Lumbar Disc Replacement in Southeast Texas
Chronic lower back pain caused by degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc can severely impact your quality of life. At The Spine Institute of Southeast Texas, Dr. Thomas L. Jones II specializes in lumbar disc replacement, a cutting-edge procedure that relieves pain while maintaining spinal motion.
What Is Lumbar Disc Replacement?
Lumbar disc replacement is a motion-preserving surgical option designed to replace a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one. Unlike spinal fusion, which restricts movement by permanently joining two vertebrae, lumbar disc replacement helps maintain natural flexibility, reducing stress on surrounding discs.
Benefits of Lumbar Disc Replacement
Patients who undergo lumbar disc replacement may experience:
✅ Significant Pain Relief – Reduces pressure on compressed nerves
✅ Preserved Mobility – Maintains natural movement of the lower back
✅ Faster Recovery – Quicker return to daily activities compared to spinal fusion
✅ Lower Risk of Adjacent Disc Disease – Reduces stress on nearby discs, decreasing the likelihood of future issues
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a good candidate for lumbar disc replacement if you have:
- Persistent lower back pain that hasn’t improved with conservative treatments
- A diagnosis of degenerative disc disease or a lumbar herniated disc
- No significant spinal instability or advanced arthritis
- Good overall spinal alignment and bone health
During your consultation, Dr. Thomas L. Jones II will perform a comprehensive evaluation, including imaging studies, to determine if lumbar disc replacement is the best treatment for you.
The Procedure
Lumbar disc replacement is a motion-preserving surgical option designed to replace a damaged spinal disc with an artificial one. Unlike spinal fusion, which restricts movement by permanently joining two vertebrae, lumbar disc replacement helps maintain natural flexibility, reducing stress on surrounding discs.
Recovery & Results
Patients often notice symptom improvement within weeks, with full recovery in a few months. A customized physical therapy plan may be recommended to support healing and restore strength. Since the artificial disc maintains flexibility, patients frequently experience a more natural range of motion compared to spinal fusion surgery.