When the cervical discs in the neck degenerate, either due to injury or aging, they can put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves, leading to pain, weakness or numbness. If nonsurgical treatment doesn’t help, surgery may be recommended to address the condition. While cervical discectomy and fusion used to be the standard procedure, cervical disc replacement offers a revolutionary alternative. By replacing the damaged disc with an artificial disc, you’ll preserve more range of motion and experience less stress on your remaining discs. To find out if you’re a candidate for cervical disc replacement in NY, schedule a consultation with Dr. Daniel Choi.
Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement
Relieves Pain
By removing the herniated or degenerated disc, the pressure will be taken off your spinal cord and nerve roots, which will relieve pain, weakness and other symptoms.
Preserves More Freedom of Motion
Cervical disc replacement preserves more freedom of motion in your neck as compared to fusion surgery. The procedure also has a faster healing time.
Maintains Cervical Spine Health
Replacing the disc creates less stress on your remaining vertebrae and reduces the chance of the other discs degenerating.
What is Cervical Disc Replacement?
During cervical disc replacement surgery, Dr. Choi makes a small incision at the front of your neck. He moves the windpipe, muscles and arteries aside before removing the damaged cervical disc. He then inserts an artificial disc in its place.
Artificial discs are designed to replicate the size and function of your natural spinal discs. Unlike with fusion surgery, you’ll retain more of the range of motion in your neck and less stress will be put on the remaining discs. Most patients experience some pain relief in the neck and arm almost immediately with symptoms continuing to improve throughout the healing period.
Less Pain, More Living
Find out how we can help you achieve freedom from pain. To get started, schedule a consultation with our Long Island spine surgeon today!
