Artificial Disc Replacement in Tampa: A Motion Preserving Option for Neck and Back Pain

Understanding cervical and lumbar artificial disc replacement surgery and whether it is right for you

Overview

Artificial disc replacement is an advanced spine surgery designed to relieve chronic neck or lower back pain caused by degenerative or damaged discs while preserving natural spinal movement. Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae, artificial disc replacement maintains motion and flexibility, helping reduce stress on surrounding levels of the spine. For patients in Tampa and across Florida, this motion preserving approach can offer long term pain relief with a more natural range of motion.

---

What Is Artificial Disc Replacement

Artificial disc replacement, also called total disc replacement, is a surgical procedure where a damaged intervertebral disc is removed and replaced with a medical grade implant that mimics the movement and shock absorption of a healthy disc.

The procedure can be performed in:

Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement

Used to treat disc problems in the neck that cause:

• Chronic neck pain

• Arm pain or numbness

• Herniated cervical discs

• Degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine

Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement

Used to treat disc problems in the lower back that cause:

• Chronic low back pain

• Sciatica

• Disc collapse

• Pain from lumbar degenerative disc disease

---

Who Is a Candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement in Tampa

You may be a good candidate if you:

• Have neck or back pain coming from one or two specific damaged discs

• Have not improved with physical therapy, injections, or medication

• Have good bone quality and spinal alignment

• Do not have advanced arthritis or spinal instability

• Are seeking an alternative to spinal fusion that preserves motion

Dr. Ahmadian will confirm candidacy through MRI, CT scans, and a physical examination.

---

How Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery Works

1. The damaged disc is carefully removed.

2. Nerves are decompressed.

3. A custom sized artificial disc is placed between the vertebrae.

4. The implant restores disc height and allows controlled motion.

5. The incision is closed and stability is confirmed with imaging.

Cervical surgery is usually performed through a small incision in the front of the neck. Lumbar disc replacement is typically accessed through the abdomen to safely reach the lower spine.

---

Artificial Disc Replacement vs Spinal Fusion

Many patients in Tampa choose disc replacement when motion preservation is a priority.

---

Recovery After Disc Replacement Surgery

Most patients experience:

• Hospital stay of one to two days

• Walking the same day or next day

• Return to light activities within two to four weeks

• Physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility

• Gradual return to normal activity within six to twelve weeks

Cervical disc replacement recovery is often faster than lumbar due to less muscle disruption.

---

Benefits of Artificial Disc Replacement

• Long term pain relief

• Preserved spinal mobility

• Lower risk of adjacent segment disease

• Improved posture and alignment

• Reduced nerve compression

• Faster functional recovery compared to fusion

---

Risks and Considerations

As with any spine surgery, risks may include:

• Infection

• Nerve irritation

• Implant movement or wear

• Continued pain

• Need for revision surgery

As a board certified spine surgeon Dr. Ahmadian will evaluate whether the benefits outweigh the risks for your specific condition.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Is artificial disc replacement better than fusion for neck pain

For properly selected patients, artificial disc replacement can offer similar pain relief with the added benefit of preserving motion and reducing stress on nearby discs.

How long does an artificial disc last

Modern artificial discs are designed to last decades and are made of durable medical grade materials.

Can artificial disc replacement treat herniated discs

Yes. It is commonly used for herniated cervical and lumbar discs that cause nerve compression and chronic pain.

What is the success rate of cervical disc replacement

Clinical studies show high success rates with significant pain relief and functional improvement.

Will I need physical therapy after surgery

Yes. A structured rehabilitation program helps restore mobility and strength.

Can more than one disc be replaced

In some cases, two adjacent discs can be replaced depending on anatomy and stability.