Health and Fitness

5 Facts You Need to Know About Cervical Disc Replacement

As you age, your body inevitably weakens. One common occurrence with people who have reached 60 years old is the wear and tear in their cervical discs. When this happens, you would eventually be needing a cervical total disc replacement.

What is cervical disc replacement, and how will it benefit you? Read more to find out.

What is cervical disc replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is a type of procedure done when the discs separating the vertebrae of your spine degenerate. When this happens, your bones will cause friction when you move, and you will feel pain in your back.

The cervical disc surgery will replace your cervical disc with an artificial one to stop your vertebrates from rubbing together, causing you pain.

  • There are Different Symptoms of Cervical Vertebrae Degeneration

For example, if you are experiencing neck pain or stiffness, headaches, pain coming from your shoulders to your arms, weakness in your shoulders and limbs, or numbness in your arms, these might be signs of degeneration in your cervical discs.

When you have been experiencing these symptoms, it is best to consult with your doctor or an orthopedic surgeon to determine exactly what these symptoms may imply.

  • This Surgery is New

There are few known long-term risks for cervical disc replacement surgery because it is a relatively new procedure. Artificial disc replacement was first invented in 1997 in Germany and was not approved in the United States until 2006.

So far, there have only been favourable results with the discs that have been installed, and no known complication has been recorded to come out of the disc replacement.

  • The Procedure is Minimally Invasive

Cervical total disc replacement is a minimally invasive surgery which means that recovery time is quick. However, your doctor will order you to avoid any strenuous activity immediately following the surgery for your surgical wounds to heal properly.

You will also be suggested to consult with a physical therapist to help you ease with movement while your spine adjusts to the artificial disc.

  • Some Clinical Trial Prefer Disc Replacement Over ACDF

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) is another known procedure to help with disc degeneration. However, researchers have observed that there are fewer complications with cervical artificial disc surgery versus ACDF.

Although cervical disc replacement was found to have a quicker recovery time, this does not mean that one procedure is superior to the other.

  • Pain and Discomfort are Normal Post-surgery

If you decide to get the surgery, know that there is some pain and discomfort after the procedure. It is a normal occurrence, and the discomfort will probably take a few weeks to subside.

Some patients also complained of having trouble swallowing or speaking, but the issues were easily manageable and were tolerable. Your doctor will prescribe some medication for the pain, so make sure to follow them for a speedy recovery.

If you have been experiencing pain in your back, especially at an advanced age, having it checked should always be a top priority. Surgery is not the only option, but your doctor will give you the appropriate medication you need to manage your pain. Your doctor might also suggest what to do or what not to do to help slow down degeneration in your body.

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