad Payman on patients suffering from severe neck pain, or arm pain as the result of a herniated, diseased, or degenerated disc.

Here's everything you need to know about Cervical Disc Replacement in Los Angeles:

Why Do I Need a Cervical Disc Replacement?

Cervical discs play a vital role in absorbing weight and impact in the space between the vertebrae of the spine. In addition to serving in an absorptive role, the cervical disc provides for the range of motion that men and women with a healthy, stable spine are able to enjoy. However, when a cervical disc becomes herniated, diseased, or degenerated, it is unable to function as necessary.

When the herniation, disease, or degeneration of the disc is severe, the motion between the vertebrae (bones) of the cervical spine is compromised. In cases such as these, men and women will often require either an Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusion (ACDF), or they will require a Cervical Disc Replacement.

In an Anterior Cervical Discectomy, the goal is to eliminate movement in the location of the diseased or herniated disc, by fusing together bone graft with vertebrae. In a Cervical Disc Replacement, the diseased or herniated disc is removed, and an artificial disc is put in its place.

What Causes Problems in the Cervical Spine?

Aging is the leading cause of disc degeneration in men and women in Los Angeles. However, the cervical discs in your spine may also become damaged due to dehydration or become herniated due to injury or trauma. Arthritis of the facet joints also leads to disc degeneration.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease?

Although men and women may experience degenerative disc disease anywhere throughout the spine, it is most commonly found in the cervical spine (neck) or in the lumbar spine (lower back). The dominant symptom of degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine is constant pain and discomfort with intermittent flare ups of more severe pain. Other symptoms of degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine include:

• Radiating pain through the shoulder, arm, and hand. (Hot, stabbing, and sharp are common descriptions of the type of pain)
• Pain that increases while looking down at a smart phone, tablet, book, etc.
• Feeling like the neck is going to give out, or is incapable of providing necessary support and stability
• Increased pain when twisting or turning your body or your head

Who is a Candidate for Cervical Disc Replacement?

It is worth noting that the majority of men and women suffering pain from a cervical disc herniation, or from degenerative disc disease will not require surgery. But for others, surgery makes sense. Consider these statistics on cervical disc degeneration, herniation, and/or disc disease:

• Well over 50% of men and women over the age of 40 has some form of cervical spine degeneration
• 95% of adults over the age of 65 have degeneration of the discs of the spine

Although men and women in Los Angeles will all suffer from some degree of degeneration as we age, most won't require surgery. Those that are viable candidates for cervical disc replacement will meet these requirements:

• Free of allergies to the material the implant is made of
• Free of infections
• Haven't responded to nonsurgical treatments such as epidural injections, anti-inflammatory medicine or physical therapy
• Healthy enough for anesthesia
• Typically, haven't had a previous neck surgery

How Long Does It Take to Recover from Cervical Disc Replacement?

Artificial disc replacement in the cervical spine has a success rate of more than 90%. This procedure also avoids the risk of complications from using a bone graft to fuse the spine. There are also fewer risks associated with the hardware that is used in ACDF. But best of all, the recovery time is greatly expedited in cervical disc replacement versus a fusion surgery. In ADR surgery, many men and women are immobilized for less than a week, compared with other spine surgeries that may require immobilization for four to six weeks.

If you've been suffering from ongoing neck pain, and/or are experiencing radiating pain in your shoulder, arm, or hand, it's smart to schedule an appointment with a Spine Surgeon to discuss your options. Dr. K. Rad Payman is a top Los Angeles Spine Surgeon, providing surgical and nonsurgical treatments to common neck and back conditions, pain, diseases, and disorders. Call 818.501.2011 today to schedule an appointment.