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Disc Replacement vs. Spinal Fusion: A Patient's Journey to the Right Decision | Episode 86
Episode 86
Wednesday, 25 February, 2026
"I was told I needed a multi-level fusion. I didn't even know disc replacement existed." Nick's back pain started in his early 20s. After a discectomy in his mid-20s, he returned to an active life — until years later when severe sciatica came back and began affecting everything from his ability to put on a belt or sit in a chair. Multiple surgical consultations led to the same recommendation: spinal fusion. But Nick, an active CPA, soon-to-be dad, and lifelong athlete, wasn't willing to accept that as his only option. In this episode, Nick shares what happened when he pushed for clarity instead of settling for a single answer. Through additional opinions and independent research, he discovered a motion-preserving alternative to fusion, called artificial disc replacement. That realization ultimately led him to VSI and Spine Surgeon Dr. Ehsan Jazini, where Nick learned he was a candidate for a three-level disc replacement. Today, he reports zero back pain since surgery and has returned to skiing, running, swimming, weightlifting and living without restrictions. This conversation explores important questions for anyone facing spine surgery: How do you know if you're being told about all your options? When should you get a second—or fourth—opinion? What is the difference between spinal fusion and artificial disc replacement? What does recovery look like after multi-level disc replacement surgery? If you've been told spinal fusion is your only option, or if you're scheduling your life around your back pain, this episode could change your path forward. Ready to explore your options? Visit VSIspine.com to schedule a consultation with a spine specialist who can discuss both fusion and disc replacement candidacy. 📺 Watch this full episode on YouTube 💡 Read Nick's story in this blog. 🔔 Subscribe to Get Back to Your Life® podcast for more expert advice for taking control of your health.
