“Ouch” — that nagging pain in your neck again. If this is becoming a frequent reason that you are unable to participate in your activities with your family, entertainment or work, when do you consult your doctor?
Symptoms such as neck pain that may radiate to the arms, frequent headaches and numbness in the hands may be signs that you are suffering from degenerative disc disease of the neck. Neck pain and other symptoms caused by cervical (neck) spine disorders are a very common problem for many adults. Neck pain may be mild or extreme, quick or constant. In most cases, it is not necessary to see a doctor for neck pain because pain usually goes away with or without treatment. However, a trip to the doctor is probably a good idea if you have numbness or tingling, if your pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medications and rest or if you have pain after a fall or an injury.
When non-surgical therapies fail to provide relief, you may be a candidate for surgical treatment options such as artificial cervical disc replacement. Patients with arm pain or weakness related to degenerative disc disease in the neck or spine may be offered an alternative to spinal fusion surgery. Artificial disc replacement gives patients suffering from the symptoms of degenerative cervical disc disease or acute unresolved cervical disc herniation a chance to maintain their pre-operative function and preserve motion in their necks.
An alternative to spinal fusion is artificial cervical disc replacement. It is a surgical procedure that involves inserting an artificial disc into the intervertebral space after the natural injured cervical disc has been removed. The device is designed to preserve mobility within the disc space and throughout the treated vertebral segment. It is designed to function like a joint replicating the normal motion of a natural disc. Advantages of artificial disc replacement in addition to maintaining physiologic motion include a relative quick recovery, return to normal activity and the avoidance of potential complications which can be associated with spinal fusion.
The Brain & Spine Center offers the first artificial disc replacement device approved by the FDA in the United States, the Prestige Disc. The overall success of this replacement disc has been demonstrated by quicker recovery times and return to normal everyday activities without serious adverse implant associated events.
The Brain and Spine Center is the region’s premier neurosurgery provider, serving the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and Greater Los Angeles areas. Mark A. Liker, M.D. and Sherwin E. Hua, M.D., Ph.D. are the leading neurosurgeons at the Brain & Spine Center. John V. Watkins, M.D. serves as a spine specialist for the Center. We consistently provide high-quality surgical treatment for brain and spinal disorders. Each physician brings extensive training, experience, and state-of-the-art technique to their practice, optimizing each patient’s care and successful return to a full lifestyle.
Talk to your doctor to learn more about spinal artificial discs or visit the website at www.prestigedisc.com or www.brain-spinecenter.com .