The doctors will run a few diagnostic and blood tests to see if you are eligible for the procedure. The symptoms that can make you a candidate for artificial disc replacement are-

• Back pain due to problematic intervertebral discs.

• No history of spine surgery

• No excessive body weight

• No signs of deformity, as in scoliosis.

• You will be asked to go through some tests to identify the extent of your condition.

• The consumption of alcohol and smoking should be stopped.

• You must share your allergies to certain drugs with your doctor.

• You are advised to share your ongoing medications with your doctor as some changes can be made to the doses till the surgery is done and well-healed.

• You will be asked to fast for a few hours before the surgery.

• After the surgery, you will need a caretaker to assist you in certain activities, hence you should arrange this beforehand.

• The procedure will take around 2-3 hours.

• You will be put under general anesthesia and an incision will be made on your lower back to expose the area of disc replacement.

• The organs and blood vessels will be moved aside until the artificial disc/discs will be placed.

• After the implantation of the artificial disc is done, the surgeon will move your organs and blood vessels to their original place and close the incision with sutures.

• After the procedure, you will be required to stay at the hospital for as long as 3 days and can be discharged as per your pain management and recovery status.

• The treatment team may make you stand and walk on the day of surgery itself.

• The recovery period of artificial disc replacement will be faster compared to other spinal surgeries as the process does not require the healing of bones.

• Your recovery period may take a few weeks to months and you will have to follow certain routines to boost up your recovery.

• You will be recommended physiotherapy sessions where the doctors will help you to move properly and assign you a few exercises.

• As the sessions yield positive results, you may perform some stretching exercises. Overexertion on the spine should be prohibited until complete recovery.