Eight out of ten people with a herniated disc and sciatica pain may not need surgery. In fact, they may improve their condition without surgery. On the other hand, surgery involves removing a small amount of bone and some of the interconnecting ligament structure in the back part of the spinal canal to reach the area where nerves pass. So, like any other procedure, this surgery comes with some risks.
In any case, artificial disc replacement remains a valuable option for people who did not benefit from non-surgical treatments. Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeons can relieve any numbness, pain, and headaches associated with damaged vertebrae.
Let’s suppose a person with a painful neck injury that never healed had moved to California for work. Here, he researched and found articles on adrspine.com, a clinic in Beverly Hills, detailing how to select the right ADR surgeon. What happens next?
Well, what that person should do is stick with the surgeon’s recommendations.
After the doctor proposes a surgery to get the patient back to a fulfilling life, the best course of action is to follow the doctor’s instructions. Taking any recommended prescription medications at the right time will also help recover fast.
Post-op pain can disappear in a matter of weeks. But regarding how one should prepare for ADR surgery, the best tip is to keep a healthy lifestyle and avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
Is Artificial Disc Replacement Successful?
The FDA estimates that ADR has a clinical success rate of 88%. But this rate can increase up to 95% when surgery involves ADR for neck conditions. In most cases, patients regain:
- a healthy, active lifestyle
- full and pain-free range of motion
- optimal spine functionality
Even when operating the neck area, swallowing improves in a matter of days. So, the patients can start eating as they did before rather quickly. Of course, no unnecessary movement is allowed in the immediate post-op days.
Success may include some tightness as the muscles adjust. But the tightness does not prevent the patients from doing what they want.
How Long Does An Artificial Disc Last?
Most disc implants can last up to fifty years. Over time, even the artificial discs wear out. But if no inflammation appears, they can last a lifetime.
On rare occasions, patients may develop hypersensitivity to metal or materials used in the implant. But in that case, doctors can provide patients with valid alternatives.
