Many people live their lives with pain and discomfort which is caused by an increasing use of computers and mobile phones. It leads to serious spine problems.

Low back pain is now leading cause of disability globally. If you are still suffering from spine problems that cause neck pain after conservative treatments, you are probably considering surgery.

There are different options available for this treatment. It is a patient decision, whether they can treat the back pain with Artificial disc replacement or spinal fusion. In this blog, we are going to provide a brief overview of the above-mentioned surgeries.

Spinal fusion

This is tradition approach to treat the pain and gives life-changing results. This is a surgical procedure which involves forming a direct bony connection between the vertebrae to prevent motion-related pain. After healing the spine, vertebral bones will be fused together like a single bone.

Advantages of Spinal Fusion

Fusion Surgery is common practice among neurosurgeons and many patients will not eligible for disc replacement so this is the alternative option. There are different options available with spinal fusion.

Artificial Disc Replacement

This concept of artificial disc replacement has been around since the 1950s. This is a surgical procedure which is designed to removing the damaged disc with an artificial implant. It usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to recover and requires general anesthesia. This is an alternative to the more common spinal fusion surgery.

Advantages of Cervical Disc Replacement

The main advantage of artificial disc replacement is that there is no risk of non-union due to no bone graft involved. Another important advantage is that recovery time is quicker as compared to spinal fusion surgery. It also preserves motion and mobility in the spine.

Should I get spinal fusion surgery or artificial disc replacement?

Both types of surgeries can eliminate the pain for most people but the only difference is the mobility of the spine after the surgery. Fusion surgery is less flexible and mobile as compared to disc replacement. In terms of success rate, the results are similar and less complication rates for both. These surgeries come with many benefits and risks. The risk of Reoperation may occur if the bones may not fuse after surgery. We cannot compare these procedures because both procedures have long-term outcomes. The choice depends upon many factors such as health status and age. You need to perform some testes to see what procedure is right for you. Take the advice from specialist, they will analyse your problem and recommend the best treatment option. Make sure that you discuss and understand the risks and benefits of these surgeries with your surgeon before the procedure.

Find out what's causing your chronic neck pain

Before consider any type of surgery, please visit our clinic at Phagwara, Punjab for physical exam and evaluation. Book your appointment with Dr. Sukhdeep Singh Jhawar (Brain and Spine surgeon) today.