Degenerative disc disease occurs when the spinal discs begin to wear down or lose hydration over time. As the discs deteriorate, they may become less effective at cushioning the vertebrae, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

A herniated disc can cause pain when part of the disc shifts out of place and presses against nearby spinal nerves. Because there is limited space within the spinal canal, this pressure may irritate the nerve and lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

The best way to determine whether artificial disc replacement is right for you is through a detailed evaluation with a spine specialist. Age alone may not rule out ADR, but factors such as bone quality, spinal anatomy, arthritis, osteoporosis, and overall health can affect whether the procedure is appropriate.

During spine surgery, spinal cord monitoring may be used to help protect the nervous system. Small wires and electrodes are placed on the skin and muscles to track nerve signals in real time. If the monitoring system detects a meaningful change, the surgical team is alerted so they can respond immediately and take appropriate steps to help maintain patient safety.

Artificial disc replacement has been studied at the 5-year and 10-year marks, with research showing strong outcomes for properly selected patients, including lasting pain relief, improved function, and preserved motion.

Before ADR, spinal fusion was often the standard surgical option for damaged discs. While fusion can be effective, it limits movement at the treated level and may place more stress on the discs above and below it. Over time, this can contribute to adjacent segment disease and increase the chance of future surgery.

Because ADR is designed to maintain motion, it may help reduce stress on neighboring spinal levels and lower the likelihood of another procedure in the future.