Chronic back or neck pain affects millions worldwide, often due to age-related or injury-related degeneration of the spinal discs. As the spine’s natural “shock absorbers,” these discs provide cushioning and flexibility between the vertebrae. When they begin to deteriorate—a condition known as Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)—patients may experience persistent pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

Understanding Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

DDD occurs when spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity, leading to reduced cushioning and abnormal motion in the spine. Common symptoms include:

• Constant back or neck discomfort

• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or lifting

• Numbness or tingling from nerve irritation

• Limited flexibility or stiffness

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI scans. In most cases, non-surgical treatments—including physical therapy, pain-relief medications, and targeted injections—are recommended first.

When these conservative methods no longer provide adequate relief, surgical options like spinal fusion or total disc replacement (TDR) may be considered.

Spinal Fusion vs. Total Disc Replacement (TDR)

Spinal Fusion is the traditional approach, designed to stabilize the spine by permanently joining two or more vertebrae. While effective for reducing pain, fusion eliminates motion at the treated level, potentially placing greater stress on adjacent spinal segments.

Total Disc Replacement (TDR) offers a different path—preserving natural spinal movement by replacing the damaged disc with an artificial one.

Traditional ball-and-socket TDR devices (such as ProDisc®) help maintain range of motion but have certain limitations:

• Lack of true shock absorption

• Potential for excessive movement

• Risk of heterotopic ossification (HO), where abnormal bone growth may restrict motion over time

The AxioMed™ Freedom Disc™: Restoring Natural Motion

The AxioMed™ Freedom Disc™ represents the next evolution in motion-preserving spine technology. Unlike mechanical joint-based implants, this device uses a single-piece viscoelastic core designed to mimic the natural disc’s flexibility and shock absorption.

Key advantages include:

• Controlled, multi-directional motion similar to a healthy spinal disc

• Natural shock absorption to cushion spinal loads

• Reduced stress on adjacent segments, promoting long-term balance and mobility

By reproducing the mechanical properties of a healthy disc, the Freedom Disc™ provides a more physiological, long-lasting solution than traditional TDR designs.

The LESS™ Approach: Patient-Centered Spine Care

At the LESS™ Society, total disc replacement aligns seamlessly with the Less Exposure Spine Surgery (LESS) philosophy—a patient-first approach that emphasizes precision, minimal disruption, and faster recovery. Guided by the R.E.P. principles, surgeons aim to:

• Restore Function – Help patients regain movement and relieve pain.

• Early Intervention – Address spine problems before they progress to severe degeneration.

• Preserve Anatomy – Minimize tissue damage and maintain healthy spinal structures.

This approach not only enhances recovery but also aligns with modern surgical goals of preserving natural anatomy and motion.

Is Total Disc Replacement Right for You?

Patients who may benefit from TDR typically have:

• Disc-related pain at one or two spinal levels

• No severe arthritis, instability, or osteoporosis

• A desire to maintain motion and reduce long-term stress on the spine

Recovery after TDR varies, but many patients return to normal activities sooner than after spinal fusion, especially when combined with personalized physical therapy and rehabilitation.

A Future Focused on Motion Preservation

The evolution from fusion to viscoelastic total disc replacement represents a significant leap forward in spine care. With the AxioMed™ Freedom Disc™ and the LESS™ surgical philosophy, patients now have access to safer, more natural, and motion-preserving solutions for back pain.

If you’re living with chronic disc-related pain, talk to a LESS™-trained spine specialist about whether total disc replacement could be right for you. By restoring natural motion and preserving spinal health, this innovative procedure offers renewed comfort, confidence, and freedom of movement.

References:
(Adapted from Chebrolu S., Ilogu C.C., Chin K.R. et al., LESS Society, 2024)

Sukanya Rao, KIC Ventures