As you age, your spine begins to wear and tear, which can be a factor behind your pain. Alternatively, you may experience spine complications due to accidents and sports and recreational injuries. Difficulties with your spine can be devastating as they can limit the range of your motion and ability to carry out activities. As a result, several people struggling with spine problems have been considering Rancho Cucamonga disc replacement surgery due to its effectiveness. This procedure is vital and can offer permanent results if done correctly. Below are important factors to consider a disc replacement surgery.
Unsuccessful Conservative Treatments Options
Osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and herniated disc can hurt your disc. Based on the root of your back pain, your doctor might suggest disc replacement surgery to offer relief. For instance, some options your provider can suggest include over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, heat therapy, and muscle relaxers. Unfortunately, these options may not be effective in relieving your pain. Your provider might consider disc replacement surgery as the last option in such a situation.
Your Disc Is Damaged
Usually, your back pain can result from several causes, such as fractured vertebrae, pulled muscles, damaged discs, and arthritis. Unfortunately, even if you are afraid of surgeries, disc replacement surgery might be the last solution if your pain results from a damaged disc. Moreover, to verify the diagnosis of your eligibility for the surgery, your healthcare provider performs a physical exam.
Also, they ask about your signs and symptoms and analyze imaging tests, including X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to give tailored images to confirm disc deterioration. If your back pain does not result from a damaged disc, your surgeon may suggest other conservative treatments.
Complications from Pinched Nerves in Your Back or Neck
In most cases, a damaged disc can be the origin of your back pain. Whenever the disc herniates out of its location or wears down, it can insert pressure on your spinal nerves in that site. As a result, you may be vulnerable to numbness, pain, tingling, or weakness radiating your legs or arms. When your doctor has confirmed more than three of these factors, he or she can suggest disc replacement surgery.
Frequent Headaches
Recurrent headaches can result from nerve compression in your neck. Nerve compression is one of the risk factors for degenerative disc disease (DDD). With this condition, disc replacement surgery is a crucial option that can relieve the pressure on your nerves and enhance your symptoms. Thus, if you are experiencing several headaches, you should see your doctor to confirm if your headaches have something to do with a damaged disc.
Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control
Loss of bowel or bladder control is another common indicator requiring spinal surgery. The condition can be severe if left untreated and can cause permanent damage. Fortunately, disc replacement surgery may assist in relieving the pressure in the nerves and boost your symptoms.
A damaged spine can be overwhelming as it can cause pain, reduce your range of motion and impact your overall quality of life. If left untreated, the damage can become permanent, and even surgery cannot fix it. Therefore, you should see a doctor if you have been experiencing several headaches, neck or back pain, numbness, and tingling. Your doctor will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine if conservative treatments like physical therapy, over-the-counter pain medication, and rest can solve your concern. If they are unsuccessful, your doctor may consider disc replacement surgery.
