26 Aug Why I Chose Disc Replacement Over Spinal Fusion + 5 Weeks Post-Surgery Reality Check with Dr. Jared Ament
Are you tired of being told that spinal fusion is your only option for chronic back pain? What if I told you there’s a motion-preserving alternative that could change everything about how you move, sleep, and live?
As someone who spent eight years navigating the complex world of back pain, degenerative disc disease, and surgical options, I know firsthand how overwhelming and confusing this journey can be. When I finally discovered disc replacement surgery, it felt like finding a hidden door that had been there all along—but nobody had bothered to show me where it was.
Today, I’m sharing my conversation with my neurosurgeon, Dr. Jared Ament, who performed my L5S1 disc replacement just five weeks ago. This isn’t just another medical interview—it’s a deep dive into why fusion has dominated spine surgery for decades, how disc replacement technology has evolved, and why more women in midlife deserve to know about this option.
Why I Needed to Share This Story
For two decades, I lived with degenerative disc disease. Eight years ago, I experienced a complete disc rupture that changed my relationship with my body entirely. I couldn’t bend over a sink to brush my teeth without bracing myself. Sneezing required holding onto furniture. My hip pain was so severe I’d wake up every morning in agony.
But here’s what really matters: I spent years being told my options were limited. Fusion surgery. Maybe another minimally invasive procedure that would only buy me time. The idea of preserving my natural spinal motion seemed like wishful thinking.
If you’ve been told similar things, or if you’re watching a loved one struggle with these decisions, this conversation could be the game-changer you’ve been looking for.
The Fusion Fallacy: Why Motion Preservation Should Be Standard Care
Dr. Ament shared something that shocked me: lumbar disc replacement has over 20 years of published data and more than 1,000 peer-reviewed publications supporting its effectiveness. Yet many insurance companies still label it “experimental.”
The reason fusion became the standard isn’t because it’s the best option—it’s because it was the only option for decades. As Dr. Ament explained, fusion technology originally came from trauma cases where stabilizing a severely injured spine was the priority. But applying emergency medicine protocols to cases like mine? That’s like using a sledgehammer when you need a precision tool.
Think about it this way: when you have a bad hip or knee, do doctors recommend locking the joint in place? Of course not. They replace it with a functioning joint that preserves movement. Yet in spine surgery, fusion—essentially locking vertebrae together—remained the go-to solution long after better technology became available.
The Real Story Behind Disc Replacement Success Rates
Here’s what most people don’t know: disc replacement success rates have jumped from 60-70% to over 90% with newer technology and improved surgical techniques. Dr. Ament’s practice sees success rates of 96.5% for lumbar procedures and 98% for cervical (neck) procedures.
But success isn’t just about avoiding complications—it’s about preserving the way your spine is supposed to work. When you fuse a segment of your spine, you’re essentially creating a rigid block in what should be a fluid, moving system. This often leads to increased wear and tear on adjacent segments, potentially requiring additional surgeries down the road.
With disc replacement, you’re restoring your original anatomy. The artificial disc is designed to move like your natural disc, maintaining the biomechanics your spine was designed for.
What Nobody Tells You About Living with Spine Problems
The psychological and emotional toll of chronic back pain extends far beyond the physical discomfort. I found myself withdrawing from activities I loved, declining social invitations, and even avoiding photos because I couldn’t stand the way pain changed my posture and expression.
Dr. Ament emphasized something crucial: pain isn’t just “in your head,” but it’s also not purely mechanical. The brain’s perception of pain can create a cascade of stress hormones and inflammatory responses that affect everything from sleep to vision. (Interestingly, my left eye clarity improved dramatically after surgery—something neither of us fully expected.)
This mind-body connection means that addressing the mechanical problem often resolves issues you might not have even connected to your spine. My hip pain disappeared. The constant muscle tension in my legs resolved. I could suddenly sit comfortably, bend over normally, and sneeze without bracing myself.
The Technology Behind Modern Disc Replacement
The disc I received is made of titanium and cobalt alloy end plates with a polyethylene ketone core—essentially medical-grade materials that have been tested for millions of movement cycles. According to FDA testing, these materials should last a human lifetime.
The titanium end plates are designed to integrate with your bone (which you want), while the core remains mobile (which you need for movement). It’s a sophisticated piece of bioengineering that’s far removed from the early disc replacement attempts that gave the procedure a bad reputation years ago.
Recovery: Motion Preservation vs. Fusion
The recovery difference between fusion and disc replacement is substantial. With fusion, you’re waiting for bone to grow and create a solid connection between vertebrae—a process that can take 6-12 months. During this time, you risk disrupting the fusion if you move too aggressively.
With disc replacement, the healing process focuses on the titanium end plates integrating with your existing bone, which typically takes about six weeks. This means you can return to most activities much sooner. By three months, virtually nothing is off-limits.
My personal experience: I was walking the day of surgery, doing light exercises within weeks, and feeling dramatically better within a month. The pain I experienced post-surgery was completely different from my chronic back pain—it was muscle adjustment pain as my body adapted to its newly restored anatomy.
When Disc Replacement Isn’t the Answer
Dr. Ament is refreshingly honest about when surgery isn’t appropriate. He operates on only about 15% of the patients who consult with him. The goal isn’t to push people toward surgery but to find the right solution when conservative treatments aren’t enough.
Some considerations include:
- Severe nickel allergies (the disc contains trace amounts)
- Certain anatomical variations
- Cases where fusion is genuinely the better option
- Patients who aren’t candidates for the anterior (front) approach
We also discussed alternative treatments like stem cells and PRP. While these can help with inflammation and pain management, current technology doesn’t allow for true disc regeneration. These treatments might buy you time and reduce symptoms, but they won’t restore a severely degenerated disc.
The Insurance Problem
Here’s the frustrating reality: many insurance companies still won’t cover disc replacement, despite its extensive research base and superior outcomes in appropriate cases. Meanwhile, they’ll readily approve fusion procedures.
Dr. Ament shared his theory that this isn’t just about money—though financial incentives certainly play a role. Fusion procedures can be coded in multiple ways, creating more billing opportunities. Disc replacement uses a single code. There may also be relationships between insurance companies and the established fusion industry that make change slow to come.
Many patients, including myself, end up paying out of pocket for disc replacement. While this isn’t financially accessible for everyone, it’s worth considering the long-term costs of ongoing pain management, potential additional surgeries, and reduced quality of life.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
If you’re considering spine surgery, here are essential questions based on my experience:
- Am I a candidate for disc replacement, and if not, why specifically?
- What are your success rates with both fusion and disc replacement?
- How many disc replacement procedures do you perform annually?
- Can you explain why you recommend fusion over motion preservation for my case?
- What are the long-term implications for adjacent segments with fusion?
- Do you have before/after movement studies showing disc replacement function?
The Bigger Picture: Rethinking Midlife Health Decisions
This experience taught me something important about advocating for yourself in healthcare. Just because something is “standard of care” doesn’t mean it’s the best option for you. Just because your first doctor recommends one approach doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore alternatives.
For women in midlife especially, we’re often told that pain and limitation are just part of aging. We’re encouraged to “manage” our conditions rather than truly address them. But maintaining mobility, strength, and function isn’t vanity—it’s essential for long-term health and independence.
My Results Five Weeks Later
As I record this conversation with Dr. Ament, I’m sitting comfortably—something I couldn’t do pain-free for years. I can bend over, sneeze normally, and move without the constant fear of triggering severe pain. My hip pain is completely gone. The chronic muscle tension has resolved.
Most importantly, I feel like I have my body back. Not a compromised version that I need to baby and protect, but my actual body with its full range of motion restored.
Moving Forward: Hope for the Future
The conversation around spine surgery is evolving. Motion preservation is gaining recognition. More surgeons are learning these techniques. And patients are becoming better informed about their options.
Your spine health affects everything—your sleep, your energy, your ability to exercise, your confidence, and your overall quality of life. Don’t settle for “managing” pain when restoration might be possible.
The technology exists. The expertise is available. The data supports it. Now it’s about making sure more people know this option exists and can access it when appropriate.
Whether you’re dealing with back pain yourself or supporting someone who is, remember that spine surgery has evolved dramatically. What was considered impossible or experimental even a decade ago is now routine for experienced surgeons. The future of spine care is about preserving movement, not eliminating it.
If you’re dealing with chronic back pain, disc problems, or have been told fusion is your only option, I encourage you to seek out information about disc replacement. Get a second opinion from a surgeon experienced in motion preservation techniques. Understand all your options before making a decision that will affect the rest of your life.
Dr. Ament offers Zoom consultations for out-of-state patients, and many qualified surgeons around the country are now performing these procedures. The key is finding someone with extensive experience in motion preservation who can honestly assess whether you’re a good candidate.
Episode Links:
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Consult ➜ Reach out to: office@nsg-la.com
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Axon Mastermind ➜ www.AxonMd.com
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For the episode Natalie referenced on a Genius Life go to: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-genius-life/id1379050662?i=1000698582182
The contents of the Midlife Conversations podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links mentioned on this podcast.
