Low back pain affects millions of Americans. Back pain episodes often become more frequent and severe as one ages. Although many episodes can be successfully treated with medication and physical therapy, more severe cases often reflect degeneration of the lumbar spine. Degenerative disk disease is by far the most common cause of progressive lower back pain and can be frequently accompanied by sciatica, or “nerve pain” in the leg. Until now, there were very few good options for progressive disk degeneration

X-rays and more sophisticated imaging studies, including MRI scans, often show more easily treated conditions such as a herniated disk. However, pure degeneration is more common and more difficult to treat. Until now, the only “cure” was surgical fusion: placing screws and plates over bone graft to weld the vertebrae together. The FDA has just authorized the use of the artificial disk, a device similar to the artificial hips and artificial knees already in use. Artificial disks are expected to revolutionize the surgical treatment of degenerative disk disease.

The device, made of plastic and metal, is inserted through a small incision in the patient’s abdomen. Hospitalization lasts two to three days, and recovery is about four times faster than in spinal fusions. The spine retains its mobility, and many patients have noted no pain after full healing. The artificial disk has been used in Europe for 15 years, has an excellent track record, and is being used even in young patients.