The location of your damaged disc along the spine determines the type of disc replacement you need.
The three types of disc replacement surgeries include:

• Lumbar disc replacement. This refers to the replacement of worn-out or damaged discs in the lower section of your spine. Your spinal surgeon replaces the damaged disc with an artificial part made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic. This procedure is an alternative to fusion.
• Artificial cervical disc replacement surgery. This surgery involves the removal of a damaged disc in your neck. The cervical spine is complex, even though it’s the smallest part of your spine. It holds your head up and facilitates a wide range of motion in your neck. When a disc fails, you need urgent surgery to replace the worn-out disc with an artificial one.
• Thoracic disc replacement surgery. This is a rare disc replacement surgery. Your doctor only performs this surgery if a herniated disc causes excruciating pain, myelopathy or nervous system issues.

During your initial consultation, your spine specialist examines your spine for symptoms of back pain and reviews your medical history. Diagnostic imaging reveals the location of disc damage, so your surgeon can prescribe the best disc replacement surgical procedure. The specialists at the NY and NJ Spine center have ten facilities, all equipped with the latest medical technology.