If you’re not an athlete, and your job doesn’t involve strenuous physical activity, you might think that chronic neck pain or pinched nerves that radiate pain shouldn’t have as much impact on your daily life. However, one doesn’t have to be lifting heavy objects or on their feet all day to be seriously impacted by this type of neck issue. Consider an attorney who alternates long hours in their office working on cases with appearances in court, where they need to be sharp, focused, and professional in front of judges and juries.
Hours of desk work and research can strain their neck, making the pain worse. That discomfort makes it difficult to sit through long court sessions, where it can be hard to take breaks because court schedules are so demanding. When pain flares up it can be hard to focus on arguments in the courtyard, making them anxious that they’ll be distracted and forget key details of the case at crucial moments. Pain makes it hard to sleep, so they feel exhausted and less prepared to face high-pressure days. They’re constantly self-conscious that their pain must be evident to everyone, affecting the judge and jury’s perception of their professionalism. Ultimately, they worry that if they can’t get a handle on the pain, they won’t be able to do their job effectively in the long run.
If the pain does not improve with physical therapy and other conservative measures, the next recommended step may be a surgical procedure to treat the underlying cause of chronic neck pain and nerve symptoms like radiating pain down the arm. Artificial disc replacement (ADR) and spinal fusion are both treatments that can be effective for relieving debilitating symptoms, but ADR is often considered a better option for maintaining mobility and functionality as compared to fusion. For professionals like attorneys who need to maintain comfort and mental focus, and who are likely to value being able to retain more natural movement, it is worth understanding the difference between the procedures and the potential effects of each.
If someone has a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc, the pressure it puts on the spinal column and nerves can cause both chronic and sharp pain, as well as numbness and tingling. Artificial disc replacement (ADR) addresses these symptoms by removing the affected disc and replacing it with an implant designed to function like a natural disc. Spinal fusion corrects the same issues by removing the disc and permanently connecting the two adjacent vertebrae with a bone graft. Here’s what you may be able to expect from each of these procedures when you’re considering your treatment goals:
Desired treatment outcomes | Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) | Spinal Fusion |
Preserving natural motion | Artificial discs are designed to replicate the natural movement of the cervical spine, retaining neck flexibility. This makes it possible to move the neck from side-to-side more easily, such as when looking from a computer monitor to a document or between different speakers during a court presentation. | Spinal fusion eliminates movement at the affected segment by fusing two or more vertebrae together. This can restrict neck motion and cause stiffness, which might make long workdays more uncomfortable. |
Faster recovery time | Recovery is typically quicker because the ADR is a minimally invasive procedure that doesn’t require bone healing. This is benefits professionals like attorneys who wish to minimize time away from work. | Recovery can take longer, as the bones need time to fuse. The extended time needed to heal can potentially delay a return to work or full productivity. |
Lowered risk of adjacent segment disease (ASD) and secondary surgeries | ADR allows you to return to a more active lifestyle with fewer restrictions. For an attorney, this means long court sessions and daily routines can be handled without worrying about neck stiffness. | The immobility of the fused segment can place extra stress on adjacent discs, increasing the likelihood of future issues and additional surgeries. |
Long-term pain relief | ADR effectively alleviates pain by removing the damaged disc and maintaining natural movement. This can reduce nerve compression and improve overall comfort. | Fusion also relieves pain by stabilizing the affected area. However, the loss of motion can sometimes cause lingering discomfort or strain elsewhere in the spine. |
Improved quality of life | Retaining neck mobility is especially valuable for professionals who sit for extended periods or need to move dynamically during their day. | While fusion stabilizes the spine, it might limit your ability to move freely, which can affect daily activities and professional performance. |
Active professional life with fewer restrictions | ADR allows you to return to a more active lifestyle with fewer restrictions. For an attorney, this means long court sessions and in daily routines can be handled without worrying about neck stiffness. | Fusion may limit activities requiring full neck mobility, which could be inconvenient in a fast-paced, professional environment. |
Maintaining professional appearance | With ADR, there is no post-surgical stiffness that could cause an attorney to look uncomfortable or distracted in court. | Restricted movement from spinal fusion may make discomfort more visible, which could affect your courtroom presence. |
Comfort during prolonged activities | ADR helps maintain a more natural posture and reduces the likelihood of chronic discomfort during long hours at a desk or in court. | Prolonged sitting or repetitive neck movements after spinal fusion may lead to increased strain and discomfort over time. |
While ADR is particularly suited for individuals who want to maintain an active lifestyle, not every patient is a good candidate for the procedure. Those with serious spinal instability, severe arthritis, multiple degenerated discs, and certain other spinal conditions may be better served by spinal fusion. Consulting a spine specialist with experience with both ADR and fusion is highly recommended to ensure that patients are treated with the best option for their individual circumstances and conditions.
If you’re experiencing chronic neck pain that is affecting your work, rest, and favorite activities, you want relief that gives you your life back. Board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Tiffany Rogers began her career in providing lasting solutions for neck and back pain as a physical therapist, which informs her approach of looking for the least invasive and effective option to accomplish your treatment goals. To get answers to your questions about ADR, spinal fusion, and which might be right for you, contact us here to schedule an appointment.