Why Movement Should Be the Goal in Spine Surgery

When patients come to me with chronic neck or lower back pain, one of the first things we talk about is what they want their life to look like after surgery. Some are hoping to get back to work. Others want to play golf, pick up their kids, or just move without pain. Across the board, the one thing they all want is this: to move better.

For years, the most common surgical solution for severe spine problems was spinal fusion. While it remains an important tool in certain cases, fusion limits motion. It stabilizes the spine, but at the cost of flexibility. That tradeoff can lead to long-term challenges.

Today, there is a better option for many people — artificial disk replacement. Instead of locking the spine in place, this procedure preserves motion and keeps the spine working the way it was designed to.

Understanding Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion has been around for decades. In this procedure, two or more vertebrae are joined together using bone grafts, rods, or screws. The goal is to stop painful motion between the bones, relieve nerve pressure, and restore stability.

For some patients, fusion is still the right choice. It is often used for severe deformities, fractures, or conditions involving instability. However, it also comes with some drawbacks.

When you fuse part of the spine, the segments above and below take on more stress. Over time, that stress can lead to new problems in the healthy areas — something we call adjacent segment disease. In many cases, this results in more surgery years later.

Fusion can also reduce range of motion and cause stiffness that limits daily activities.

What Is Artificial Disk Replacement

Artificial disk replacement (ADR) is a surgical procedure that removes a damaged spinal disk and replaces it with an implant designed to mimic the natural motion of the spine.

These implants are made with advanced materials like titanium and medical-grade plastic, and they allow for flexion, extension, and rotation — all the ways your spine is meant to move.

The goal of ADR is to relieve pain, protect nearby spinal levels, and help patients return to a more active lifestyle.

The Benefits of Motion Preservation

One of the biggest reasons I recommend artificial disk replacement to my patients is that it keeps them moving.

Here are some of the advantages I see with ADR:

• Faster recovery because we can often use a smaller incision and less muscle disruption
  
• Reduced need for future surgery since the motion is preserved and stress on nearby discs is minimized
  
• Better long-term satisfaction because patients retain flexibility and mobility
  
• Lower rate of adjacent segment disease compared to spinal fusion in appropriate candidates
  

For patients who are active and want to stay that way, preserving motion is critical.

Improvements in Disk Technology

Artificial disks have come a long way since they were first introduced. Early versions were helpful but lacked the durability and flexibility of newer designs.

Today’s implants are built to last. They move smoothly, absorb shock, and stay in place even with regular use. Engineers and surgeons now work together to make sure these disks replicate natural spinal motion as closely as possible.

I use robotic-assisted tools and advanced imaging to ensure the implant is placed precisely. That precision makes a big difference in how well the implant performs and how quickly a patient recovers.

Real Results from Real People

Let me share a quick story about a recent patient. She was in her early fifties and had been dealing with chronic neck pain and arm numbness for years. Several providers had recommended a fusion, but after reviewing her imaging and talking through her goals, I felt she was a good candidate for a cervical artificial disk replacement.

The surgery took less than two hours. She went home the next day. By her two-week follow-up, her arm symptoms had resolved, and she could move her neck freely. Three months later, she was back to cycling and hiking.

It is stories like hers that remind me why motion matters so much in spine care.

Who Is a Good Candidate

Artificial disk replacement is not for everyone, but many patients are surprised to learn that they qualify.

Good candidates often include people who:

• Have disc problems at one or two levels of the spine
  
• Have no major spinal deformities or instability
  
• Have not responded to conservative treatments
  
• Want to maintain motion and avoid fusion
  

During an evaluation, we use imaging and physical exams to determine if the spine is stable enough to support an artificial disk. When the answer is yes, the results can be life changing.

Looking Toward the Future of Spine Surgery

As a neurosurgeon, I have dedicated much of my career to helping people regain their strength, movement, and quality of life. Artificial disk replacement has become one of the most powerful tools I use to make that happen.

The future of spine care is not just about stopping pain. It is about helping people move better, live longer, and avoid unnecessary surgeries down the line.

Technology will continue to evolve, and I believe artificial disks will become even more advanced — smarter, more adaptable, and longer-lasting. But even today, we already have the tools to help many people live free from pain without losing their mobility.

If you are facing the possibility of spinal fusion, ask about your options. You may discover that motion is not something you have to give up. In fact, it may be the very thing that gets you your life back.