A New Option to Treat Neck Pain

The lower back is one of the most common sources of pain. But the upper portion of the spine — called the cervical — can also hurt. Summit Orthopedics offers a new option to help relieve this pain and restore mobility: artificial disc replacement.

The cervical artificial disc prosthesis is designed to simulate the function of a natural cervical disc.

Candidates for cervical artificial disc replacement include those suffering from degenerative disc disease, which is the breaking down of a spinal disc. The disc acts as a shock absorber for our spine and allows us to twist and bend. When the disc degenerates or herniates, a person may experience symptoms such as pain radiating down the arm or numbness. As a result, we often have to alter our lifestyles to manage the pain.

Dr. Paul Hartleben, an orthopedic spine surgeon with Summit Orthopedics, is trained in and performs cervical artificial disc replacement surgery. He also performs artificial disc replacement for the lower back.

“Artificial disc replacement can be an effective alternative to spinal fusion for some patients,” Dr. Hartleben says. Spinal fusion is the traditional treatment for cervical disc degeneration and herniation when surgery is necessary. Fusion and artificial disc replacement are both designed to relieve pain. Some studies show that disc replacement can better restore the flexibility of the neck.

Dr. Hartleben adds: “Conservative treatment is always considered first for patients, but disc replacement is a viable option for selective cases where surgery is necessary.”

For more information, call Summit Orthopedics: (888) 896-9494.