Care services · Long Beach, CA

Lumbar Disc Replacement in Long Beach, CA

Low back pain that comes from a worn out disc can be treated without welding the bones together. Lumbar disc replacement removes the painful disc and inserts a moving implant, keeping the lower back flexible.

Lumbar Disc Replacement in Long Beach, with patients welcome from across South Bay, Orange County and the greater Los Angeles area.

Book a consultation (562) 427-8119

Overview

What is lumbar disc replacement?

The procedure is performed through a small incision in the lower abdomen, approaching the spine from the front so the back muscles are never cut. The damaged disc is removed completely, disc height is restored and an artificial disc is seated between the vertebrae.

The implant allows bending and rotation at that level, which spreads load across the spine the way a healthy disc does.

Book a consultation (562) 427-8119

Is it right for you

Who is a candidate?

Lumbar disc replacement suits patients whose back pain is clearly coming from one or two discs, usually L4 L5 or L5 S1, with healthy facet joints, good bone density and no significant nerve compression from stenosis.

Conditions treated

Degenerative disc disease at one or two levels
Discogenic low back pain
Lumbar disc herniation with disc collapse

Common symptoms

Deep low back pain worse with sitting
Pain with bending or lifting
Stiffness after rest
Pain not improved by six months of therapy

Near you

Lumbar Disc Replacement in Long Beach, CA

Dr. Bhalla provides lumbar disc replacement for people in Long Beach and the surrounding cities. Dr. Bhalla leads the Spine Center at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center.

If you live in Signal Hill, Lakewood, Seal Beach, Orange County or anywhere nearby, a consultation is a short drive away.

Book a consultation

Patients come to us from

Long Beach
Signal Hill
Lakewood
Seal Beach
Los Alamitos
Cypress
Bellflower
Torrance
Huntington Beach
Carson

Not on the list? We see patients from across Southern California.

Benefits

What are the benefits?

The lower back carries the most load in the spine, so keeping its motion matters.

Motion kept

The treated level continues to flex and extend.

Back muscles untouched

The front approach leaves the spinal muscles intact.

No fusion to heal

Recovery is not gated by months of bone healing.

Protects other levels

Lower stress on adjacent discs than after fusion.

Recovery

How long is the recovery?

Most patients stay one or two nights. Walking starts immediately and increases daily.

01/First days
Walking
Up the day of surgery. Home within one to two days with a walking plan.
02/Two to six weeks
Daily life
Driving and light work resume. Bending and lifting are limited while tissues heal.
03/Three months
Full activity
Core strengthening through therapy. Most restrictions are lifted.

Safety

Is it safe?

Lumbar disc replacement has long term data past ten years showing durable pain relief. The front approach is performed with a vascular surgeon when needed to protect the large blood vessels. Risks include bleeding, infection and, rarely, implant migration.

Frequently asked questions

Why go through the front?

The disc sits directly behind the abdominal contents and in front of the nerves. Approaching from the front gives full access to the disc without touching the spinal canal or cutting back muscles.

Is it the same as cervical disc replacement?

The principle is the same, but the lumbar spine carries far more load, so patient selection is stricter and the implants are larger.

Can I still have a fusion later if needed?

Yes. A disc replacement does not prevent future fusion, although revision is uncommon.

How soon can I sit comfortably?

Most patients sit for short periods within days and comfortably within two to three weeks.

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