Preserve motion. Relieve pain. Avoid fusion when possible.
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) is a motion-preserving spine surgery designed to relieve pain caused by damaged spinal discs—without permanently fusing the spine. At Virginia Spine Specialists, we carefully evaluate patients to determine whether this advanced procedure can provide long-term relief while maintaining natural movement.
What Is Artificial Disc Replacement?
Artificial Disc Replacement involves removing a damaged spinal disc and replacing it with a prosthetic disc designed to mimic natural motion. Unlike fusion, ADR allows the spine to continue bending and rotating normally.
This procedure is most commonly performed in the cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) spine for patients with disc-related pain that has not improved with conservative care.
Common Symptoms That May Lead to ADR
- Chronic neck or lower back pain
- Pain worsened by movement or activity
- Disc degeneration confirmed on imaging
- Limited response to physical therapy or injections
Artificial Disc Replacement Surgery
If an aggressive conservative treatment fails to help a patient with acute lower back pain, artificial disc replacement surgery is a new option. Artificial Disc Replacement commonly known as ADR is a newer concept in the world of spinal treatments and surgery. With ADR, pain relief is achieved by removing painful lumbar discs in order to restore mobility with the use of a prosthetic implant disc made of metal. Artificial Disc Replacement becomes only successful if the facet joints, located near each spinal disc have little or no degenerative changes so as to reduce the risk of potential postoperative pain.
Expert Spine Care with Dr. Mudit Sharma
Consult Dr. Mudit Sharma if Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) surgery is suitable for you. Dr. Sharma is a board-certified spine surgeon specializing in minimally invasive spine care for patients across Northern Virginia, including Loudoun, Prince William, and Spotsylvania counties.
Call (571) 921-4877 for an appointment.
Locations: Manassas • Fredericksburg • Dulles
Frequently Asked Questions
Artificial disc replacement preserves motion and may reduce stress on adjacent spinal levels, but it is not appropriate for every patient. A thorough evaluation is required.
Candidates typically have disc-related pain without significant instability, arthritis, or spinal deformity. Consult Dr. Mudit Sharma if Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR) surgery is suitable for you.
Many patients return to light activity within weeks. Recovery is often faster than traditional fusion surgery.
Phone: (571) 921-4877
Toll Free: (855) 774-6334
Fax: (571) 208-0585
Toll Free: (855) 774-6334
Fax: (571) 208-0585
Conditions We Treat
Chronic Back Pain
Neck Pain
Arm Pain and/or Numbness
Leg Pain and/or Numbness
Herniated Disc – Lumbar and Cervical
Sacroiliac Joint (SI) Pain
Slipped Disc
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Fractures
Whiplash Syndrome
Failed Back Surgery
Office Hours & Locations
Monday – Thursday: 8am – 4pm Friday: 8am – 2pm Loudoun County 24430 Stone Springs Blvd, Suite 250 Dulles, VA 20166 Spotsylvania County 4604 Spotsylvania Parkway, Suite 300 Fredericksburg, VA 22408 Prince William County 9625 Surveyor Ct. Suite 320 Manassas, VA 20110