Non Surgical Options

Candidates typically have persistent arm or leg symptoms, a matching abnormality on MRI, and limited improvement after structured non surgical care. Patients with progressive weakness or spinal cord compression may need earlier surgical evaluation.

A fusion joins two or more vertebrae so they heal into one solid unit, which stabilizes the segment but removes motion at that level. Motion preserving surgery, such as an artificial disc replacement, relieves the same nerve pressure while keeping natural movement. Fusion suits instability and certain causes of pain, while motion preservation suits selected patients with good alignment and mainly nerve related symptoms.

Often, yes. Most one level and two level procedures are performed on a same day basis, and patients go home the same day. A three level surgery, or a patient who lives far away or alone, may warrant an overnight stay. Your surgeon confirms the plan with you beforehand.

The clearest improvement is usually in the radiating arm or leg symptoms caused by a compressed nerve. Axial neck or back pain can improve too, though it may respond more gradually. Walking is the main activity for the first four weeks, and most patients return to everyday activity within weeks, with heavier work taking longer.

Bring any prior imaging such as MRI, CT, or x ray studies, ideally on a disc, along with the reports. Bring a current medication list, a short summary of your symptoms and what makes them better or worse, and a note of treatments you have already tried. Writing your questions down in advance, and bringing someone with you, makes the visit more useful.