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Disc replacement removes a damaged spinal disc and replaces it with an artificial disc. This type of back surgery is an alternative to spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae together.
At Dignity Health, our orthopedic experts include doctors, nurses, physical therapists, and pain management specialists who provide a continuity of care on your path to recovery. If you need disc replacement in the Bay Area, call (866) 466-1401 or Find a Doctor online who will focus on you as an individual and provide personalized treatment based on your specific needs.
Disc replacement is used to treat back pain when:
Your disc replacement will be performed in a Dignity Health Bay Area hospital under general anesthesia. During the procedure, your doctor removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial disc. The new disc is made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic.
You may have different surgical options depending on the location of damaged disc, such as the lower back (lumbar region) or the neck (cervical region). Dignity Health surgeons developed have the "Pro-Disc" artificial disc replacement procedure, a nationally recognized technique that may be an option for some patients.
Possible complications of disc replacement surgery include:
You will spend two to four days in a Dignity Health Bay Area hospital after disc replacement. You will need to avoid movements that jar or hyperextend your spine for many weeks. Expect full recovery to take several weeks to several months. Physical therapy can help improve your spine’s flexibility as you recover.
While disc replacement can improve back pain for many people, it’s important to have realistic expectations. Some disability can remain after the procedure. Talk to you doctor about your goals for surgery and recovery.
Dignity Health surgeons treat back pain with disc replacement in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City.