
Disc Replacement Surgery: Your Complete Guide to a Strong Recovery

Disc replacement surgery isn’t the first line of defense against back pain, but if you have osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, or degenerative disc disease that isn’t responding to other treatments, then disc replacement can be a great option.
The goal of disc replacement surgery is to eliminate your chronic back pain and improve your quality of life, and all of this starts during your recovery.
Below, Dr. John Regan and the Spine Group Beverly Hills share eight tips to make the most out of your recovery period.
1. Learn more about your surgery
A strong recovery starts by learning more about your specific surgery, what to expect during the surgery, and how that impacts your recovery.
During disc replacement surgery, Dr. Regan removes the damaged cervical or lumbar disc and replaces it with an artificial one. Unlike spinal fusion, disc replacement preserves your spine’s flexibility, which provides more natural movement after recovery.
When possible, Dr. Regan utilizes minimally invasive surgical techniques to replace your disc. Minimally invasive surgeries require smaller incisions, which means less bleeding and a faster recovery.
2. Set up your home for a successful recovery
Even before your surgery, you can take steps to make sure you have a smooth recovery. Your home environment should be set up for a comfortable recovery.
You might:
- Stock up on household essentials (like toilet paper and food) to limit unnecessary trips to the store
- Prepare meals in advance (or purchase freezer meals)
- Set up a comfortable space for resting
If you have stairs in your home, consider setting up temporary recovery stations on your main floor to limit trips up and down the stairs.
3. Stay on top of your pain
Some degree of discomfort is to be expected after any surgery. Dr. Regan and the Spine Group Beverly Hills team provide you with a pain management plan that may include prescription medications to minimize your discomfort.
Stick to your medication schedule, and take your pain medication as directed by Dr. Regan. If needed, set a reminder on your phone to take your medication. You might also want to keep a notepad next to your bed or couch to write down when you took your medication and when to take your next dose.
4. Stick with your physical therapy exercises
Physical therapy is an important part of post-surgery recovery, and disc replacement is no exception. Physical therapy helps to restore your strength and mobility.
Within the first few weeks, your physical therapist guides you through gentle exercises designed to improve circulation, build core strength, and enhance spine stability without putting stress on your surgical site. These are often referred to as passive exercises.
As your body heals, your therapist gradually introduces more challenging exercises to help rebuild your muscles, prevent stiffness, and boost flexibility.
Try setting an alarm on your phone each day as a reminder to complete your prescribed post-surgery exercises.
5. Adhere to the mobility restrictions
It’s tempting to get back into your normal routine but be sure to adhere to any mobility restrictions given to you. Don’t do any heavy lifting, bending, or twisting movements until you’re cleared to do so.
6. Eat nutritious foods
Your post-op diet can either help you recover — or slow you down.
Initially, you may want bland foods, especially if you felt a little nauseous from the anesthesia. Try mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, yogurt, or toast.
In the days after your surgery, your body needs lean proteins to rebuild and repair. You also need to focus on fiber — opioid pain medication can slow down digestion — so eat plenty of 100% whole grains (like oatmeal), fruits, and vegetables. During recovery, avoid processed foods, fried foods, and alcohol.
7. Stop smoking
If you smoke, consider stopping before your surgery. Smoking can increase your risk of surgery complications. That’s true whether you’re having spinal surgery or any other type of surgery. If possible, try to stop at least four weeks before your surgery. The World Health Organization finds that those who stop a month before their surgery had fewer complications.
8. Speak up if you have concerns
If you have concerns during your recovery, don’t brush them off. The sooner you speak up, the sooner you can get the answers you need. For example, if you suspect you have an infection at your incision, speaking up sooner means that you can get the antibiotic you need to squash the infection.
Questions about your upcoming disc replacement surgery? You can reach our friendly team at 424-238-3281. You can also request an appointment online.
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