10 Signs You Might Need an Artificial Disc Replacement
Our body is an amazing thing. It has the ability to heal itself and adapt to changes, but there are limits to what it can do. When we exceed those limits, that’s when problems start to arise.
One such problem is degenerative disc disease (DDD). DDD is a condition that refers to the deterioration of the discs in your spine. These discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and when they start to break down, it can lead to a lot of pain and discomfort.
Luckily, Wellspine offers artificial disc replacement (ADR) as a solution to this problem. But when should you consider getting ADR?
What Is an Artificial Disc Replacement?
Before we get into the signs that you might need an ADR, let’s first talk about what it is. Artificial disc replacement is a surgery that involves replacing a damaged disc in your spine with an artificial one. The artificial disc is made of metal and plastic, and it is designed to mimic the function of a healthy disc.
Types of Artificial Disc Replacement
There are different types of artificial disc replacement, and the type that you get will depend on the location of your damaged disc.
1. Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement
Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement involves replacing a damaged disc in your neck or cervical spine. This type of ADR usually targets the lumbar spine and is done with multiple treatments, including physical therapy and pain medication.
2. Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement
Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement involves replacing a damaged disc in your lower back. This type of ADR targets lumbar degenerative disc disease, which is a common cause of lower back pain.
What Causes DDD?
There are a few things that can contribute to the development of DDD. First, it can be simply due to aging. As we get older, our discs start to lose water content and become less flexible. This makes them more susceptible to injury and wear and tear, which then leads to artificial disc surgery in the long run.
Second, DDD can be caused by repetitive motions. If you have a job or hobby that involves a lot of twisting and turning, it can put extra stress on your discs and lead to their deterioration.
Finally, DDD can also be the result of an injury. A fall or car accident, for example, can cause the discs in your spine to become damaged.
What Are the Signs You Might Need an ADR?
Now that you know a little bit more about DDD and what causes it, let’s talk about the signs that you might need artificial discs.
1. Unbearable Pain
If you’re dealing with chronic back pain that is interfering with your daily life, it might be time to consider ADR, which can be in the form of total disc replacement or just a lumbar disc replacement.
The goal of this surgery is to relieve pain, and if you’ve tried other methods without success, ADR might be the best option for you.
2. Loss of Mobility
Struggling to move around like you used to? It could be a sign that you have a diseased or damaged disc that needs disk replacement. This surgery can help to restore your mobility and improve your quality of life.
3. Numbness or Tingling
If you’re experiencing numbness or tingling in your extremities, it could be a sign of nerve compression. This is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage if left untreated. ADR can help to relieve the pressure on your nerves and improve your symptoms.
4. Difficulty Walking
You may require artificial disc surgery if you are having trouble walking or standing for extended periods of time. Your mobility may be enhanced after this procedure, making it simpler for you to move around.
5. Frequent Headaches
Frequent headaches could be caused by nerve compression in the neck. This is a common symptom of DDD, and ADR surgical procedure can help to relieve the pressure on your nerves and improve your symptoms.
6. Loss of Appetite
An artificial disc replacement may be necessary if you are having trouble eating because of pain or discomfort. Your symptoms may be helped by this surgery, which will also make eating simpler for you.
7. Depression
It may be an indication that you require artificial disc replacement if you have chronic pain and struggle with depression. With the pain relieved, you may find it easier to cope with your condition.
8. Sleeping Problems
Difficulty sleeping due to pain or discomfort? It could be another sign that you need an artificial disc replacement. An artificial disc prosthesis can help to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of sleep.
9. Fatigue
It is inevitable to experience fatigue when you are dealing with chronic pain. If you find that your fatigue is interfering with your daily life, it may be a sign that you need an artificial disc replacement in order to improve your quality of life.
10. Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
Another sign that you need spinal fusion surgery is when you lose bladder or bowel control. This is a serious condition that can cause permanent damage if left untreated. Artificial disc replacement can help to relieve the pressure on your nerves and improve your symptoms.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor about whether or not ADR is right for you. This surgery is not right for everyone, but if you’re dealing with chronic pain and other debilitating symptoms, it might be the best option for you.
You can also book an appointment with us for a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate for ADR.
How Can Wellspine Help You?
At Wellspine, we specialize in artificial disc replacement surgery. If you’re dealing with chronic pain and other symptoms of DDD, we can help you get the quality of your life back.
We also offer minimally invasive spine surgery and complex spine fusions for the treatment of DDD. In addition, we offer services to Dallas, Fort Worth, and Odessa. Get in touch with us right away to find out more about our offerings and how we can help you recover your life.
Artificial Disc Replacement by Wellspine
Life offers many challenges. Spine problems shouldn’t be one of them.
If you’re dealing with chronic pain and other symptoms of degenerative disc disease (DDD), artificial disc replacement (ADR) might be the best option for you. You can contact Wellspine through our online form or by giving us a call to book an appointment for a consultation.