Conditions we treat
Treatment for Lumbar Disc Replacement
Lumbar disc replacement is a motion-preserving surgery designed to relieve chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease. Unlike spinal fusion, this procedure replaces the damaged disc with an artificial one—allowing for natural movement and potentially faster recovery.
What Is Lumbar Disc Replacement? Lumbar disc replacement involves removing a worn-out or damaged disc in the lower back and replacing it with a prosthetic implant. This helps restore normal disc height, relieve nerve pressure, and maintain spinal flexibility. It is most commonly performed in patients with single-level disc degeneration who haven’t found relief through conservative treatments.
Common Symptoms Indicating the Need for Surgery
Non-Surgical Alternatives Before recommending surgery, physicians may attempt:
Post-Treatment Recovery
Risks and Considerations
- Infection, bleeding, or nerve damage
- Implant wear or failure (rare)
- Not suitable for patients with multi-level disc disease or severe arthritis
Related Services
We also offer treatment and surgical solutions for:
FAQ
How is lumbar disc replacement different from spinal fusion?
Disc replacement preserves spinal motion by using a prosthetic disc, whereas fusion permanently joins two vertebrae, limiting flexibility.
Am I a candidate for lumbar disc replacement?
Ideal candidates typically have single-level disc degeneration and no significant facet joint arthritis or spinal instability.
What is the recovery time?
Most patients return to light activity in 2–4 weeks, with full recovery in about 6–12 weeks.
Are there long-term results?
Many patients experience lasting pain relief and restored mobility. Long-term studies show positive outcomes for most qualified patients.
Looking for expert care for lumbar disc problems? We help patients across New Jersey, including Old Bridge, Clifton, Sewell, Union, Paramus, Raritan, Wayne, Avenel, and Totowa.