Cervical Disc Disease: What To Expect From Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement Surgery?

Cervical Disc Disease: What Is It?

Cervical disc disease affects the discs in the neck area of the spine. The discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, providing support and shock absorption for the spine. These discs can deteriorate, herniate, or bulge out of place over time. It results in the compression of the nerves in the spinal cord and a range of symptoms.

Cervical disc disease symptoms might vary based on the degree and location of the disease. Typical symptoms include:

• Neck stiffness or pain

• Numbness or pain in the arms or hands.

• Arm or hand weakness or loss of coordination.

• Tingling or "pins and needles" sensation in the upper limbs.

• Headaches, especially towards the base of the skull.

The non-surgical cervical disc replacement surgery in Old Airport Road includes the following:

• Rest

• A cervical collar or neck brace

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Steroid medication

• Physical therapy may include cervical traction.

All the treatment options mentioned above help alleviate the symptoms of cervical disc disease. However, surgery is the way to go if you seek lasting recovery and a better quality of life. 

What Is Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement?

Artificial cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure in which an artificial disc replaces the herniated or damaged cervical disc. The implant is designed to maintain the natural range of motion of the spine and act as a cushion between the vertebrae. The procedure entails making a small incision in the front of the neck to access the injured disc and replacing it with an artificial one.

Compared to traditional spinal fusion surgery, this procedure has some potential benefits, which include the following:

• More spine mobility post-surgery

• Less stress on adjacent discs.

Artificial cervical disc replacement aims to:

Relieve nerve compression

As a herniated disc begins to collapse, the nerve roots seem to have less space to function, resulting in Chronic pain, tingling sensation, and weakness that tends to radiate along the neck towards the arm. Cervical disc replacement aims to alleviate pain by relieving nerves.

Restore mobility

The aim is to increase the flexibility and mobility of the neck and provide stability to the cervical vertebrae.

What Are the Advantages of Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement?

Artificial cervical disc replacement has the edge over spinal fusion surgery. Some of these are:

• Reduced risk of involved adjacent vertebrae: Spinal fusion has a disadvantage. The adjacent vertebrae may become damaged or weakened.  But artificial cervical disc replacement eliminates that risk as it maintains the natural movement of the spine.

• Recovery is fast: Recovery from artificial cervical disc replacement is faster than spinal fusion surgery.

• Reduced risk of complications: Artificial cervical disc replacement, a minimally invasive procedure, has less risk of complications.

Efficacy of Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery

Although artificial cervical disc replacement surgery is still a new or recently introduced surgical procedure, the stats have shown it to be effective and relatively safe for reducing chronic neck pain and arm pain due to a compressed nerve root or Spinal cord itself. In fact, randomised controlled trial studies of the last 2 to 10 years have reported a significant clinical success rate for Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery under the observation of a spine surgeon in Old Airport Road. Various studies have demonstrated that the relief of symptoms achieved within the first few months after cervical ADR lasts for longer years.