Artificial Disc Replacement for Lower Back Pain

Millions of people all over the world are suffering from pain in lower back. As a matter of fact, studies indicate that low back pain is one of the prime causes of disability in United States. According to various other studies, it is suggested that almost 70 percent to 80 percent of people will experience pain lower back at some point or the other in their lives. Although orthopedic surgeons try hard to ensure that a patient gets back to normal life without having to go through surgical procedure, in most of the cases surgery is the last resort.

Artificial Disc Replacement is relatively a new surgical technique that helps you get rid of back pain. It is a lot more similar to knee and hip joint replacements. It is a substitute for spinal fusion surgery. Post the surgery, patient can get back to his normal life. This device is used for restoring movement to the spine by replacing the degenerated or damaged disc.

It has been more than a decade that this technique first hit the medical field. It was only in 2004 that FDA approved the implementation of ADR. Since then, several designs for disc replacement have been developed for offering better results.

Orthopedic surgeons perform a series of tests with an objective to determine who the right candidate for Artificial Disc Replacement is. Some of these tests include X-Rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Computed Tomography (CT or CAT scan) and Discography. Once these tests are performed, orthopedic surgeon determines the source of the lower back pain.

Consider Spondylolisthesis Surgery to Get Relieved from Persistent Back Pain

A condition in which inflammation is caused in the joints of the spine and also of the joints between the pelvis and the spine joints and results in stiffness and pain in the neck and back is known as spondylolisthesis. This problem is more common and severe amongst men than in women and usually targets the people within the age group of 16-40 years. Most of the symptoms of spondylolisthesis come and go but one of the most common symptom is the back pain that is worse in the morning and night but the patient gets relief with gentle activity.

However, a spondylolisthesis surgery is recommended by the doctors if the reason for pain is due to herniated disc. A condition which involves dislocations as well as fractures may also involve surgery. If you are suffering from neurological disorders due to nerve instability, then surgical treatment cannot be avoided. Most of the physicians do not recommend a back surgery except in the case when it is unavoidable and really necessary. The patients who opt for this surgery may face several risks. They could include risks related to bleeding, lung difficulties, paralysis, lung weakness, blood clots, infection, sexual dysfunction as well as urinary or fecal incontinence etc.

Many times, a patient does not actually require a spondylolisthesis surgery. A physician may recommend the same if the pain has been persistent for more than 6 months. Or have leg or arm weakness, foot of leg numbness, problems with bladder or bowel control, spinal instability and so on. If you have any of the above mentioned problems, then you must consider a back surgery.

Lumbar Spine and Spondylolisthesis Surgery – The Last Resort!

Having pain in lower back can lead to many severe problems in near future. As your back pain aggravates each passing day, you will notice a sudden decline in your daily activities as well as work performance. Overall your quality of life might suffer. If you are suffering from disc degenerative disease in lumbar spine and have experienced no respite from non-invasive treatment then Lumbar Spine Surgery is the last resort. This form of surgery has come a long way since it was first performed fifteen years back. Orthopedic surgeons, today, make use of the latest technology while performing Lumbar Spine Surgery.

Just like the number of patients suffering Lumbar disc degenerative disease has increased in the last few years so is the case with people suffering from the condition known as Spondylolisthesis. There has been a notable rise in the people who are suffering from this particular condition. Orthopedic surgeons try to treat the condition with non-invasive techniques such as medicines, steroids and physiotherapy but when they notice no improvement in the patient’s condition, you are recommended to undergo Spondylolisthesis Surgery.  If you have been suggested surgery then make sure you consult the best orthopedic in the city to get desired results.