Total Disc
Replacement / Cervical Arthroplasty
A same-day neck surgery that removes a damaged disc and replaces it with an artificial implant—keeping your neck moving, not fusing it solid.
Board Certified
Neurosurgeon
15+ Years
Experience
5000+
Procedures Performed
Get In Touch
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.
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The Procedure
What Is Total Disc Replacement / Cervical Arthroplasty?
This is a surgery performed through a small incision at the front of your neck to relieve pressure on a nerve or the spinal cord. It is commonly recommended when a damaged disc is causing neck pain, arm pain, numbness, headaches, and/or weakness.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged disc and replaces it with an implant that mimics the anatomy and normal function of a spine disc. Imaging such as MRI and X-rays are used before surgery to plan the procedure. The goal is to relieve pressure on the nerves. Reduce pain and improve strength, function, and stability. The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, and you go home the same day. Patients with a desk job return to work typically 3-5 days after the surgery. If you have a more labor-intensive job, please ask your doctor when you may return.
The key difference from fusion surgery is what happens after the disc is removed. Instead of locking the two vertebrae together with a bone graft, an artificial disc is inserted. It allows the treated level to keep moving — bending, rotating — the way it did before the disc broke down. For the right patient, that distinction matters a lot over the long run.
30 Minutes
Same Day Procedure
General Anesthesia
2-6 Weeks Recovery
What This Treats
Herniated Cervical Disc
Disc material pressing on a nerve in the neck
Degenerative Disc Disease
Disc breakdown causing chronic neck pain
Cervical Radiculopathy
Pinched nerve causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness
Arm Pain from Nerve Compression
Shooting or burning pain down the arm from the neck
Why Patients Need This
Who Is a Candidate
Disc replacement works well for a specific type of patient. Here's what typically determines whether you qualify — Dr. Buchholz confirms after reviewing your MRI.
Herniated disc at one or two levels
Arm pain, numbness, or weakness traced back to a herniated cervical disc at one or two levels — confirmed on MRI.
Conservative treatment hasn't worked
Symptoms that haven't improved after a real course of physical therapy, medications, or injections over a reasonable period.
Clear imaging findings
An MRI showing disc herniation or nerve compression at a level that is anatomically suitable for replacement.
No prior fusion at that level
Disc replacement requires a mobile segment. If that level has already been fused, a different approach is needed.
Adequate bone density
The implant anchors into the vertebrae above and below. Solid bone is required for it to seat and hold properly.
Not sure? Get evaluated
Dr. Buchholz reviews your imaging and history and gives you a straight answer — including if surgery isn't the right call yet.
Benefits of Disc Replacement at Capital Spine & Pain Institute
Motion Preserved
The treated level keeps moving. Your neck bends and rotates the way it should — no fused segment, no stiffness from hardware.
Nerve Pain Relieved
Arm pain, numbness, and weakness caused by the compressed nerve typically start improving soon after surgery.
Less Stress on Nearby Levels
Because the treated level still moves, it puts less load on the discs above and below—reducing the risk of future problems at those levels.
Same-Day Discharge
No overnight hospital stay. You go home the same day and are typically back at a desk within 3 to 5 days.
How the Procedure Works
Small Incision
A cut under an inch is made on the front side of the neck. The soft tissue is moved aside—not cut through—leaving the back neck muscles completely undisturbed.
Disc Removal
The damaged disc is fully removed. Any bone spurs pressing on nearby nerves get cleared at the same time.
Nerve Decompression
With the disc out, the compressed nerve finally has room. This is the step where arm pain, numbness, and weakness start to resolve.
Artificial Disc Implant
A precision-engineered cervical disc implant is placed in the space where the old disc sat. It restores height, allows normal motion, and relieves the nerve.
Closure — Go Home Same Day
The incision is closed with sutures. About 30 minutes total. A short rest in recovery, then you're discharged home.
Ready to find out if disc replacement is right for your neck?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Buchholz — a Northern Virginia cervical spine specialist. He’ll review your imaging and give you a straight answer. No runaround.
What to expect week by week
Recovery varies, but here's how most patients progress.
Same Day
Go home. Rest.
Procedure done. Mild soreness at the injection site is normal. Skip driving — you'll need a ride.
24–48 Hours
Soreness fades.
Site soreness clears in a day or two. Some patients notice early pain improvement starting here.
1 Week
You should feel a difference.
Most patients see a meaningful reduction in neck and arm pain as the steroid reaches full effect.
Weeks–Months
Continued improvement.
Relief can last weeks to months. A second injection or PT can extend it further if needed.
Why Choose Capital Spine & Pain Institute
Capital Spine & Pain Institute offers expert spine care with Dr. Avery Buchholz, a trusted spine surgeon and specialist in Falls Church, Alexandria & Richmond, VA. Every patient gets a thorough evaluation before anything is recommended—surgical or otherwise.
Dr. Buchholz Does the Surgery Himself
Board-certified neurosurgeon, fellowship-trained in complex spine surgery. You are not handed off to a resident or an assistant.
Surgery Only When It Makes Sense
Plenty of patients walk in and don't end up needing an operation. The evaluation comes first. Dr. Buchholz is direct about what your imaging shows and what the options actually are.
Detailed Imaging Before Every Case
MRI and X-ray review before every procedure. Dr. Buchholz plans the surgery around your specific anatomy—not a standard template.
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgeon Falls Church, Alexandria, VA
Serving patients at open locations in Falls Church and Alexandria, with Richmond, Charlottesville, and Washington, DC coming soon.
Expert Spine Surgeon
Dr. Avery L. Buchholz is a board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in complex spine surgery. With over 15 years of experience and 5,000+ procedures performed, he specializes in both minimally invasive and complex surgical techniques.
His expertise spans the full spectrum of spine care, from non-surgical interventions to advanced reconstructive procedures, always prioritizing patient safety and optimal outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about our practice and procedures
What is the difference between disc replacement and ACDF?
ACDF locks the vertebrae together with a bone graft. Disc replacement puts an artificial disc in that space so the neck still moves.
Am I a candidate for cervical disc replacement?
If your disc has been causing arm pain, numbness, or weakness for months and therapy hasn't helped, you likely have a herniated disc. Dr. Buchholz will confirm after reviewing your MRI.
How long does the surgery take?
The procedure itself is about 30 minutes. You go home the same day.
When can I go back to work after disc replacement?
Desk job — 3 to 5 days. Physical job—Dr. Buchholz gives you a specific date based on how your recovery goes.
Will I need physical therapy after the procedure?
Not every patient does. If it's needed, Dr. Buchholz will let you know before you leave.
How long does a cervical disc implant last?
These implants are built to last. Most patients are still doing well with the same implant 10 to 15 years out.
Does disc replacement limit how much I can move my neck?
No. That's the whole point — the treated level keeps moving. Most patients notice no difference; some actually move better once the bad disc is out.
What are the risks of cervical disc replacement?
A sore throat or mild swallowing difficulty for a day or two is normal. Serious complications are uncommon.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Ready to find out if disc replacement is right for your neck?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Buchholz — a Northern Virginia cervical spine specialist. He’ll review your imaging and give you a straight answer. No runaround.
Our Locations
Serving patients across VA and the DC area
Falls Church, VA
6400 Arlington Blvd, Suite 710
Open
Alexandria, VA
6244A Little River Turnpike
Open
Richmond, VA
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Charlottesville, VA
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Washington, DC
Address coming soon
Opening Soon
Get In Touch
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief.
Address
6244 Little River Turnpike, Suite 101
Alexandria, VA 22312
Phone
FAX
Office Hours
Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
This form is intended for scheduling purposes only and is not a HIPAA-compliant form. Please avoid sharing any sensitive medical information.
By submitting, you consent to being contacted using the information provided.
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