Artificial roller discs for lower back pain relief has often proven to be a better alternative to fusion, which involves fusing the bones on either side of the herniated disc. According to this article, the small artificial rollers are inserted into the spine to allow the rolling movement of the replacement disc in different directions. To facilitate the flexibility of the spine, which in case of fusion is limited, artificial tiny roller discs are inserted between the disc vertebrae. Tiny spikes in the plates prevent the roller disc being displaced. Experiments have proved that roller disc insertion in both humans and animals have proved to provide more flexibility compared to the replacement of disc in the conventional way.

Artificial Roller Discs For Lower Back Pain Relief

An artificial disc is an option for surgery.

Scientists might have found a revolutionary way to cure back pain. Tiny, artificial rollers, which mimics the flexibility of the spine! Developed by a team at Brigham Young University in the U.S., the “roller” when inserted in the spine replaces damaged discs and provides the same range of movement as the real one.

 

The replacement disc has a rolling action to allow the spine to move in different directions. It’s intended as an alternative to fusion, where bones either side of the damaged disc area are welded together to reduce pain, the Daily Mail reported. Spinal discs, which contain a gel-like substance, help, cushion the vertebrae during movement. While they are critical for movement, the discs can become the source of back pain when they degenerate. Treatment ranges from painkillers and physiotherapy, to different types of surgery.

 

One of the most common forms is spinal fusion, in which the vertebrae on either side of the damaged disc are welded together to make one solid bone. However, the operation can limit the flexibility of the spine and restrict movement. To overcome this problem, the Brigham team designed and developed the artificial roller that can move forwards and backwards, as well as side to side.

 

The device is inserted between the vertebra and disc — tiny spikes in the plates anchor it in place, leaving the roller unimpeded. Early tests on animals and human spines suggest that the device does provide significantly more flexibility than standard disc replacement.

 

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Here comes a better alternative to fusion of the spinal discs through an operation by means of inserting tiny roller discs, which allows the movement of the spine both laterally and vertically. Whereas welding of the damaged bones limits the flexibility of the spinal cord, this process of inserting roller discs allows free movement of the spinal cord. Artificial roller discs for back pain relief have been found to be a better alternative to fusion of the bones.

Dr. Donald Corenman is one of a handful of neck and back doctors that are both a MD and doctor of chiropractic (DC). In this video he discusses artificial disc replacement.

Another video on artificial disc replacement by Mr Hussien El-Maghraby – Consultant neurosurgeon and spinal surgeon.