Motion-Preserving Spine Treatments
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)
Relieve neck pain while preserving natural movement.
Living With
Disc pain does not have to mean giving up motion
Chronic neck or low back pain caused by disc degeneration or herniation can affect nearly every part of your life. Sitting, standing, sleeping, exercising, and working can become difficult and exhausting. Many patients worry that surgery automatically means losing flexibility and living with permanent stiffness.
At Spine Motion Specialists, we approach care differently. Our philosophy is simple: your spine was designed to move. When surgery is necessary, we focus on solutions that relieve pain while protecting long-term mobility and function.
What is artificial disc replacement and how does it work?
Artificial Disc Replacement, also called ADR, is a motion-preserving surgical procedure designed to replace a damaged or degenerated spinal disc with an artificial implant.
Unlike spinal fusion, which permanently joins two vertebrae together, ADR restores disc height and maintains natural movement between spinal segments. This allows the spine to continue bending, rotating, and absorbing forces in a more natural way.
Artificial disc replacement is available for both the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine. The goal is to relieve pain caused by degenerative disc disease or disc herniation while preserving normal spinal flexibility and function.
Dr. Hodges carefully selects the most appropriate device and approach based on each patient’s anatomy, alignment, and long-term goals.
Who is a
Good Candidate
Artificial disc replacement may be an option for patients who:
- Have chronic neck or low back pain caused by disc degeneration or herniation
• Have not found relief with physical therapy, medications, or injections
• Have single or multi-level disc disease
• Have healthy bone quality
• Maintain good spinal alignment
• Have minimal facet joint disease or instability
Dr. Hodges performs a comprehensive evaluation that includes advanced imaging and motion assessment to determine whether ADR is the safest and most effective option for you.
Every recommendation is personalized and based on your unique anatomy and goals.
What Happens
During The Procedure
During artificial disc replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged disc through a small incision in the neck or lumbar spine, carefully preparing the surrounding vertebrae for placement of the artificial disc implant. The artificial disc is then positioned in the disc space to restore normal spacing and motion between the vertebrae. The surgery is performed with precision imaging and specialized instruments, ensuring optimal alignment and minimal tissue disruption. Proper alignment and device sizing ensures that the patient’s physiological alignment can be restored.
Most patients are able to begin gentle movement soon after surgery and experience quicker recovery compared to fusion procedures.
What are the benefits
Artificial disc replacement offers several advantages over traditional fusion surgery.
Preserves natural motion
ADR maintains movement at the treated level, helping preserve flexibility and function.
Protects surrounding spinal levels
By keeping motion intact, ADR may reduce stress on nearby discs and joints.
Faster recovery
Many patients return to daily activities sooner compared to fusion.
Reduced stiffness
Maintaining movement helps prevent the rigid feeling that can follow fusion surgery.
Long-term spine health
Preserving normal biomechanics supports healthier spinal function over time.
For many patients, this means
Lasting pain relief without sacrificing mobility.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery varies based on your overall health and the level treated, but most patients experience a quicker recovery than with fusion surgery.
Hospital stay
Many patients go home the same day or after an overnight stay.
Return to work
Light or desk work may be possible within 1 to 2 weeks. More physical jobs may require additional recovery time.
Physical therapy
Targeted therapy may begin after surgery to restore strength, flexibility, and confidence in movement.
Dr. Hodges will guide you through each phase of recovery with a personalized plan.
Why Spine Motion Specialists?
Your care plan is built around your goals, your movement, and your lifestyle, never a protocol.
Dr. Scott Hodges brings 35+ years of experience and a deep understanding of spine biomechanics to every patient visit.
Fusion-free philosophy
Motion-preserving expertise
Concierge, one-on-one care
Extended 60–90 minute consults
Virtual visits available for travel patients
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Artificial Disc Replacement and Cervical or Lumbar Disc Replacement?
There is no difference in the procedure itself. Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is the general term used to describe replacing a damaged spinal disc with an artificial implant. When the procedure is performed in the neck, it is called cervical disc replacement, and when it is performed in the lower back, it is called lumbar disc replacement.
You may also hear this procedure referred to as disc arthroplasty, which is the medical term for the surgical reconstruction or replacement of a joint. In the spine, this refers to restoring disc function while preserving natural movement.
These terms all describe the same category of motion-preserving surgery. The specific name simply reflects the location in the spine where the procedure is performed.
Is Artificial Disc Replacement better than Spinal Fusion?
For many patients, yes. Artificial Disc Replacement is designed to preserve natural motion at the treated spinal level, allowing the spine to continue bending, rotating, and absorbing forces more normally than after fusion.
Multiple clinical studies and long-term outcome data have shown that, in appropriately selected patients, ADR can provide pain relief that is equal to or better than fusion while also maintaining mobility. Preserving motion helps reduce abnormal stress on the surrounding discs and joints, which may lower the risk of adjacent segment degeneration over time.
Patients who undergo ADR often experience:
- Greater flexibility
• Less postoperative stiffness
• Faster return to activity
• Improved long-term function
That said, ADR is not the right solution for every patient. Factors such as bone quality, facet joint health, spinal stability, and overall alignment must be carefully evaluated.
Dr. Hodges reviews each case individually to determine whether artificial disc replacement, another motion-preserving procedure, or an alternative approach is safest and most effective for your specific condition and long-term goals.
Can more than one disc be replaced?
Yes, certain patients may qualify for multi-level artificial disc replacement depending on their anatomy, overall spine health, disc condition, and spinal alignment.
Dr. Hodges carefully evaluates factors such as bone quality, facet joint health, stability, and how your spine moves as a whole before recommending multi-level disc replacement. Not every patient is a candidate for treating multiple levels, and in some situations, a different motion-preserving approach may be more appropriate.
This thorough evaluation ensures that any recommended treatment is both safe and aligned with your long-term mobility and function goals.
What if I have been told fusion is my only option?
It is very common for patients to be told that spinal fusion is their only surgical option, especially when disc degeneration or chronic pain is involved. For many years, fusion was the most widely available surgical solution, and some providers may still default to it without fully exploring newer alternatives.
Advances in artificial disc replacement and motion-preserving technologies have expanded treatment options for many patients. In appropriately selected cases, ADR may relieve pain while preserving mobility and supporting healthier long-term spinal mechanics.
Dr. Hodges specializes in evaluating patients who are seeking alternatives to fusion. Through a detailed review of your imaging, biomechanics, and personal goals, he can determine whether a motion-preserving option may be appropriate for your condition.
A second opinion can provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind as you consider the best path forward for your long-term health and quality of life.
Will I be able to return to normal activities?
For most patients, yes. One of the primary goals of artificial disc replacement is to help you return to daily activities, work, exercise, and the hobbies you enjoy without ongoing pain or stiffness.
Because ADR preserves natural motion, many patients experience greater flexibility and confidence in movement compared to fusion. After surgery, you will gradually progress through recovery phases that allow your body to heal while safely rebuilding strength and mobility.
Dr. Hodges will provide personalized guidance on activity timelines based on your specific procedure, overall health, and recovery progress. This includes recommendations for returning to work, physical activity, and sports. Our goal is not just pain relief, but helping you move comfortably and confidently long term.
Take the next step
Not sure if artificial disc replacement is right for you? A consultation can help you understand your options and make a confident decision.
