Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

Joint pain becomes steadily more painful as the years pass by, making it more and more difficult for you to perform daily functions. About one in three adults have some form of joint pain. This can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, bursitis, or strains and sprains. Joint pain that is chronic can be treated with cervical disc arthroplasty to replace deteriorated cervical discs through the insertion of an artificial disc. This can reduce pain between the vertebrae after the natural spinal disc has been worn down. You can depend on a reliable healthcare organization that can provide orthopedics, neurosurgery, and pain management to help you with your joint pain. Call Ceda Orthopedic Group for more information. 

What Is a Cervical Disc?

The cervical discs of the spinal column can be found in the neck region. Cervical discs are soft gel-like cushions that lay between the cervical vertebrae. In addition to helping bones to glide smoothly against one another, they also function as shock absorbers. The cervical spine creates an encapsulation that allows your spinal cord to pass through to the lower regions of the body. These cervical discs allow the neck to move painlessly. 

What Does Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Treat?

Cervical disc arthroplasty helps relieve nerve compression. This occurs when a disc begins to degenerate or herniate. The nerve roots become depressed because the disc begins to collapse, causing chronic pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling between the neck and the arm. When the artificial disc is placed between the discs and the old disc is removed, the compressed nerves are freed up so they can heal. This improves blood circulation, relieves the chronic symptoms of pain, and improves movement.

How Can Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Help Me?

When the damaged cervical disc is replaced with an artificial one, it is easier to move the body and maintain normal motion. It can help with nerve root inflammation and spinal cord compression. 

Headache

Headaches can occur because of spinal disorders in the neck, such as disc degeneration and joint arthritis. Headaches tied to cervical disc ailments typically feel like a steady pain at the base of the skull, forehead, and brow. The pain may extend down between the neck and shoulder blades.

Neck pain and stiffness

These conditions happen when the nerves that move through the spinal cord are compressed, causing stiffness, numbness, and weakness within the neck. 

Pain that spreads to shoulders and arms

Often labeled as cervical radiculopathy, shoulder, and arm pain are frequently caused by a pinched nerve. This happens when a nerve in the neck is compressed and agitated. The pain can radiate throughout the shoulders and arms. 

Weak limbs

The movement of the arms can weaken because of pinched nerves. Not only does the pain and inflammation make it more difficult to move, but it also prevents circulation. 

Numbness and tingling in limbs

When one or more nerve roots become compressed, the arms, hands, and shoulders may tingle or feel numb. This is because the nerve roots help with sensation, and when compressed, they can’t function properly.

Would I Be A Good Candidate for Cervical Disc Arthroplasty?

You would be a good candidate if you haven’t improved after six months of non-surgical treatment regimes. For example, when pain medication, physical therapy, and injection therapy don’t make an improvement on your condition, then it may be time to consider cervical disc replacement. If you have advanced spinal degeneration, this treatment regime may not be recommended. 

If you have degenerating facet joints or ossified posterior longitudinal ligament, often caused by osteoarthritis, this may also not be a good approach for you. This also means that you can’t have any bony compression or any form of facet joint disease. If you have neck pain that is primarily caused by one or more intervertebral discs, you may be eligible. You would also need to be at a healthy weight and have no other foreseeable complications that can detract from the safety of the surgery. To find out if you are a candidate, speak to an experienced doctor who can review your case and let you know what is the best option for you.

How Does The Cervical Disc Arthroplasty Protocol Work?

Cervical disc arthroplasty involves a surgery where the damaged cervical disc is removed then replaced with a prosthetic disc. The disc is typically either metal or a polymer prosthetic. The surgeons will make a small insertion on one side of the patient’s neck to target the area of the cervical disc that has slipped out of place or degenerated. Next, the surgeon will move the tissue in the area. The damaged disc is removed, along with any bone spurs and calcifications. 

Once the prosthetic disc is placed where the damaged disc was, the incision is closed. The patient should rest for two weeks then perform light activity for two to four weeks. After six to eight weeks, the patient can return to normal activity. Cervical disc arthroplasty doesn’t require a bone graft and improves movement. There is a faster recovery for cervical disc replacement compared to some other remedies.

What Else Can I Learn About Cervical Disc Arthroplasty

If you are unsure if this approach is the best procedure for your neck pain, you can speak to educated physicians to find out what your options are. Your doctor will review your medical history, diagnose the type of neck pain you have, and decide whether you would be a good candidate. During your procedure, you can receive transportation and expert customer service. Work with a team that truly cares about its patients and aims to provide the best results. You can also receive guidance on lifestyle changes and stretches that help improve neck tension and chronic pain. Reach out to Ceda Orthopedic Group to find out whether this remedy can work for you.