Is Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement Right for You?

If you have ever winced when getting out of bed, braced yourself before standing up from a chair, or stopped mid-walk because of a sharp pull in your lower back, you are one of millions of people who deal with lower back pain. Studies show that low back pain already affects more than 619 million people worldwide, with that number projected to surpass 800 million by 2050. 

For many people, back pain eventually fades with rest, physical therapy, or over-the-counter pain medication. But for those living with a damaged or worn-out spinal disc, conservative treatments usually don’t help for very long. When that happens, advanced surgical treatments like lumbar artificial disc replacement (ADR) can help protect your mobility while reducing your pain. 

Read on to learn more about ADR, how it’s different from spinal fusion, and where to find the best spine surgeon in Los Angeles for artificial disc replacement surgery. 

What Causes Back Pain in the Lower Back?

Your spine is made up of small bones called vertebrae stacked on top of each other, and between each pair of vertebrae sits a disc that works like a shock absorber, cushioning every step you take and every turn you make. When one of those discs wears down, from age, injury, or years of repetitive motion, it can collapse and press on nearby nerves, sending pain signals through your lower back and sometimes down your legs. 

What Is Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement?

Lumbar disc replacement is a type of back surgery where a worn or degenerated disc in the lower part of the spine is replaced with an artificial disc made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. Think of it the way you might think of a knee or hip replacement. 

An artificial lumbar disc is designed to mimic the form and function of the spine's natural disc, allowing for flexion and extension, side bending, and rotation, so the spine can continue moving the way it was built to move. This is different from the results of a lumbar fusion, which fuses the diseased discs together to restrict mobility. 

Artificial disc replacement is a minimally invasive spine surgery and a great option for most people with: 

• Herniated discs of the lower back
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis in the lower back

Who Is a Candidate for Lumbar Disc Replacement Surgery?

Lumbar ADR works best for a specific group of patients. Good candidates generally have: 

• Back pain caused by one or two problematic intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine
• No significant facet joint disease or bony compression on spinal nerves

Symptoms that may make someone a candidate include: 

• Chronic low back pain that sometimes flares in intensity
• Lower back pain that increases with bending or lifting
• Symptoms that persist despite attempting conservative therapies, like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and steroid injections

Contraindications for ADR surgery include: 

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Significant facet joint degradation
• Advanced osteoporosis
• Previous spinal fractures
• Severe scoliosis
• Radiculopathy with nerve compression

If you are unsure whether you’re a good candidate for ADR, getting evaluated by the best artificial disc replacement surgeon in Los Angeles is the best way to find out.

What to Expect During Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery and Recovery

Knowing what to expect during and after your spine surgery can help you have a less stressful experience. With the best spine surgeon in Los Angeles, you can expect: 

• Minimally invasive surgical approach, where the organs and blood vessels are carefully moved to the side to give the surgeon access to the spine without disturbing the nerves in the back. 
• Artificial disc replacement surgery that takes around two to three hours. 
• General anesthesia that keeps you fully asleep and numb for the entire procedure.
• Short hospital stay of one to two nights on average. 
• Quick recovery that will have you walking within hours of surgery, thanks to minimally invasive techniques. 
• Return to non-strenuous jobs within two to four weeks, and a gradual return to bending, twisting, and lifting after four to six weeks as pain decreases and the back muscles rebuild their strength. 
• Physical therapy to help restore range of motion and build the muscle support your spine needs around the new disc.

Risks and Complications of Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement

Every surgery carries risk, and lumbar ADR is no different. Complications from the artificial disc replacement procedure are rare and are much lower than for spinal fusion, though common concerns include: 

• The disc moving out of position
• Subsidence where the implant sinks into the vertebral body above or below,
• An inflammatory response in the tissue around the implant over time

Additionally, general surgical risks include the possibility of infection, blood clots, and reactions to anesthesia. Before your surgery, the best spine surgeon in Los Angeles will explain all of these risks and what is done to mitigate these risks in detail. 

Finding the Best Spine Surgeon in Los Angeles for Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Persistent lower back pain can shrink your world. From skipping the morning walk you love, to hesitation when you pick up your grandkids, or needing several pills to help get you through the day. For the right candidates, lumbar ADR is a life-changing procedure that can preserve or improve your mobility and help you stay independent. For patients across Southern California and beyond, Dr. Yashar specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, including lumbar artificial disc replacement, with a focus on preserving mobility. 

Ready to take the first step toward a pain-free life with minimally invasive treatment from the best spine surgeon in Los Angeles?