If you suffer from neck pain, chances are it’s interfering with your everyday life. Work, driving, reading, watching TV – all these things can be difficult or impossible to do if your neck and shoulders hurt too much. However, even though you may feel like there’s no hope of recovery and you might have to live with the pain forever, cervical total disc replacement surgery can help restore function to your neck by replacing damaged discs with artificial components made out of metal and plastic. Read on to learn more about this procedure and how it can help you lead a more comfortable life.
What is cervical total disc replacement?
Cervical total disc replacement is a type of surgery used to treat neck pain. This surgery aims to relieve pain by replacing the damaged disc with a new one. This surgery is usually only recommended if other treatments, such as physical therapy and medication, have not worked.
What are the benefits of cervical total disc replacement?
You may be a candidate for cervical TDR if you suffer from neck pain. This procedure can relieve pain by replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one. TDR is less invasive than other neck surgery options and has a shorter recovery time.
In addition, TDR can help preserve the motion in your neck and improve your range of motion. If you are considering this procedure, talk to your doctor to see if it is right for you. It would help if you also asked about risks and potential complications.
Symptoms of disc degeneration.
Pain is associated with disk degeneration. The symptoms of disc degeneration include:
- Pain in the neck that may radiate into the shoulders or arms
- Numbness or tingling in the arms or hands
- Loss of range of motion in the neck
- Stiffness in the neck
- Weakness in the arms or hands
Who is eligible?
If you’re dealing with chronic neck pain, you may wonder if a cervical TDR is right for you. This surgery is usually recommended for patients who have tried other treatment methods, such as physical therapy and medication but have not found relief.
Are there any complications that might arise after surgery?
There are always potential risks and complications associated with any surgery, but fortunately for cervical total disc replacement patients, these are typically rare.
The most common side effect is temporary stiffness in the neck, which usually subsides within a few weeks.
There is also a small risk of developing an infection or experiencing bleeding or nerve damage. In sporadic cases, the implant may become dislodged or broken.
How long does it take until I recover from a cervical TDR surgery?
The short answer is that it depends. Every patient is different, and many factors affect how long it takes to recover from a cervical TDR surgery.
Generally, however, patients report significant neck pain and function improvements within the first few weeks after surgery. For some patients, it may take longer to see full results. It is essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.
Conclusion.
If you are considering having a disc replacement, you should consult with your doctor to see if it is the right course of action for you. This procedure can be very effective in relieving neck pain, but it is not suitable for everyone. Make sure to research and talk to your doctor before making any decisions about your health.