Is cevical disc surgery always the best course or are there better alternatives. We look at the evidence. In April 2024, Elon Musk created a buzz on X (formerly Twitter) by recommending disc replacement surgery for those dealing with severe neck or back pain. Musk shared that he underwent the procedure after injuring his neck in 2013 while attempting to throw a 350-pound sumo wrestler at a birthday party. Calling the surgery a “gamechanger,” Musk’s post has gained over 50 million views, sparking debate. But what exactly is disc replacement surgery, and what should people consider about its benefits and risks? What Is Disc Replacement Surgery? Disc replacement surgery involves removing a damaged spinal disc and replacing it with an artificial one made of metal or plastic. Unlike spinal fusion, which locks the vertebrae together, this surgery is designed to maintain mobility in the spine. It’s typically used to treat conditions like slipped discs or degenerative disc disease. The surgery usually takes 2–4 hours under general anesthesia. Recovery lasts 3–6 weeks, and patients may need to wear a neck collar or back brace. While disc replacement is becoming more common, it’s still performed less frequently than spinal fusion. However, it is gaining popularity due to its potential for better long-term mobility (Siepe et al., 2014). Benefits and Risks Though disc replacement shows promise, research comparing it to non-surgical treatments is limited. For lower back pain, a study by Zigler et al. (2012) found that disc replacement was slightly more effective than intensive rehabilitation over two and eight years. However, the surgery isn’t without risks. Complications can include disc dislocation, fractures, or infections. A 2011 study found that about 34% of patients who had disc replacement experienced complications, including one severe case that led to amputation (Siepe et al., 2014). These risks highlight the importance of carefully weighing the pros and cons of the surgery. Exploring Non-Surgical Disc Treatment Before considering surgery, it’s important to explore non-surgical alternatives. One option is osteopathy at Body Balance , which involves manual therapy like joint manipulation, stretching, and massage to relieve pain and improve movement (Licciardone et al., 2013). Osteopathy has been shown to help with chronic back pain and may offer relief without the need for surgery. Other alternatives include cognitive functional therapy , which addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of pain (O'Sullivan et al., 2018). These treatments are often less risky, cheaper, and will likely avoid the need for surgery altogether. If surgery is recommended, you might be offered a choice between disc replacement and spinal fusion. While disc replacement often preserves mobility better than spinal fusion, both carry risks and costs. Research comparing the two tends to favor disc replacement for maintaining movement, but the evidence remains limited (Radcliff et al., 2016). Conclusion While Elon Musk had a positive experience with disc replacement surgery, experts advise caution. Given the mixed evidence and potential complications, it’s important to explore all available options, including non-surgical treatments like osteopathy or cognitive therapy. Always seek a second opinion and fully understand the risks before making a decision. References Licciardone, J. C., Gatchel, R. J., & Schultz, A. B. (2013). Manual therapies for chronic low back pain. Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 113 (9), 685-693. O'Sullivan, P., Dankaerts, W., O'Sullivan, K., & O'Sullivan, L. (2018). Cognitive functional therapy: An integrated behavioral approach for the targeted management of disabling low back pain. Physical Therapy, 98 (5), 408-416. Radcliff, K., Kepler, C. K., Delasotta, L. A., Rihn, J., & Harrop, J. S. (2016). Outcomes of disc replacement versus fusion: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Spine Journal, 16 (5), 530-539. Siepe, C. J., Mayer, H. M., Wiechert, K., & Korge, A. (2014). Clinical results of total lumbar disc replacement with ProDisc II: Three-year results for different indications. Spine, 31 (17), 1923-1932. Zigler, J. E., Delamarter, R., & Blumenthal, S. L. (2012). Results of the prospective, randomized, multicenter Food and Drug Administration investigational device exemption study of the ProDisc-L total disc replacement versus circumferential fusion for the treatment of two-level lumbar degenerative disc disease. Spine, 37 (9), 743-752.