Disc Replacement
Living with back pain can severely lower your quality of life. There is no beating around the bush. However, you have ways you can fight back against spinal disease or pain. Disc replacement surgery allows you to address concerns with spinal discs and take a step toward a life without pain.
Dr. Yashar is one of the top neck and spinal surgeons in Los Angeles, and he has already helped countless patients achieve a more comfortable life. If you are suffering and need a disc replacement, don’t hesitate to call. You deserve to live your life to the fullest uninhibited by spinal problems. Call us today to learn more about treatment options and what we can do for you.
Who Needs a Disc Replacement?
You may need a disc replacement if you are suffering from a severe herniated or deteriorated disc. However, there are many options available for treating both of these conditions, and a replacement is one of the more invasive options. Below you can find some signs that this procedure may be for you.
I Have Degenerative Disc Disease
Our spinal discs provide our back with support and flexibility. As we age, our bodies naturally undergo changes, but this can also mean our discs deteriorate. Degenerative disc disease occurs when a patient’s spinal discs deteriorate at a faster rate, causing medical problems. You may experience pain, numbness, and tingling, often in significant amounts.
If this condition progresses to a certain point, it can lead to the second condition: a herniated disc. That is why it is best to treat this condition as soon as possible, before it becomes too severe.
I Have a Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the spinal disc slips from between the back bones (vertebrae). Though some cases do resolve themselves, others require timely treatment to avoid severe symptoms of:
- Pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Loss of flexibility
Types of Disc Replacement
Disc replacement is a procedure entirely tailored to each patient. One type of replacement may not work for another individual. So, we work closely with our patients to determine which type of disc replacement will bring the highest chances of success. During your consultation and subsequent exams, Dr. Yashar will decide which option is best for you.
Total Disc Replacement Surgery
As the name suggests, total disc replacement aims to entirely replace a spinal disc. We replace the failing disc with an artificial disc. This artificial disc provides stability for your spine, allowing you an increase in mobility while also eliminating the causes of painful symptoms.
Total disc replacement is used to treat symptoms caused by degenerative disc disease. Below you will find a list of common degenerative disc disease symptoms. A total disc replacement surgery aims to provide relief from one or more of these signs of the condition.
- Pain that increases when seated.
- Pain that worsens when bending, lifting, or twisting your back
- You notice relief from pain while walking or being lightly mobile rather than sitting
- Changing positions or lying down also provide momentary relief
- Pain comes and goes over periods of days or months. The pain can range from minor to severe and disabling.
- You feel pain in: lower back, thighs, neck, buttocks, hands, or arms
- You have noticeable periods of numbness or tingling in your extremities
- There is either periodic or chronic weakness in leg muscles
However, the only way to be certain you have this condition is through a professional diagnosis.
Lumbar Disc Replacement
Lumbar disc replacement specifically targets symptomatic discs in the lumbar area. Also called the lower spine or lower back, this area is especially susceptible to pain. Our daily lives already put a lot of strain on the lower back, and disc degeneration can quickly lead to painful symptoms.
The goal of the surgery is to minimize pain by reducing instability. This allows for lessening of muscle tension and pressure on the affected disc and nerves.
However, this surgery is intensive. As such, we work closely with patients to determine if this is right for them. We thoroughly examine all angles and options before proceeding. Our goal is to ensure that we are delivering the best treatment for your specific situation.
Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical discs are the spinal discs located in your neck area. The neck takes an incredible amount of strain every day, though we rarely notice it. However, if you have degenerative disc disease, you will begin noticing problems with your neck. While there is a range of treatments available to help with this problem, cervical disc replacement is special.
It takes the approach of entirely replacing the problem disc. During surgery, Dr. Yashar removes the affected disc or discs and substitutes them with artificial replacements. The goal is to regain stability in your neck, relieving it of the strain put on damaged discs. One of the advantages of this surgery is it puts less stress on your neck than traditional cervical disc surgeries.
However, the surgery is quite intensive. As such, we work closely with patients to determine which path of option would best serve them.
Am I a Candidate for Disc Replacement?
You may be a candidate for disc replacement if:
- Your back pain originates from only 1-2 discs
- There is not any significant compression on the nerves of your spine
- You have no significant joint disease
- Your body is at a relatively healthy weight
- You’ve not undergone previous spinal surgeries
- You do not have spinal deformities, such as scoliosis
The final decision will be made after a thorough consultation process. The spine is an incredibly complex system, and choosing a procedure should be done with great care.
Disc Replacement Recovery
Choosing to have a replacement is a big commitment. However, a successful surgery can mean significant decreases in your pain and symptoms. So, many patients believe it is entirely worth it.
Though recovery will be different for each patient, there are some general outlines for how it will go. The procedure itself takes a couple hours. However, we have most patients stay in the hospital for a couple days. During this time, we will ensure that everything is healing how it should. Your total recovery can take between a few weeks to a few months.
You will be informed every step of the way and never kept in the dark about any aspect of your procedure. We will provide you with a complete list of instructions to follow during your recovery. If you have any questions at any point, do not hesitate to contact us.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are suffering from spinal disc problems, you do not need to continue living in pain. Having a disc replacement could be the way out. Take the next step in achieving a life that you deserve by scheduling a consultation today. Dr. Yashar and his staff work closely with each patient to find the right solution for you. We look at your previous surgeries and current condition and evaluate the best path forward for you.
We look forward to working with you and helping you move toward a life of comfort and pain-free existence. Call us today to learn more about the treatments and procedures we offer. Fight back against spinal pain and achieve a better state of being through a disc replacement procedure.
I REALIZED THAT DR. YASHAR GENUINELY CARES TO CURE HIS PATIENT, WHICH MAKES HIM AN EXCEPTIONAL DOCTOR IN THE CITY.
