When you have back pain, you may have a lumbar disk causing issues. If you or someone you care about is dealing with pain and discomfort and a disk is the culprit, you may want to look into your options for spine disk replacement in Odessa.

What Is Back Pain Disk Replacement?

To replace damaged spinal disks, it requires a form of spine or back surgery. The spine includes vertebrae, which are bones stacked on top of one another. The disks that rest between the vertebrae act as cushions to help the vertebrae move and rotate without the bones coming into contact and rubbing against one another. If you need disk replacement for chronic back pain, this will involve replacing the degenerated or worn disk in the lower part of your spine with an artificial one that is made from plastic, metal, or a combination of both.

Spine disk replacement in Odessa is often looked at as an alternative to spinal fusion surgery. With this procedure, the fusion joins two vertebrae together permanently. Opposite to spinal fusion, replacement surgery is major and calls for a hospital stay after general anesthesia.

Why Would Someone Need Spinal Disk Replacement?

The main reason a patient might need a replacement surgery is to treat chronic lower back pain. Not everyone who has back pain is a good candidate, and your doctor will need to run tests to determine if this procedure best fits your needs.

Lumbar disk replacement is usually suggested if:

• You are not overweight
• You have back pain stemming from one or two disks in the lower spine
• There is no significant compression of nerves or joint disease
• You have not had spinal surgery in the past
• You do not have a spinal deformity, such as scoliosis

Finding The Best Spine Surgeon And Neurosurgeon

As with any surgery, there are risks to consider. With replacement surgery, there is a need for enhanced access to the spine versus a lumbar fusion. This means you want to take your time to find the right surgeon for the job with an excellent track record.

Some of the risks involved in a spinal disk replacement surgery include:

• Dislodging or dislocation of the artificial disk
• Infection in or around the new artificial disk
• Fracture or failure of the implant
• Loosening or wear of the implant
• Breakdown of spinal bones leading to narrowing of the spine
• Issues with poorly placed implant
• Rigidity or stiffness in the spine
• Clotting in legs because of decreased activity

There could be other risks of spinal disk replacement that depend on the patient and their medical conditions. Always be sure that you understand everything involved, including all risks and benefits, prior to having replacement surgery.

Here at Wellspine, PA, we see patients all the time who are looking to get relief with spine disk replacement in Odessa. If you would like to learn more about your options and whether or not you make a good candidate for this procedure, call us at 214-819-9600 to book a medical consultation today! We look forward to working with you to treat the chronic back pain you have been enduring.