TDR In the News: Cervical Disc Replacement Is a New Option to Treat Sports Spine Injuries
Per Orlando Health:
Weekend warriors and professional athletes know that neck pain, particularly from a herniated disc, can derail your sports endeavors. For those used to being active, sitting on the sidelines waiting to recover can be frustrating. And, if nonsurgical treatments fail, you may need a surgical solution. Doctors have traditionally performed fusion disc surgery, but a new option of cervical arthroplasty (i.e. cervical disc replacement) offers multiple benefits.
Getting Rid of That Pain in the Neck
If you have pain in your neck with weakness, tingling or a burning sensation in your arm, you may have a herniated disc. A herniated disc is a common source of neck or back pain. A disc is a soft, rubbery pad in the spinal column between the vertebrae that acts as a cushion or shock absorber. A disc is made up of a thick ring of cartilage surrounding a gel-like substance, or nucleus. If a disc herniates or ruptures, the nucleus pushes against the cartilage and toward the spinal column. This pressure causes a reaction in the spinal nerves, resulting in numbness or pain.
Herniated discs can be the result of an injury or from wear and tear of the area. With age, the discs can become less flexible and certain activities or lifestyle issues can weaken them, such as improper lifting, repetitive strenuous activities, sudden pressure, excessive body weight or smoking.
In many cases, nonsurgical treatments such as rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxers and cold compresses can help relieve immediate discomfort, and exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles can be used to keep the injury from recurring.
But if the pain doesn’t go away after treatment, surgery may necessary…
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