In your spinal column, you have seven cervical, or neck, vertebrae and six lumbar, or low back, vertebrae. In between each of these vertebrae are discs that act like cushions, absorbing shocks and protecting your spinal nerves.
The cervical spine contains smaller bones that offer support for your head and make a variety of head and neck movements possible. The lumbar spine had larger bones to support the weight of your upper body, allowing you to twist, bend at the waist, and flex your hips.
When cervical or lumbar discs are damaged or diseased, they can cause chronic pain and immobility.
Disc replacement is a surgical procedure where Dr. Reeves removes the damaged cervical or lumbar disc and replaces it with an artificial disc.
You may need this type of procedure if you have pain or disability resulting from an injury or a degenerative disease. Dr.Reeves suggest a total disc replacement if you have:
With these conditions, the discs in your spine may put pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots in the spinal canal. You may need surgical replacement when other treatments, such as physical therapy and medications, are not effective in treating your pain or improving your mobility.