C5/6 Cervical Disk Replacement

[Itsamy1205]

I'm have a hurinated disk in C6 that they are wanting to do a Fusion or  Prodisc Replacement on.  What do you think is better & why.  I'm 40 & enjoy walking/jogging in 1/2 Marathons- so would love to be able to do them without the pain!!

Thanks-

[hopefulfuture2014]

I had a disc replacement c5-c6 in nov 2013. After a bad car accident I had 2 shoulder sugeries too. I have one hernated disc (c5 c6) and 2 buldging discs c4 c5 and c6 c7. After 5 years of trying everything including 14 steriod injections, burning of nerves in my neck, injected all 3 discs, injected all faucet joints. I finally went to see a surgeon. It was the best thing I ever did!  My dr and I decided a replacement was my best option given my other discs. Find a good dr and they will help you decide between a fusion or replacement. I will tell you it is painful but goes away. My dr went in from the front, moved my esophagus over to acess my spinal cord. my vertebra was collapsed so he had to put it back in place take out herninated disc and install new one. I have the plates screwed in and metal disc in middle. Replacement is a faster heal than fusion according to my dr. Of couse you need to do what is best for you. In my research I only found people who did fusions. For me a replacement was best I didnt have my old pain. My nerve was pinched in two dr though could be perminate but it wasn't. I am tapering off my pain meds and feeling great! Before I had 70% mobility now I can almost touch my chin to my shoulder, I can raise my arm above my head (I couldn't do that before without lots of pain) my dr thinks I will have 90%.  I wish you a speedy recovery with which ever surgery you choose!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
If the herniated disc is not falling back in place with treatment then yes, you may need surgery. The range of motion at the level of surgery is always better with disc replacement than with fusion (this causes considerable restriction of movement). Both disc replacement and fusion can bring pain relief. However, whether you are the right candidate for disc replacement or not can only be decided by your surgeon. Please consult your doctor regarding this. Take care!

The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.