Disc Replacement Surgery in Atlanta
If you are searching for disc replacement surgery Atlanta, Apex Spine and Neurosurgery offers advanced evaluation and surgical care for patients who are living with neck pain, nerve pain, or symptoms caused by a damaged spinal disc. Our team helps patients throughout the Atlanta area determine whether they are a good candidate for disc replacement surgery and whether this motion-preserving option may provide lasting relief. Schedule a consultation today.
Our Neurosurgeons Want To Give You Your Life Back
We use a patient-first approach to spine care, combining advanced imaging, careful diagnosis, and personalized treatment planning. In many cases, patients come to us after trying medications, injections, or physical therapy without enough improvement. When symptoms continue, disc replacement surgery may be an effective next step.
What Is Disc Replacement Surgery?
Disc replacement surgery is a procedure that involves removing the damaged disk and replacing it with an implant known as an artificial disc. The artificial disc is designed to preserve motion in the treated area while relieving pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
This procedure is often recommended for patients with degenerative disc disease, a diseased disc, or pinched nerves that have not responded to conservative care. In the cervical spine, cervical disc replacement surgery may help reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function without the limitations that can sometimes come with spinal fusion surgery.
Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery
Cervical disc replacement surgery is performed in the cervical spine, which is the upper portion of the spine in the neck. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and places an artificial disc in its place. The goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves while preserving motion in the neck.
For many patients, cervical disc replacement surgery is preferred over spinal fusion surgery because fusion permanently joins two vertebrae together, which eliminates movement at that level. In contrast, total disc replacement is intended to maintain flexibility while addressing the source of pain.
How Disc Replacement Differs From Fusion
Many patients compare disc replacement surgery with spinal fusion surgery when exploring treatment options.
With spinal fusion surgery, the surgeon involves removing the damaged disc and then permanently joins the bones on either side of the disc so they heal together. This can stabilize the spine, but it also reduces motion.
With artificial disc replacement surgery, the damaged disc is removed and replaced with a device made to mimic natural movement. Some implants may include materials such as stainless steel, depending on the device used and the surgical plan.
For the right patient, disc replacement may offer an excellent alternative to fusion, especially when motion preservation is a priority.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
A good candidate for disc replacement surgery typically has persistent symptoms caused by a damaged spinal disc, but still has healthy surrounding spine structures. Patients with degenerative disc disease, a diseased disc, or pinched nerves in the cervical spine may be evaluated for this procedure.
Your surgeon will consider several factors, including:
- The location of the problem.
- The severity of symptoms.
- Whether conservative care such as physical therapy has helped.
- Overall spinal health.
- Whether another option, such as spinal fusion surgery, would be more appropriate.
Not every patient is a good candidate for total disc replacement or artificial disc replacement surgery, which is why a thorough consultation is so important.
Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery
Although cervical disc replacement surgery is more common, some patients may also ask about lumbar disc replacement surgery. This procedure is intended for the lumbar spine, or lower back, and may be considered in select cases of severe disc degeneration.
Lumbar disc replacement surgery is not appropriate for every patient, but for certain individuals it may help preserve movement while treating painful disc-related conditions. Your surgeon can help determine whether this option is worth considering based on your diagnosis and imaging results.
Benefits of Disc Replacement
Patients may consider artificial disc replacement surgery for several reasons:
- It may preserve motion better than fusion.
- It can relieve pain caused by a diseased disc.
- It may reduce pressure on pinched nerves.
- It can be an alternative to spinal fusion surgery.
- It may help patients return to activity more naturally.
The artificial disc is designed to function in a way that supports movement while addressing the source of pain and nerve irritation.
Why Choose Apex Spine and Neurosurgery?
Apex Spine and Neurosurgery provides advanced care for patients looking for disc replacement surgery Atlanta. Our team takes time to evaluate each patient carefully and recommend the most appropriate treatment based on symptoms, imaging, and long-term goals.
Patients choose us because we offer:
- Experienced spine specialists.
- Personalized treatment planning.
- Advanced imaging and diagnostic support.
- Surgical options focused on comfort and recovery.
- Care for patients throughout the Atlanta region.
FAQ About Disc Replacement Surgery
What is the difference between cervical disc replacement surgery and spinal fusion surgery?
Cervical disc replacement surgery replaces the damaged disc with an artificial disc designed to maintain motion in the cervical spine. Spinal fusion surgery involves removing the damaged disk and permanently joins the vertebrae together, which eliminates movement at that level.
Is artificial disc replacement surgery the same as total disc replacement?
Yes, these terms are often used interchangeably. Total disc replacement and artificial disc replacement surgery both refer to replacing a damaged spinal disc with an implant that is designed to preserve motion.
Can lumbar disc replacement surgery be used for lower back pain?
In select cases, lumbar disc replacement surgery may be recommended for patients with pain in the lumbar spine caused by a damaged or diseased disc. Your surgeon will determine whether this option is appropriate for your condition.
What does an artificial disc do?
An artificial disc is designed to function like a natural disc by allowing movement while helping reduce pain and pressure on surrounding nerves.
What materials are artificial discs made from?
Artificial discs are made from durable medical-grade materials. Some implants may include components made from stainless steel or other advanced metals and polymers.
Will I need a hospital stay after disc replacement surgery?
That depends on the type of procedure and your individual recovery plan. Some patients may go home the same day, while others may require a short hospital stay for observation.
How long does recovery take after disc replacement surgery?
Recovery time varies, but many patients are able to return to light activity sooner than they would after spinal fusion surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific post-operative instructions based on your procedure.
What treatments are tried before surgery?
Before recommending surgery, many patients try non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, activity modification, pain management, and other conservative care options.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are dealing with neck pain, back pain, or symptoms caused by a spinal disc problem, contact Apex Spine and Neurosurgery to find out whether disc replacement surgery may be right for you. We will help you understand your options and determine the best path forward for your condition.
Contact Us
Suwanee, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 454 Satellite Blvd, Suite 100, Suwanee, GA 30024
Columbus, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 500 18th St, Ste B20, Columbus, GA 31901
Bethlehem, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 426 Exchange Blvd, Suite 500, Bethlehem, GA 30620
Imaging Center
- (678) 250-0880
- 454 Satellite Boulevard, Suite 101, Suwanee, GA 30024
Surgery Center
- (678) 250-0880
- 454 Satellite Boulevard, Suite 200, Suwanee, GA 30024
Fax lines for all locations:: Referrals Fax: (678) 963-5037 / Billing or Records Fax: (833) 450-1779