Disc Replacement Surgery in Los Angeles: A Motion-Preserving Alternative to Spine Fusion

If you’re struggling with chronic neck pain or lower back pain that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, injections, or medications, disc replacement surgery may be an advanced treatment option worth considering.

Disc replacement surgery—also called artificial disc replacement—is a modern, motion-preserving spine procedure designed to relieve pain while maintaining normal spinal movement. For many patients, it offers a powerful alternative to traditional spinal fusion.

As a fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine surgeon in Los Angeles, I specialize in evaluating whether disc replacement is appropriate and safe for each individual patient.

What Is Disc Replacement Surgery?

Disc replacement surgery involves removing a damaged or degenerated spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial disc implant designed to replicate natural motion.

Unlike fusion surgery, which permanently joins two vertebrae together, disc replacement:

• Preserves motion at the treated level

• Reduces stress on nearby spinal segments

• Maintains flexibility and biomechanics

Disc replacement can be performed in:

• The cervical spine (neck)

• The lumbar spine (lower back) in select patients

Conditions Treated With Disc Replacement Surgery

Disc replacement surgery is most commonly used to treat:

• Degenerative disc disease

• Discogenic neck or back pain

• Herniated discs causing nerve compression

• Arm or leg pain related to disc pathology

• Persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment

Not every patient is a candidate. Proper diagnosis and imaging review are critical to achieving excellent outcomes.

Cervical Disc Replacement vs. Lumbar Disc Replacement

Cervical Disc Replacement (Neck)

Cervical disc replacement is a well-established procedure with strong long-term outcomes.

Common reasons patients choose cervical disc replacement:

• Neck pain with arm pain or numbness

• One- or two-level disc degeneration

• Desire to preserve neck motion

• Faster recovery compared to fusion

Lumbar Disc Replacement (Lower Back)

Lumbar disc replacement is more selective and requires careful patient selection.

It may be appropriate if:

• Pain is isolated to one disc level

• There is minimal facet joint arthritis

• There is no spinal instability

• The patient is active and motivated

A thorough evaluation determines whether lumbar disc replacement is safe and effective.

Benefits of Disc Replacement Surgery

Patients who are good candidates for disc replacement often experience:

• Preservation of spinal motion

• Faster recovery compared to fusion

• Reduced adjacent segment degeneration

• Improved function and quality of life

• Return to work and activities sooner

For active individuals, athletes, and patients who want to maintain mobility, disc replacement can be a game-changing option.

Disc Replacement vs. Spine Fusion: What’s the Difference?

Fusion remains appropriate in many cases, but when motion preservation is possible, disc replacement may offer meaningful advantages.

Am I a Candidate for Disc Replacement Surgery?

You may be a good candidate if:

• You have isolated disc degeneration

• Conservative treatments have failed

• You do not have advanced arthritis or instability

• Your symptoms correlate with imaging findings

You may not be a candidate if:

• You have severe facet joint arthritis

• Multilevel spinal instability

• Significant deformity

• Osteoporosis or infection

An in-person evaluation with advanced imaging is essential to determine candidacy.

Why Surgeon Experience Matters for Disc Replacement

Disc replacement surgery is technically demanding and requires specialized training and experience. Outcomes depend heavily on:

• Proper patient selection

• Precise implant placement

• Understanding spinal biomechanics

• Managing both surgical and non-surgical options

Choosing a fellowship-trained spine surgeon with experience in disc replacement significantly improves safety and long-term success.

Disc Replacement Surgery in Los Angeles at BAO Spine

At BAO Spine, disc replacement surgery is approached with one goal in mind:
achieving lasting pain relief while preserving motion and function.

Patients receive:

• Fellowship-trained orthopaedic spine expertise

• Comprehensive evaluation and imaging review

• Honest, individualized recommendations

• Advanced surgical techniques when surgery is appropriate

Surgery is never rushed—and is only recommended when it is truly the best option.

Schedule a Disc Replacement Consultation in Los Angeles

If you are researching:

• Disc replacement surgery in Los Angeles

• Cervical disc replacement

• Lumbar disc replacement

• Alternatives to spine fusion

You deserve expert guidance and clear answers.