The disc between the vertebrae 6 in the cervical region (neck ) 12 in the thoracic region (middle back ) and 5  in the lumbar region (lower back )  help in rotation and movement thus preventing rubbing of bones against each other.

The lumbar vertebrae are in the lowest part of the spine in which the disc when worn off or degenerate causes lower back pain. In Artificial disc replacement surgery, this degenerated disc in the lumbar region is replaced with an artificial disc (prosthesis) made up of synthetic material.  

The surgery is performed basically to remove the painful disc and replacing it with an artificial disc to gain movement. It thus `minimize inflammation, prevents pain, and improve natural movement in the spine.

Usually, artificial disc surgery leads to early discharge from the hospital, prevents pain, early recovery, and starting daily activities very soon.
 

For around 5 months, conservative treatment is usually done, if the patient doesn't respond well artificial disc replacement surgery is planned. Your doctor would carry out few investigations like X-ray, CT scan, MRI scan. These tests are important to choose the right candidate for surgery.

Your doctor would advise you to quit smoking and control your diabetes before planning surgery as both of these prevents healing.

Your doctor would also lookup for the medications you are taking or any other co-morbidities you have that need to be maintained before surgery.

Your doctor would identify the source of your back pain through investigations and would carry out your physical exam to make sure you are an ideal candidate for surgery.
 

This surgery is carried out in general anesthesia, a small incision around 5 cm to 8 cm is made in the abdomen and the doctor tries to gain access to the spine by moving muscles, organs. The disc that is degenerated is removed, the artificial disc of the same size is placed. An X-ray is done to check whether the disc is rightly placed. 

The muscles, tissues, blood vessels are returned to their normal position, and sutures are placed.
 

Artificial disc replacement surgery leads to early recovery and shorter hospital stays. The patient is usually discharged in a maximum of 3 days. The patient is checked if he can do movement easily like walking. The patient is advised for follow-up care and visits a concerned doctor to keep a check if everything is going right. 

The follow-up care advised include –

The medicines like pain killers are given to manage post-operative pain.

Depending on the need contrast therapy is advised which includes heat or cold therapy. Heat therapy prevents spasms that cause pain and ice / cold therapy prevents inflammation. If inflammation is reduced pain would also reduce.

Few exercises are also advised to strengthen the muscles of the back. It should be strictly followed as per doctors' advice. Right exercise at right time is important.

Recovery would be within 2 months, depending on the patient's physical condition as well as how much follow-up care and advice the patient is following. It completely varies from one patient to another.