You have been told by a friend that you may have damaged cervical discs. Your movement is slower and every thing is more difficult when you bend over. You have tried walking, yoga, back massages and even weight training, but nothing seems to help. It is time to see a doctor about the possibility of damaged cervical discs. What kind of doctor should you see about disc replacement surgery and what should be the requirements he needs to perform surgery? Read on to discover the answers to these questions and more. Your doctor or Spine MD must be specialized and have the necessary experience in performing cervical disc replacement surgery.
When To Determine If You Are In Need of Disc Replacement Surgery?
Once you meet with your physician during your surgical consultation, he will tell you if you are eligible for surgery. The Disc Replacement Surgery is not done unless it can be determined that it will significantly improve the pain to your neck and/or back areas. The surgery is meant to relieve the pain so that a better quality of life can be obtained. You must be a good candidate for cervical Artificial Disc Replacement or ADR in order to have the surgery.
What Are The Requirement For Your Spine MD Before Disc Replacement Surgery?
An Orthopaedic surgeon in is responsible for opening up the disc space to remove the damaged discs and replace them with artificial discs. The Orthopaedic surgeon must have a 4 year undergraduate degree in pre-medicine or biology. After graduation from medical school, he does a 5 year residency and obtains his state medical license. After obtaining his state medical license, he is eligible to take the examinations that are required to become a board certified Orthopaedic surgeon.
When you meet with your doctor, you will probably undergo a series of tests to determine the source of your pain. The tests will help the doctor in determining the severity of the pain and if surgery as a last option is required. Remember to ask your doctor about anything dealing with your disc replacement surgery. Developing a treatment plan with your physician/surgeon that will lead to a healthy recovery should be your goal. Keeping track of your progress will also help. Write your questions down so that you will not forget them and have a trusted friend take you to the hospital for surgery. This will ensure that you have the best chance possible for a healthy recovery after your disc replacement surgery from your Spine MD.