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disc disease: artificial disc replacement. During this procedure, the degenerated disk is removed and replaced with an artificial replacement disc made of medical-grade metal.

According to two recent studies published in the SAS Journal of the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery and the Society for Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery, artificial disc replacement patients are “four times less likely to need additional surgery than those who had fusion operations.” In addition, disc replacement surgery allows more mobility in the spine and creates less stress on adjacent discs.

Of course, as with any type of surgery, the procedure does not come without its fair share of risks. Possible complications may include an infection in the area surrounding the artificial disc, dislodgement of the disc, stiffness or rigidity of the spine, and other problems associated with a poorly positioned implant.