Living with chronic neck pain can be debilitating, affecting everything from your work to your ability to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. If you’re experiencing persistent neck, shoulder, or arm pain, a damaged disc in your cervical spine (your neck) could be the culprit. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of board-certified spine specialists in San Francisco is dedicated to providing the most advanced and effective treatments to get you back to a life without pain. One of the leading-edge procedures we offer is cervical disc replacement, a revolutionary alternative to traditional spinal fusion.
Overview: What is Cervical Disc Replacement?
Your spine is made up of a series of bones called vertebrae, and in between each vertebra is a soft, cushion-like disc. These discs act as shock absorbers and allow your neck to move freely. When a disc in your neck becomes damaged, either through injury or age-related wear and tear, it can bulge or break open, a condition known as a herniated disc. This can put pressure on the surrounding nerves and spinal cord, leading to significant pain and other neurological symptoms.
Cervical disc replacement, also known as cervical arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or degenerated cervical disc and replacing it with an artificial disc. Unlike a spinal fusion, which locks two vertebrae together and limits movement, an artificial disc is designed to mimic the natural motion of a healthy disc, preserving your neck’s flexibility and range of motion.
Why is a Cervical Disc Replacement Performed?
The primary goal of cervical disc replacement is to relieve pressure on the spinal nerves or spinal cord, thereby alleviating pain and restoring function. Your orthopaedic surgeon at California Pacific Orthopaedics may recommend this procedure if you have been diagnosed with:
- Cervical Radiculopathy: This is the medical term for a “pinched nerve” in the neck. When a herniated disc presses on a nerve root, it can cause pain that radiates from the neck down into the shoulder, arm, and hand.
- Degenerative Disc Disease: As we age, our spinal discs naturally lose water content and can begin to wear down. This process, known as degenerative disc disease, can lead to pain, stiffness, and disc herniation.
- Herniated Disc: As mentioned, this occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a disc pushes through its tough outer layer.
Cervical disc replacement is typically recommended when more conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medication, and injections, have not provided adequate relief. The ideal candidate for this procedure is generally someone with a single-level disc problem and without significant spinal instability or arthritis in the facet joints of the spine.
Common Symptoms and Causes
The symptoms of a damaged cervical disc can vary depending on the location and severity of the problem. Some of the most common signs and symptoms include:
- Neck pain: This can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning pain.
- Radiating pain: Pain that travels from the neck into the shoulder, arm, hand, or fingers.
- Numbness and tingling: A “pins and needles” sensation in the arm, hand, or fingers.
- Weakness: Difficulty with grip strength or lifting objects.
- Headaches: Particularly in the back of the head.
The most common cause of these symptoms is the natural aging process. As we get older, our spinal discs can lose their flexibility and become more prone to injury. Other causes can include:
- Trauma or injury: A sudden fall or car accident can cause a disc to herniate.
- Repetitive stress: Certain occupations or activities that involve repetitive neck movements can contribute to disc degeneration.
- Genetics: A family history of degenerative disc disease can increase your risk.
Common Risk Factors
Several factors can increase your risk of developing a condition that may require cervical disc replacement, including:
- Age: The risk of degenerative disc disease and herniated discs increases with age.
- Genetics: A family history of spine problems can make you more susceptible.
- Occupation: Jobs that involve heavy lifting or repetitive neck movements can put extra stress on your cervical spine.
- Smoking: Smoking has been shown to accelerate the degenerative process in the spine.
- Obesity: Excess body weight can put additional strain on your spine.
What to Expect: The Cervical Disc Replacement Procedure
If you and your surgeon at California Pacific Orthopaedics decide that cervical disc replacement is the right treatment for you, here’s a general overview of what you can expect before, during, and after the procedure:
Before the Procedure
- Consultation and Diagnostic Tests: You will have a thorough evaluation with one of our spine specialists, which will include a physical examination and a review of your medical history. To confirm your diagnosis and pinpoint the exact location of the problem, we may order imaging tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
- Pre-operative Instructions: Our team will provide you with detailed instructions to prepare for your surgery. This may include stopping certain medications that can increase the risk of bleeding, and fasting for a certain period before the procedure.
During the Procedure
- Anesthesia: Cervical disc replacement is performed under general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and comfortable throughout the surgery.
- Incision: Your surgeon will make a small incision in the front of your neck to access the cervical spine.
- Disc Removal: The damaged disc is carefully removed, and the space between the vertebrae is prepared for the artificial disc.
- Implantation of the Artificial Disc: The artificial disc is then inserted into the empty disc space.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures, and a small dressing is applied.
After the Procedure
- Hospital Stay: Most patients will stay in the hospital for one to two days after the surgery for monitoring.
- Pain Management: You will be given medication to manage any post-operative pain.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation: Your surgeon will provide you with a personalized recovery plan. This will likely include a period of rest, followed by physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility in your neck. Most patients can return to light activities within a few weeks, with a full recovery typically taking six to twelve weeks.
Why Choose California Pacific Orthopaedics for Your Cervical Disc Replacement?
At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we are committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care. Our fellowship-trained spine surgeon is a leader in the field of cervical disc replacement and has extensive experience in performing this advanced procedure. We utilize the latest minimally invasive techniques and state-of-the-art technology to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
If you are suffering from chronic neck pain and are looking for a solution that will not only relieve your pain but also preserve your neck’s natural motion, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our spine specialists at our San Francisco location. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your unique needs and goals.
