What Is Motion Preservation in Spine Surgery?
Motion preservation spine surgery is an advanced approach designed to maintain the natural movement and flexibility of the spine while treating painful spinal conditions. To know more explore our full Conditions & Treatment Hub.
At Midwest Spine & Brain Institute, our board-certified spine surgeons specialize in motion-sparing techniques such as artificial disc replacement (ADR) and minimally invasive spinal procedures. These treatments are designed to relieve pain while protecting the normal biomechanics of your spine-unlike traditional spinal fusion, which limits motion at the treated level.
Why Motion Preservation Matters
Your spine is made up of a series of vertebrae, discs, joints, and ligaments that move together to support flexibility, balance, and posture.
When a spinal disc becomes damaged due to degenerative disc disease, herniation, or injury, it can cause significant pain and restricted movement.
Traditional spinal fusion stabilizes the spine but often reduces motion at the treated segment, which can increase stress on nearby discs.
Motion preservation procedures aim to solve this problem by restoring stability while maintaining natural movement.
Types of Motion Preservation Procedures
Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR)
Artificial disc replacement is performed when a damaged spinal disc is removed and replaced with a biomechanical implant that mimics natural disc function.
There are two main types:
- Cervical Disc Replacement (Neck) – Used to treat cervical disc herniation or degeneration causing neck pain and arm numbness.
- Lumbar Disc Replacement (Lower Back) – Used to relieve lower back and leg pain caused by lumbar disc damage.
These artificial discs are made from biocompatible materials (titanium and polyethylene) and are designed to move like a natural disc-preserving spinal alignment and motion.
Minimally Invasive Motion-Preserving Procedures
Our surgeons also perform minimally invasive decompressions and facet-sparing techniques that relieve pressure on nerves while keeping the spine structurally intact.
Benefits of Motion Preservation Spine Surgery
Patients who undergo motion-preserving procedures may experience:
- Less postoperative pain
- Smaller incisions and reduced blood loss
- Faster recovery and return to daily activity
- Improved spinal flexibility and motion
- Lower risk of adjacent segment degeneration
Is Motion Preservation Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for motion preservation spine surgery if you have:
- Degenerative disc disease (cervical or lumbar)
- A single-level herniated disc
- Chronic neck or low back pain that hasn’t improved with conservative care
- No significant spinal instability or deformity
Your surgeon at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute will evaluate your spinal condition through physical examination and imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans) before recommending the most appropriate surgical plan.
Our Expertise in Disc Replacement Surgery
Midwest Spine & Brain Institute is home to nationally recognized spine surgeons, including Dr. Glenn R. Buttermann and Dr. Michael A. Finn, both of whom are leaders in motion-preserving spinal surgery and disc replacement research.
Our surgeons use the latest FDA-approved disc implants and advanced image-guided minimally invasive techniques to optimize outcomes, reduce recovery time, and maintain spinal integrity.
We serve patients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities metro area, Stillwater, St. Paul, and Western Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the difference between disc replacement and fusion?
-Spinal fusion eliminates motion by joining two or more vertebrae together. Disc replacement, on the other hand, restores natural motion with an artificial implant while maintaining spinal flexibility.
How long does recovery take after disc replacement surgery?
-Most patients return to light activities within 2–4 weeks and resume normal routines in 6–8 weeks, depending on overall health and activity level.
Is disc replacement covered by insurance?
-Many insurance plans now cover cervical and lumbar disc replacement. Contact our team for verification and coverage details.
Are motion-preserving implants safe?
-Yes. FDA-approved artificial discs are made from durable, biocompatible materials and have excellent long-term safety records in clinical research.
Can disc replacement help prevent future spine problems?
-By maintaining spinal motion, disc replacement can reduce the likelihood of adjacent segment degeneration, which is common after traditional fusion.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about motion preservation and disc replacement surgery, call 1.800.353.7720 or request an appointment with a Midwest Spine & Brain Institute surgeon today.
Our goal is to help you move better, recover faster, and return to an active, pain-free life.