Back pain can be a tricky beast to deal with, especially if you are not sure of the cause. While most people thought the only option for chronic painful backs was to opt for fusion surgery, technology has advanced to provide patients with an alternative. This is where Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) comes in. ADR is a spinal surgery procedure that replaces a diseased or damaged disc with an artificial one. 

You Have a Damaged or Diseased Disc
ADR is for people who have a severely damaged or diseased disc that causes chronic back pain. This procedure is ideal for people whose back pain is associated with a specific disc that is damaged, leaving the rest of the spine in good condition. If you have degenerative disc disease, the procedure is a perfect fit for you. In such a case, it replaces the damaged disc and restores the spine's normal motion and function.

You Have Tried Other Conservative Therapies without Success
Before considering surgery, patients must attempt to manage their chronic back pain using other therapies. However, if the conservative measures have failed to relieve your pain, then ADR could be the solution for you. This procedure is ideal if you have tried all the other therapies, such as physical therapy, pain management injections, and medications, without success.

You Are in Good Overall Health
For you to undergo an artificial disc replacement procedure, your overall health status must be good. If you have other health problems, your doctor may advise you against the surgery. Individuals who have uncontrolled diabetes, heart problems, or are overweight should reconsider undergoing the procedure as they could suffer from complications.

You Want to Maintain Spinal Mobility
Fusion surgery involves the joining of two vertebrae, which limits the spine's mobility. However, with ADR, you maintain your spine's mobility, and the artificial disc helps avoid putting stress on adjacent discs.

You Want a Quicker Recovery Time
As compared to fusion surgery, artificial disc surgery patients tend to have a quicker recovery time, so patients can resume their daily activities after two weeks of the procedure. However, a full recovery could take up to six weeks.

If you suffer from chronic back pain and conservative measures haven't been successful, consider an artificial disc replacement procedure. It's a minimally invasive and less risky surgical procedure that replaces the damaged disc and restores the motion and function of the spine. To know if it's the right procedure for you, consult your spinal surgeon. They will evaluate your health status and provide you with a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

Learn more about an artificial disc replacement procedure from a doctor near you today.