Living with chronic neck and arm pain can be debilitating. It can affect your sleep, work, and your overall quality of life. But there's good news: if you've tried various treatments for your pain and are still struggling, a cervical disc replacement procedure may be an option for you.

Dr. Michael Cluck, with Dignity Health Medical Group — Merced, specializes in spinal surgery and minimally invasive cervical disc replacement. This procedure can relieve pain, improve your ability to move, and help you get back to doing the things you love. Dr. Cluck performs this procedure at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center in Merced. We spoke with Dr. Cluck to get answers to common questions about the procedure below.


Q: What is cervical disc replacement surgery?

Dr. Cluck: The cervical disc surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that replaces a damaged disc in the spine with an artificial disc. This artificial disc is designed to mimic the natural movement and flexibility of your spine. It's a great alternative to traditional fusion surgery, which can limit neck movement. Cervical disc replacement preserves natural motion, while relieving pain. 

Q: Who is a good candidate for cervical disc replacement?

Dr. Cluck: This procedure can benefit people experiencing neck or arm pain caused by a damaged disc in the neck. Numbness, tingling or burning can also be signs that you may benefit from a cervical disc replacement.

Making a consultation appointment with a spine surgeon can help determine whether or not you qualify for this procedure. You can schedule a meeting with Dr. Cluck by calling (209) 564-3700 and selecting option 2.

Q: What are the benefits of cervical disc replacement?

Dr. Cluck: Cervical disc replacement offers several advantages:

• Maintains motion: Cervical disc replacement preserves natural movement and flexibility.
• Eliminates pain: The procedure relieves pain caused by a damaged disc by taking pressure off the spinal cord and nerve roots.
• Prevents further damage: By preserving motion, cervical disc replacement helps prevent the development of arthritis in adjacent spinal segments, which could cause more problems in the future.
• Quick recovery: This procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, with a recovery time of just 3-6 weeks.

Q: Is cervical disc replacement safe?

Dr. Cluck: As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks associated with cervical disc replacement. However, these risks are low, and the procedure is considered safe and effective. 

Q: How can I schedule an appointment to discuss if cervical disc replacement is right for me?

Dr. Cluck: It's important to discuss your individual situation with an orthopedic surgeon to determine if this procedure is right for you.

You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Cluck by calling (209) 564-3700 and selecting option 2. You may need a referral from your primary care provider for an appointment. Contact your insurance provider to confirm if a referral is required. We're here to help you find the best solution for your pain and get you back to living an active life.