Degenerative (cervical) disc disease is a painful condition that becomes more common as we age. When discs in the vertebrae start to collapse and lose fluid over time, intense pressure can build up on the spinal cord when the bones rub together then resulting in excruciating neck and back pain.
How do you treat degenerative disc disease?
Typical treatment for this condition may start with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or cortisone injections to manage the pain.
In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to achieve relief. Spinal fusion surgery is the traditional method to close these painful gaps in the spine by “welding” tiny bones in the vertebrae together that were once grinding against each other.
One alternative to spinal fusion surgery is a procedure known as artificial cervical disc replacement.
Disc replacement offers a faster recovery time than spinal surgery and a more natural range of motion in the back and neck. This is accomplished by replacing the deteriorated disc with a healthier, artificial version.
One form of artificial disc replacement is with the Mobi-C cervical disc replacement.
What is the Mobi-C cervical disc replacement?
The Mobi-C artificial disc is a flexible polyethylene device designed to easily self-adjust to natural spinal movements, allowing for a great ranger of motion than any other manufactured disc replacements.
According to Dr. Atilla Onan, one of our fellowship-trained spine surgeons, disc replacement with Mobi-C is a safe and effective alternative to traditional spine surgery.
Dr. Onan says the benefits associated with Mobi-C include:
- Fewer risks and complications than with spine surgery
- More flexibility throughout the back and neck
- Less need for subsequent disc replacements and surgeries
To make an appointment to discuss Mobi-C disc replacement with Dr. Onan, or any one of our spine specialists, please contact us online anytime.
Texas Orthopedics has several convenient locations throughout Central Texas, including our newest one in Lakeway where we are currently putting the finishing touches on our brand-new permanent building.
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(Adapted from Zimmer Biomet)
