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Motion-Preserving Disc Surgery Offers Back Pain Alternative
15 Dec
Summary
- Disc replacement surgery preserves natural spinal movement unlike fusion.
- Minimally invasive anterior approach leads to faster patient recovery.
- Specialized surgery targets younger, active individuals with disc degeneration.
Chronic lower back pain due to disc degeneration is increasingly affecting young and middle-aged Indians. While spine fusion was the traditional solution, lumbar disc replacement surgery is emerging as a motion-preserving alternative for carefully selected patients. This specialized procedure replaces damaged discs with artificial ones, aiming to relieve pain while maintaining spinal flexibility and reducing stress on adjacent segments.
The surgery is performed using a minimally invasive anterior approach, accessing the spine through a small abdominal incision. This technique avoids cutting back muscles, resulting in reduced surgical trauma and quicker recovery. Patients can typically walk within 24 hours and return to desk work in weeks, gradually resuming full activity under supervision.
Unlike spine fusion, which permanently restricts movement, disc replacement is ideal for younger, active individuals. However, it's crucial to note that this surgery is not for all back pain sufferers. Experts stress the importance of thorough evaluation, noting that surgery is a last resort after conservative treatments fail, and early consultation can prevent long-term disability.
