Disc herniation commonly affects the discs located between the cervical vertebrae and causes symptoms such as neck pain and arm pain, numbness, or weakness usually on one side of the body only. Discs are donut-shaped cushions located between each pair of vertebrae ( C1-C7) and have a gel-like interior surrounded by capsules that hold the gelatinous nucleus in place. Age-related degeneration is the main cause of a herniated disc, which involves leakage of the soft gel center. Symptoms arise when it comes into contact with a nearby spinal nerve root putting pressure on it.
Only a spine surgeon or neurosurgeon can properly diagnose a herniated disc, after conducting a thorough consultation and examination coupled with imaging tests, in particular a magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI) test. If you live in California or Florida and you’ve been experiencing severe neck pain that radiates out to your arm, be sure to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lanman at Spine MD in Beverly Hills, CA or Miami, FL to understand what can the right surgical treatment do for you. Dr. Lanman is a leading expert in spine surgery and performs advanced types of herniated disc surgery, including cervical disc replacement, also known as arthroplasty, and posterior cercal laminoplasty both of which serve to relieve pressure on the spinal nerve roots in the affected area, while preserving mobility.
Cervical disc replacement is an advanced treatment option for a herniated disc and it involves replacing the damaged disc with a medical grade artificial disc. This procedure is a mobility-preserving alternative to the traditional surgical treatment called spinal fusion. According to Spine MD, cervical disc replacement is the best treatment for herniated discs. Posterior cervical laminoplasty is another surgical treatment option for disc herniation. During this surgery, the lamina is cut open and titanium wires and spacers are inserted to relieve nerve compression. Your experienced spine surgeon will determine which treatment option is the best choice for your condition.
If you’ve been suffering from a herniated disc in your cervical spine and conservative treatment has been unresponsive, then do not hesitate to get in touch with Spine MD in Beverly Hills, CA via the online contact form or by phone at 310-385-7766 to request a consultation with Dr. Todd Lanman, one of the best spine surgeons in the nation, and see if cervical disc replacement is the right treatment for your herniated disc. Be sure to bring any films or other test results to the initial appointment.
