I've been off work for six months with a bad back. The X-rays and MRIs show a degenerative disc. If I have an artificial disc replacement, what are the chances I can go back to work?
Your surgeon will have to make this determination. Return to work after total disc replacement (TDR) is entirely possible. Many people return to their former jobs full-time. Some return to work part-time or with a reduced workload.
The decision to return to work will depend on several factors. Your general health and the type of work you do are the two most influential variables. Persistent low back and leg pain are usually the main reasons why a patient is unable to return to their former jobs.
In such cases, some people are able to get enough relief from their pain to return to work just by using simple analgesics. Heavy laborers may need to find a different job. The surgeon will take X-rays to confirm the location of the TDR in its rightful place and advise you properly.
With a successful TDR, patients obtain pain relief and improved function. These two results help determine the chances of getting back to work.
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