Davenport Spine Surgeons

Have you been walking around for the past two weeks or more with debilitating pain stemming from a location along your spine? Perhaps you feel tingling or other painful sensations in your extremities? If so, then you should consider reaching out to our Davenport, FL office location.

At our Davenport, FL site, you will find the same standard of care that you would experience at any of our other facilities. Every time you walk through the door at OLSS, you can rest assured that you will be provided with an individualized care plan that suits the specific needs of your unique circumstance.

After all, everyone’s a little different. Therefore, each patient requires an individualized approach. At OLSS, you will find that we fine-tune how we approach every single case to achieve the best possible results.

What Is Disk Replacement Surgery?

Disk replacement surgery is a surgical procedure of the spine that involves removing a damaged or degenerated spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial disc. Also known as artificial disc replacement surgery, the procedure is an alternative to spinal fusion surgery, which uses bone grafts to fuse two or more vertebrae. Unlike spinal fusion, Davenport disk replacement surgery preserves the range of motion in the spine and can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Disk replacement surgery is typically recommended for people with severe disk degeneration, herniated disks, or other spinal conditions that have not responded to non-surgical treatments. The artificial disc, made of materials such as metal or plastic, is designed to mimic the natural movement and function of a healthy spinal disc.

Individuals who qualify for this procedure often have exhausted all other conservative treatments, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory injections, without relief. They usually have one or two damaged or degenerated discs and no significant spinal deformity. The candidate may be required to have a healthy weight and not be a smoker, as smoking can slow down the healing process after surgery. They should also be in relatively good health, without any underlying conditions that would make surgery too risky. Before considering this surgery, a thorough evaluation with a spine specialist is necessary to determine if it’s the best treatment option.

What to Expect from Disk Replacement Surgery in Davenport

If you are considering Davenport disk replacement surgery, first recognize what the procedure involves and what you can expect. Before the surgery, your surgeon will thoroughly evaluate your medical history and conduct diagnostic tests, such as MRI or CT scans, to determine the extent of the damage to your disk.

During the surgery, your surgeon makes an incision in your abdomen or neck, depending on the location of the affected disk. The damaged disk is then removed, and an artificial one is inserted in its place. After the surgery, you stay in the hospital for a few days to recover. Recuperating from disk replacement surgery is a gradual process. How long it takes to heal fully can vary, subject to factors such as the extent of the surgery, a patient’s age, and overall health.

Generally, patients are advised to rest and avoid physical activity for several weeks following the surgery, with a gradual return to normal activities over several months. Physical therapy and pain management may also be recommended to help the patient regain mobility and manage any discomfort associated with the surgery. Your surgeon will provide detailed instructions on how to care for your incision, including activities to avoid during the healing process, such as:

• Lifting heavy objects as it can strain your back
• Bending or twisting, which may stress the surgical area
• Driving as sitting for an extended period 
• Smoking during the recovery period 
• Alcohol consumption 
• Strenuous exercises such as weightlifting, running, or high-intensity workouts

Although recovery is unique to every patient, disk replacement surgery is considered a safe and effective treatment option for chronic back pain. Patients must follow post-operative instructions carefully and undergo a period of rehabilitation to help strengthen the back muscles and improve their range of motion. 

Why Choose Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery?

Disk replacement surgery is a complex and delicate procedure that requires a high level of surgical skills and a thorough understanding of the patient’s medical history for accurate diagnosis. Choosing a seasoned surgeon is crucial, as they can assess your condition accurately and recommend the best treatment options for your specific needs. This may include non-surgical approaches or alternative procedures that may be more appropriate for your condition.

Disk replacement surgery carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or implant failure. Finding a qualified spine specialist can help minimize the chances of related complications. 

At OLSS, we specialize in minimally-invasive spine surgery, including disk replacement surgery. Our team of spine specialists includes board-certified orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons with years of experience treating various types of spinal conditions. We employ the latest technology and techniques to offer our patients the most advanced care available. 

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

It is important to remember that the spine is composed of many moving parts. As with anything mechanical, it means that the structure will wear down over time and deteriorate to varying degrees. Some people get off easy, while others suffer from more serious problems such as osteoarthritis or sciatica. At the end of the day, there’s a very good chance that someone out there knows what you are going through.

Of course, the person most likely to empathize with you will be one of our award-winning Davenport orthopedic doctors who has decades of experience serving patients with your exact problems. We understand how something like a herniated disc (which may require disk replacement) or spinal trauma can disrupt your everyday life. We’re here to help get you through it. At OLSS, we’ll do whatever it takes to get you better. And unfortunately, that sometimes means opting for surgery.

Maybe you need surgery to help alleviate your ailments. If so, then know that it is certainly not the end of the world. Great strides have been made in the arena of minimally invasive surgical technologies, which now prove to be much safer than your traditional open back procedures. For example, if you have sciatica, a common surgical approach to remedy this problem is known as a microdiscectomy. During this procedure, a small portion of the disc material under the affected nerve root is removed by the performing surgeon. Traditionally, this procedure is an open surgery, but recent advancements have allowed for minimally invasive techniques to be utilized in its application. The goal here is to remove pressure off of the affected nerve root, thereby relieving pain. Research suggests that roughly 86% of patients experience relief following this procedure.

Contact Our Spine Surgeons in Davenport, FL Today

At Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery in Davenport, we understand the importance of personalized care and effective treatment when it comes to disk replacement surgery. Our experienced team is dedicated to listening to your concerns and providing you with the highest-quality care tailored to your needs.

Whether you require a minimally invasive procedure or a traditional open surgery, our goal remains the same: to accurately diagnose your condition and ensure a swift return to your daily activities. Minimally invasive procedures offer numerous advantages, including faster recovery times and less damage to surrounding tissues. However, in some cases, a traditional open surgery may be necessary for optimal results.

Whatever your situation, we are here to guide you through every step of your pain-free journey. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take your first steps towards a brighter, healthier future.