Neck or back pain can impact how you move, work, and live each day. Disc replacement offers pain relief while preserving motion, helping you return to the activities you enjoy. Many patients are told fusion is their only option, but fusion permanently limits motion at that spinal level.
Disc replacement offers an alternative that relieves pain while preserving movement, helping maintain a more natural, active lifestyle and reducing stress on surrounding levels. The goals of a disc replacement are to relieve nerve pressure, decrease pain, and maintain or restore movement.
Dr. Siegal performs both cervical and lumbar disc replacement, focusing on motion-preserving options whenever appropriate.
What is a Disc Replacement?
Disc replacement (also called artificial disc replacement) removes a damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an implant that functions like a natural disc. A disc replacement can be performed on:
- Cervical Spine (Neck)
- Lumbar Spine (Lower Back)
Benefits of a Disc Replacement
- Less neck or back pain
- More natural bending, turning, and twisting
- Ability to return to daily activities sooner
- Less stress on surrounding spinal levels
- Improved range of motion
Even if you’ve been told you are a fusion candidate, you may qualify for disc replacement instead.
Dr. Siegal will perform a full evaluation, including imaging and a review of your symptoms, to help determine whether cervical or lumbar disc replacement is right for you.
Recovery After Disc Replacement
Most patients begin activity as tolerated immediately after surgery. The only restriction is a 25-pound lifting limit for the first four weeks. Otherwise, patients are encouraged to move and resume light daily activities as they feel comfortable.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Siegal?
Patients trust Dr. Siegal because he:
- Prioritizes motion-preserving treatments when appropriate
- Has experience in both cervical and lumbar disc replacement
- Provides thorough, patient-focused evaluations
- Offers clear conversations about realistic expectations and goals
If you have one or more discs in the neck or lower back that have either degenerated or experienced damage, contact us at Key Clinics to schedule a consultation with Dr. Siegal to see if disc replacement surgery is right for you.