Neck pain, arm weakness, and tingling in the hands are often signs of cervical disc disease—a condition where one or more discs in the neck become damaged and press on nearby nerves. For years, spinal fusion was the go-to surgical solution, but today, there’s a motion-preserving alternative that’s helping many patients find relief without sacrificing mobility: cervical disc replacement.
What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?
Cervical disc replacement (also called total disc arthroplasty) is a procedure that involves removing a damaged disc in the neck and replacing it with an artificial one. Unlike spinal fusion—which eliminates movement at the treated level—disc replacement is designed to maintain normal motion in the spine.
The result: less strain on surrounding discs, a more natural range of motion, and often a quicker return to daily activities.
Conditions Treated with Cervical Disc Replacement
This procedure is typically recommended for patients with:
- Cervical disc herniation
- Degenerative disc disease in the neck
- Nerve compression causing radiating arm pain or weakness
- Symptoms that haven’t improved with physical therapy, medication, or injections
It’s most appropriate when only one or two levels of the cervical spine are affected, and when the patient is otherwise healthy with no significant spinal instability.
Benefits of Cervical Disc Replacement
- Preserved Motion: Unlike fusion, which locks two vertebrae together, cervical disc replacement keeps the joint mobile—closer to how the spine naturally functions.
- Faster Recovery: Many patients experience a quicker return to work and regular activity compared to traditional fusion.
- Reduced Risk of Adjacent Segment Disease: By maintaining motion, disc replacement puts less stress on the discs above and below the treated area, potentially reducing the risk of future problems.
- Fewer Long-Term Limitations: Patients often report fewer restrictions on movement and physical activity after healing.
What to Expect from the Procedure
- Surgical Process: Cervical disc replacement is performed through a small incision in the front of the neck. After the damaged disc is removed, the artificial disc is carefully positioned between the vertebrae.
- Duration: Most procedures take 1–2 hours and may be performed on an outpatient basis or with a short hospital stay.
- Recovery: Patients are typically up and walking within hours after surgery. Many return to desk work within a week and more active roles in a few weeks, depending on the demands of their job.
Are You a Candidate?
Not everyone is a candidate for cervical disc replacement. Ideal candidates typically:
- Have a single-level or two-level disc issue in the neck
- Do not have severe spinal arthritis or instability
- Have not had prior fusion at the same level
- Are in overall good health
At IGEA, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation using advanced imaging and diagnostic tools to determine the best treatment option for each patient.
Discover Motion-Preserving Relief from Neck Pain
If chronic neck pain or nerve-related symptoms are interfering with your life, you may be a candidate for cervical disc replacement. Our specialists can help you determine if this cutting-edge approach is right for you.
