Get Your Neck Movement Back with Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement (also known as cervical arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged discs in your neck with artificial disc implants designed to preserve natural movement.
Tired of neck pain limiting what you can do? This innovative procedure could be the answer you’ve been looking for. Rather than fusing the vertebrae of your spine together, disc replacement gives you an artificial disc that preserves the natural motion of your neck. Our skilled spine surgeons help you get back to turning your head freely—whether you’re backing out of the driveway, playing with your kids, or simply sleeping through the night.
Understanding Cervical Disc Replacement
Cervical disc replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged discs with artificial disc implants. Unlike fusion surgery, which may limit movement when vertebrae are fused together, disc replacement preserves natural neck motion. The artificial disc functions like your original healthy disc, allowing flexion, extension, and rotation while eliminating pain from degenerative disc disease or herniated discs.
The ideal candidate usually has neck pain or arm symptoms from a damaged disc and pinched nerves that hasn’t improved with physical therapy, medications, or injections. Additionally, younger, active patients often benefit most from keeping their movement.
Most patients are moving around comfortably within a few days and back to light activities within a couple of weeks. Full recovery usually happens within 1-2 months, though everyone heals at their own pace.
Keep Your Neck Moving Naturally
Our motion-preserving approach gives you back the life you’ve been missing.
Single-Level Disc Replacement
One damaged disc shouldn’t limit your entire neck. This procedure replaces just the problematic disc with an advanced artificial disc that moves naturally. Single-level replacement preserves motion while eliminating the pain source you’ve been dealing with.
Multi-Level Disc Replacement
When multiple discs need attention, we can address them comprehensively in one procedure. This approach replaces several damaged discs while maintaining natural neck movement across multiple spinal segments and providing complete relief.
Total Disc Replacement
This comprehensive procedure replaces damaged discs with state-of-the-art artificial discs designed for natural flexion, extension, and rotation. Total disc replacement restores your neck’s full range of motion while eliminating pain from degenerative disc disease.
Smaller Cuts, Faster Healing
Nobody wants a big scar or lengthy recovery. Our minimally invasive techniques get you the same great results through tiny incisions that heal beautifully.
Minimally Invasive Discectomy
Discectomy is a critical step in the cervical disc replacement process. Before your disc is replaced, the existing disc needs to be removed. This advanced technique removes herniated disc material through smaller incisions, significantly reducing muscle damage and promoting faster healing. You get the same nerve decompression as traditional surgery with less tissue disruption.
Meet Our Cervical Spine Surgeons
Our surgeons don’t just perform procedures—they understand that your neck pain affects everything from job performance to family time. They’re not happy until you’re back to living life on your terms.
Your Insurance Works Here
At Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, we’re one of the few neurosurgical practices in the state that accepts all major insurance plans. Partnered with a vast network of in-network insurance providers, we work with you to get the care you deserve, making high-quality spine care more accessible. Our insurance specialists can check your coverage and help navigate the approval process with you.
Ready to Turn Your Head Without Wincing?
Life’s too short to live with neck pain. Our team has helped thousands of patients get back to the activities they love. Your consultation could be the first step toward getting your life back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I really keep my neck movement?
Absolutely! Disc replacement is designed to preserve your natural range of motion. You’ll be able to look over your shoulder while driving, nod during conversations, and sleep in your favorite position. Most patients are amazed at how normal their neck feels once they’ve healed.
What if something goes wrong with the artificial disc?
While serious complications are extremely uncommon, we understand this concern. Modern artificial discs are incredibly well-engineered and tested extensively before they reach patients. That said, like any medical device, there’s a rare chance of issues like loosening, wear, or positioning problems over many years. The good news? We monitor your progress closely with regular check-ups, and if something does need attention down the road, we have options to address it.
Will I feel the artificial disc in my neck?
The artificial disc is designed to feel completely natural. During the first few weeks after surgery, you might be aware that “something happened” in that area, but this sensation fades as you heal.
Can you replace more than one disc at a time?
Yes, and we do this regularly for patients who have multiple problem discs. Multi-level disc replacement is more complex, but it offers the huge advantage of preserving movement across several segments of your neck.
What is Disc Replacement surgery like?
We make a small incision in the front of your neck (usually less than 2 inches) to access the damaged disc. After carefully removing the old disc, we position the artificial disc perfectly between your vertebrae. The whole procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, and most patients spend just one night in the hospital. You’ll be amazed at how manageable the whole experience is.
Will this finally get rid of my arm pain and numbness?
For most patients, yes! That shooting pain down your arm and those annoying tingles in your fingers usually come from the damaged disc pressing on nerves. Once we remove that pressure and replace the disc, those symptoms typically improve dramatically. Some patients notice relief immediately, while others see gradual improvement over a few weeks as their nerves heal. The key is that we’re addressing the root cause of your problem, not just masking the symptoms.
How long will my artificial disc last?
These devices are built to go the distance. Most artificial discs are designed to last decades with normal use. The materials are incredibly durable—we’re talking about technology that’s been refined over years of research and real-world use. While no medical device lasts forever, many patients enjoy 20+ years of excellent function from their artificial disc.