Artificial disk replacement comprises either posterior or spine surgery. The spine has vertebrae bones that stack on each other. The disks in the middle of the vertebrae function like cushions. They permit the vertebrae to move without crushing against each other. These spine disks are at the lower end of the spine.
Replacement involves replacing the worn-out disk with artificial disks, mostly made from metal or metal combined with plastic. It’s the primary alternative similar to spinal merging surgery. Fusion is the combining of 2 vertebrae. The replacement usually calls for anesthesia and hospital admissions.
Why you might want the spinal surgery.
The sole reason for the surgery is to cure lower back pains. But not all people with pains in their lower back should opt for it. Your spine.md shall perform tests to prove whether it the right course or not.
Nonetheless, it is ideal if
· Your pain origin is from one or two at your spine’s bottom.
· You suffer no joint ailment or spinal nerve compression.
· You have average weight, yet there are pains.
· If your spine has not been operated on recently
· You don’t suffer scoliosis and other deformities.
How the artificial disk replacement works
Artificial disk replacement is an exquisite procedure. As such, the disk must be accurately placed. Its center part needs to be inserted with a small error margin. As such, the vertebrae will flex normally. The surgery is contacted through a mini-open incision—usually, a length of an inch or two. The vertical incision usually is vertical, and it’s done on the belly button at times, which results in no belly scars.
The One or two-level artificial disc replacement is contacted in an outpatient setting. One disk takes almost an hour; patients can leave the room after eight hours from the operation. But if the disks to be replaced are three, it calls for the admission of the patient.
There they can be observed for one night. You will have an IV line put into a vein in your hand or arm through which an anesthetic is given. The anesthetic will induce sleep, and you will be laid on your back thought the entire process.
You will be worked on with vascular surgeons, and they move your blood vessels from the scalpel’s way. Also, there will be an orthopedic or neurosurgeon.
The spine.md will take out the non-functional disks and replace them with an artificial one. Then your organs shall be repositioned, and the sealing of incision follows.
After the procedures, you will be taken to the recovery and monitoring room. Also, you will have an IV line or bladder catheter to help in urination.
How to keep a healthy spine
1. Let it rest while you sleep. It would be best if you kept it naturally aligned by using a pillow beneath your knees.
2. Exercise to keep back muscles and abs
3. Ensure your working place is ergonomic and limit sitting time
4. Massage your spine. That way, you improve blood flow and loosen tight muscles.
In retrospect, artificial disc replacement is a process meant to lower back pains and promotes spine functionality. However, you can avoid getting to that by maintaining a healthy spine.