CERVICAL DISC REPLACEMENT | NEW JERSEY
Told You Need a Neck Fusion? You May Have a Better Option.
Cervical disc replacement is designed to relieve the same nerve pain as fusion, while preserving your natural neck motion. Before you commit to a fusion, get a second opinion from Dr. Justin Kubeck, one of New Jersey's top minimally invasive spine surgeons.
- Motion-preserving alternative to fusion for herniated discs
- Named a Top Spine Surgeon by New Jersey Monthly
- Second-opinion consultations available at 2 NJ locations
You Deserve a Second Opinion
If a surgeon has told you that a neck fusion (ACDF) is your only option for your herniated disc or degenerative disc disease, it is worth pausing before you schedule surgery. Fusion is a proven procedure, but it permanently locks two or more vertebrae together, eliminating motion at that level of your neck and increasing stress on the discs above and below.
For many patients with one- or two-level cervical disc disease, cervical disc replacement (artificial disc replacement) can relieve the same nerve compression while preserving your natural range of motion.
Getting a second opinion is normal, smart, and something we encourage. Dr. Kubeck will review your MRI and symptoms and tell you honestly whether disc replacement, fusion, or no surgery at all is right for you.
Neck Fusion vs. Cervical Disc Replacement: What's the Difference?
Both procedures relieve pinched nerves in the neck. They differ in how they do it, and in what they leave behind.
Neck motion at treated level
Fusion: Permanently eliminated
Disc Replacement: Preserved, natural flexion, extension, rotation
Stress on adjacent discs
Fusion: Increased, which can lead to future surgeries
Disc Replacement: Reduced, designed to protect neighboring levels
Bone graft / plates & screws to fuse bone
Fusion: Required
Disc Replacement: Not required
Recovery
Fusion: Longer; must wait for bone to fuse
Disc Replacement: Typically faster return to daily activities
Long-term reoperation risk
Fusion: Higher at adjacent levels
Disc Replacement: 4× fewer adjacent-segment reoperations at 7 years
4×
fewer adjacent-level reoperations at 7 years compared to fusion patients
8.12°
of preserved neck motion at 7 years, versus 0.66° for fusion patients
Shorter
hospital stays than fusion in a review of nearly 7,000 patients
Sources: Janssen ME, et al., JBJS 2015; prodisc US IDE clinical study; Blue Health Intelligence Claims Database.
Not sure if disc replacement is right for you? Let's find out together.
What Is Cervical Disc Replacement?
The cervical spine in your neck has seven vertebrae separated by discs that act as shock absorbers and allow for movement. Over time, or after injury, these discs can wear down or herniate, pressing on nerves and causing pain, stiffness, numbness, and weakness that can radiate into the shoulder, arm, and hand.
Cervical disc replacement, also called total disc arthroplasty or artificial disc replacement, is a motion-preserving surgical procedure. The damaged disc is removed through a small incision in the front of the neck and replaced with an artificial disc implant. The implant mimics a healthy disc, restoring disc height, relieving pressure on compressed nerves, and letting the vertebrae keep moving naturally.
Conditions It Treats
Herniated cervical disc
Degenerative disc disease
Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
Cervical myelopathy (spinal cord compression)
Advantages Over Spinal Fusion
Motion Preservation
Full range of motion, including turning and tilting the neck.
Faster Recovery
Return to daily activities sooner. Many patients go home the same day.
Less Discomfort
Minimally invasive approach with reduced post-surgical pain.
Protects Your Future Spine
Lowers the risk of adjacent segment degeneration associated with fusion.
Dr. Kubeck Uses prodisc® C, the Most Studied Disc Replacement System in the World.
Not all artificial discs are the same. Dr. Kubeck uses the prodisc C total disc replacement system by Centinel Spine, the most studied disc replacement platform in the world. In clinical use since 1990, validated by more than 300,000 implantations worldwide and over 590 published papers.
The prodisc C is FDA-approved as safe and effective for symptomatic cervical disc disease. Its design restores disc height, decompresses pinched nerves, and maintains controlled, natural motion. Because patient anatomy varies, Dr. Kubeck is trained on both the prodisc C Vivo and prodisc C SK implants, the only cervical disc replacement platform that lets the surgeon match the disc to the patient during surgery.
300,000+
implantations worldwide
590+
published papers
1990
in clinical use since
- AAOS Board-Certified & Fellow
- Spine Surgery Fellowship, UC San Diego
- Jefferson Medical College
- New Jersey Monthly Top Spine Surgeon
- Ocean Medical Center (Brick)
- Riverview Medical Center (Red Bank)
- Monmouth Medical Center (Long Branch)
Meet the Surgeon Who Literally Wrote the Chapter on Cervical Spine Anatomy.
Dr. Justin Kubeck, MD, FAAOS, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon and the founder of Ocean Spine and Pain. He completed his spine surgery fellowship at the University of California, San Diego under renowned spine surgeon Dr. Steve Garfin, and authored the chapter on cervical spine anatomy in the textbook Spinal Arthroplasty: The Preservation of Motion.
He was recently honored as one of New Jersey's top minimally invasive spine surgeons by New Jersey Monthly.
"Alleviating pain is the business we are in."
Dr. Kubeck follows a conservative-first protocol, surgery is never the automatic answer, and his signature Precision Procedure approach targets only the damaged tissue, which means less post-operative pain and a faster recovery, often on an outpatient basis.
Recognition & Awards
Selected as a New Jersey Top Doctor by NJ Top Docs every year from 2019 to 2026, recognized by Findatopdoc for Excellence in Medicine, and named to NJ Select Surgeons for Bone & Joint.
Disc Replacement Gave Them Their Lives Back.
Brian Gay, 5× PGA Tour Winner
Rory Sabbatini, 6× PGA Tour Winner & Olympic Medalist
Professional athletes trusted cervical disc replacement with the prodisc implant to save their careers. These are stories about the procedure and implant Dr. Kubeck uses.
Average rating across 240+ reviewers
"Able to move my neck side to side the same day as my surgery."
I had 2 cervical disks replaced by Dr. Kubeck in August 2019. I have a tiny incision and was able to move my neck side to side the same day as my surgery. My range of motion is incredible. I had very limited range of motion since my accident. I am now 6 weeks post-surgery and I am completely pain-free. Thank you Dr. Kubeck for giving me my life back!
A Grateful Patient · Verified Patient Review
"I currently am off all of my pain medications."
Dr. Kubeck is a great doctor. He performed my two surgeries last April at the same time. I am so grateful to him. I currently am off all of my pain medications that I needed to perform my daily routine. His bedside manner is above and beyond. I would recommend him to everyone. Thank you for giving me my life back.
Rebecca · Verified Patient Review
"I have zero pain. I feel like a brand new person."
I had surgery on September 5th. My pain was extreme due to a large herniated disc. Dr. Kubeck and his staff were phenomenal. My outlook is great, I have zero pain. I feel like a brand new person. Dr. Kubeck is professional, caring, and an excellent surgeon. I trust him with my life and I refer him to all my friends and family.
Marissa D. · Verified Patient Review
"He did not pressure me and took all the time necessary to talk through my options."
Dr. Kubeck is very personable and knowledgeable. We met several times before I decided surgery was the best option. After years of living with the pain, I just wanted my life back. He did not pressure me at all and took all the time necessary to talk through my options for treating my herniated disc. After the surgery, I was very happy with the results.
Verified Patient Review
"He takes time with you to discuss any issues and solves them for you."
I've been seeing Dr. Kubeck for about a year now and I have to say he is wonderful. He takes time with you to discuss any issues you may have and solves them for you. I would definitely recommend him. The office staff and Dr. Kubeck's assistant are terrific.
Diana E. · Verified Patient Review
"An excellent, extremely knowledgeable, awesome surgeon."
Dr. Kubeck is an excellent, extremely knowledgeable, awesome surgeon and has a great bedside manner. All my concerns were answered. Truly a compassionate doctor.
Maureen I. · Verified Patient Review
Patient reviews sourced from Ocean Spine and Pain and Google reviews. Individual results may vary.
Are You a Candidate for Cervical Disc Replacement?
You may be a strong candidate for cervical disc replacement instead of fusion if you have a confirmed herniated disc or degenerative disc disease in your neck, symptoms such as arm pain, numbness, or weakness from nerve compression, one- or two-level disc disease, and you have tried non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections without lasting relief.
Even if you have already been scheduled for a fusion elsewhere, it costs nothing to be sure. Bring your MRI, Dr. Kubeck will review it and give you a straight answer about whether disc replacement, fusion, or continued non-surgical care is the right path for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a second opinion before surgery is exactly the right time. Many patients who were told they need a fusion turn out to be strong candidates for cervical disc replacement instead. Bring your MRI and Dr. Kubeck will give you an honest recommendation.
How Your Consultation Works
You're booking a conversation, not a surgery. Here's what to expect.
Request your consultation
Call or send the form. Our office responds within one business day.
Meet Dr. Kubeck
He reviews your MRI and symptoms and gives you an honest recommendation.
Decide with confidence
Whether that's disc replacement, fusion, or no surgery at all, you'll know your options.
Considering Neck Surgery? See If You're a Candidate for Disc Replacement.
Consultations available in Toms River and Galloway. Bring your MRI. Get answers.