Disc Replacement in Los Angeles
Spine Surgery

Disc Replacement in Los Angeles

Regain flexibility, reduce pain, and preserve natural spine motion with advanced artificial disc replacement.

WHAT IS Disc Replacement Surgery?

Disc replacement surgery, also known as artificial disc replacement or total disc arthroplasty, is a cutting-edge spine procedure that replaces a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one. Unlike spinal fusion, which limits mobility by fusing two vertebrae together, disc replacement preserves the natural motion of the spine while relieving pressure on nearby nerves.

Dr. Yashar performs both cervical disc replacement (for neck issues) and lumbar disc replacement (for lower back conditions) using minimally invasive techniques at our Beverly Hills facility.

Cervical Disc Replacement

This procedure targets the discs in the neck (cervical spine). A damaged disc is carefully removed and replaced with an artificial disc designed to maintain the natural curve and movement of the neck. It’s an excellent option for patients experiencing:

  • Chronic neck pain
  • Radiating pain or numbness in the shoulders or arms
  • Cervical disc herniation or degeneration
  • Neurological symptoms like weakness or tingling

Lumbar Disc Replacement

Focusing on the lower back (lumbar spine), lumbar disc replacement treats disc-related pain while maintaining spine flexibility. Dr. Yashar removes the worn-out disc and implants a prosthetic disc, relieving symptoms such as:

  • Lower back pain that worsens with movement
  • Pain radiating into the hips or legs (sciatica)
  • Lumbar disc degeneration
  • Loss of disc height, causing nerve compression

Disc replacement is designed to reduce pain, restore spinal height, and allow more natural movement compared to fusion.

What Conditions Are Treated with Disc Replacement?

Artificial disc replacement is most effective when a single disc is the primary source of pain and conservative treatments have not worked. Dr. Yashar may recommend cervical or lumbar disc replacement for:

  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Herniated or collapsed discs
  • Chronic neck or back pain not responding to therapy
  • Radiculopathy (pinched nerve symptoms)
  • Loss of mobility from a damaged disc

If your MRI or CT scan shows disc-related degeneration without significant arthritis or spinal instability, you may be an ideal candidate.

What to expect during Disc Replacement Surgery

Every procedure is tailored to the patient’s specific anatomy, symptoms, and goals. Dr. Yashar uses advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques to ensure precision and faster recovery. Here’s a general outline of what to expect:
Anesthesia

You’ll receive general anesthesia for comfort and pain control during surgery.

Small Incisions

A small, targeted incision is made, either in the front of the neck for cervical surgery or the abdomen for lumbar surgery.

Disc Removal

The damaged disc is fully removed, relieving pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Implant Placement

A custom-fit artificial disc is inserted and positioned between the vertebrae to mimic the original disc’s function.

Real-Time Imaging

Intraoperative imaging ensures the disc is properly aligned and securely in place.

Most patients are discharged the same day or after a short hospital stay.

Am I a good Candidate for Disc Replacement?

Not everyone with back or neck pain needs surgery. However, you may be a candidate for disc replacement if:

  • You have one or two problematic discs in the cervical or lumbar spine
  • Pain has persisted for at least six months despite physical therapy, injections, or medications
  • You have minimal arthritis and no significant spinal instability
  • You want to maintain spine flexibility and avoid fusion
  • You’re in good overall health and can undergo outpatient surgery

Dr. Yashar will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies and physical exam, to determine if disc replacement is the best option for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About Artificial Disc Replacement

Is disc replacement better than spinal fusion?

For the right patient, yes. Disc replacement maintains motion, may reduce adjacent segment degeneration, and often allows a quicker return to normal activities.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients return to desk work or light activity within two to four weeks. Full recovery typically takes six to 12 weeks, depending on your overall health and the surgical site.

Will I need physical therapy after artificial disc replacement?

Yes. A targeted physical therapy plan is essential to help you regain strength, restore mobility, and ensure long-term success after surgery.

Can I still bend and twist after disc replacement?

That’s the goal. Artificial discs are designed to allow flexion, extension, and rotation, offering more movement than spinal fusion.

Is the artificial disc permanent?

Yes. Artificial discs are made from durable materials like medical-grade metal and polymer and are intended to last for many years, if not a lifetime.

Schedule Consultation

Where to Find the Best Disc Replacement Surgeon in Los Angeles

At our state-of-the-art Beverly Hills facility, we provide world-class spine care with a focus on motion preservation and minimally invasive techniques. Dr. Yashar is one of the best image-guided spine surgeons in Los Angeles, committed to delivering precision-based disc replacement procedures, creating personalized treatment plans tailored to your lifestyle, using advanced imaging and intraoperative navigation for optimal outcomes, and offering compassionate, patient-centered care from start to finish.

Whether you’re struggling with cervical or lumbar disc degeneration, our team is here to help you restore movement, relieve pain, and reclaim your quality of life. Book your consultation today.

Contact

Get in touch today

Please complete and submit the form below and a member of our staff will contact you shortly.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.