Cervical Disc Replacement for Degenerative Disc Diseases

Cervical disc replacement is an innovative approach to conditions that cause discs in your neck to deteriorate. These conditions can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, from pain to tingling to muscle weakness.

The board-certified spine surgeons with the Beaufort Memorial Advanced Orthopedics and Spine Program are the only physicians in the area to offer this procedure, and they have brought long-term relief to many patients in Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties experiencing pinched nerves and herniated discs.

Call 843-522-7435 to discuss your symptoms or request an appointment with a board-certified spine specialist at Beaufort Memorial.

What Are Degenerative Disc Diseases?

Your spine runs from the base of your skull all the way down your back, ending at your pelvis. It’s made of more than 30 bones called vertebrae, the first seven of which make up the cervical spine. Your vertebrae are separated by soft cushions called intervertebral discs.

Degenerative disc diseases can develop when the intervertebral discs succumb to age. These discs have two parts, a soft gel-like center surrounded by a tougher but flexible outer ring. As they wear down, problems can develop, including:

• Herniated discs. These occur when the inner gel-like center of the intervertebral disc begins to press against the outer ring. The disc bulges into the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Pinched nerves. As you get older, the discs get thinner, dry out and stiffen. Your body starts to form bone around the deteriorating disc to make it stronger. This leads to bone spurs that can extend into the foramen, a space between each vertebra that allows nerve roots to exit the spinal canal and send signals to your muscles and ligaments. When the nerve roots have less space to travel through, they become pinched. Doctors call this cervical radiculopathy.

Degenerative disc diseases can occur with wear and tear over time, and it’s estimated that nearly everyone experiences some disc degeneration with age. The risk typically increases after age 40. Some evidence suggests that our increasing use of electronics also plays a role. Having your head bent forward for long periods of time increases stress on your intervertebral discs and speeds up degeneration in your cervical spine.

Not everyone with a degenerative disc disease experiences symptoms. When symptoms occur, they vary based on which disc or vertebra is affected. Most people who have symptoms feel neck pain and have a hard time moving their neck. The pain may travel downward, leading to arm pain and pain in the hands and fingers. Pain can also radiate from the shoulder down to the thumb and index finger.

These conditions can also cause neurological symptoms, including:

• A pins-and-needles sensation
• Problems moving or extending the fingers, wrist or elbow
• Weakness in the triceps, biceps or thumb

Advantages of Cervical Disc Replacement

Cervical disc replacement, also called cervical disc arthroplasty or cervical artificial disc replacement, can bring significant relief to people with degenerative disc diseases. Traditionally, these conditions were treated with spinal fusion, which involves connecting two vertebrae. Doing so can place added stress on the discs above and below the newly formed bone, causing the discs to wear down faster than they might otherwise.

During a cervical disc replacement, your surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with one made from metal, plastic or a combination. The new artificial cervical disc is placed between healthy vertebrae, which anchor it in place, allowing for nearly full range of motion. Cervical disc replacement leads to less pain and better mobility in the neck than spinal fusion.

Beaufort Memorial is the only facility in the area to offer this innovative procedure, and some patients are able to go home the same day.

Who Benefits From Cervical Disc Replacement?

Cervical disc replacement is usually more appropriate for younger adults whose discs have not degenerated significantly. It’s also reserved for patients with neck pain that radiates down their arm and for those who have tried conservative treatment options — physical therapy, injections, temporary bracing, and over-the-counter or prescription pain medications — that haven’t been effective.

If you have symptoms of a degenerative disc disease and don’t qualify, there are other options for treatment. A spine surgery called anterior cervical discectomy and fusion can help treat issues that cervical disc replacement cannot, such as:

• Myelopathy, a collection of symptoms, including stiff muscles, clumsiness and problems with your gait, that develop due to compression of the spinal cord
• Neck pain caused by trauma, tumors or infections
• Spondylosis, age-related wear and tear on your cervical vertebrae and cartilage

Cervical Disc Replacement Recovery

Recovery with cervical disc replacement is generally quick. You can eat the day after surgery, but swallowing solid foods may be difficult for a few weeks after your procedure. You may also sound hoarse for a little while. Most people can return to desk jobs a few days to a few weeks later. Full recovery may take a few months.

The experienced, board-certified spine surgeons at Beaufort Memorial are unique in our area for offering this procedure. If you’ve experienced radiating pain and are ready to do something to address it, call 843-522-7435 or request an appointment to see if cervical disc replacement is right for you.