3-level disc replacement at Johnston-Willis Hospital helps Henrico woman get back to life

When neck pain starts to limit how you move, work and enjoy everyday moments, finding the right treatment can make all the difference. For Henrico resident Marie Phillips, a 3-level cervical disc replacement at Chippenham Hospital relieved the pain and nerve symptoms she had been living with — and helped her get back to the active life she loves.

Phillips had dealt with neck and back pain for years. But last summer, it became hard to manage. She also noticed new, concerning symptoms: numbness, trouble turning her head and difficulty focusing.

After seeing an orthopedic specialist, X-rays showed significant changes in her neck, including severe disc degeneration and arthritis. She was later diagnosed with degenerative disc disease, which runs in her family, along with cervical radiculopathy (a pinched nerve in the neck) and spinal cord compression.

“When I saw the imaging, it was pretty horrifying,” Phillips said. “I was told I was headed for a 3-level cervical fusion. And at 45, that felt life-changing. I was just so defeated.”

A second opinion brought a new option

Phillips’ friends and family encouraged her to get another opinion, and a mentor recommended Neurosurgical Associates at Johnston-Willis Hospital. There, she met Dr. William Kemp, a neurosurgeon who specializes in complex spine surgery.

After reviewing her MRI, Dr. Kemp told Phillips her condition was serious — and that he wanted to take a closer look. He ordered additional testing to confirm what was causing her symptoms and to help determine the best treatment approach.

Then he shared an option Phillips did not expect: a 3-level cervical disc replacement.

What is a 3-level disc replacement?

A cervical disc replacement is a procedure that removes damaged discs in the neck and replaces them with artificial discs. The goal is to relieve pressure on nerves and the spinal cord while preserving motion in the neck.

That is different from a cervical fusion, which joins the bones together to stabilize the spine. In some cases, fusion is the best choice. For some younger, active patients, disc replacement may offer an approach that helps maintain range of motion.

Dr. Kemp said he is increasingly recommending disc replacement when it is appropriate, especially for younger patients.

In addition to preserving motion, disc replacement may be less likely than fusion to require additional surgery later and can involve a shorter recovery time.

“This field is changing, and the applications for disc replacement are expanding,” he said. “For some younger patients, my goal is to help protect their long-term quality of life because this is better technology in 2026.”

Phillips became the first patient in Central Virginia to undergo a 3-level cervical disc replacement using the prodisc system.

‘It was like I got my life back’

Phillips said the option was a surprise — and one she quickly felt good about. She works for the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, helping people with disabilities find jobs. She said she did not want her pain to dictate her future.

“I’m very active,” Phillips said. “So when Dr. Kemp asked what my goals were, I told him I wanted to be able to garden, work outside and just be myself again. I trusted the process because it was a better option for me.”

Phillips had surgery Jan. 20. She said she felt a difference right away.

“The minute I woke up from surgery, the pain and the weird things I’d been living with were gone,” she said. “My recovery has been swift. It’s mind-blowing. People cannot believe it was just a few weeks ago that I had major surgery.”

As she continues physical therapy with the team at HCA Virginia Sports Medicine, Phillips hopes her story helps others who are struggling with similar symptoms.

“It’s awesome that there’s this option for people my age and younger,” she said. “I want people to know there are options.”

Dr. Kemp said he hopes Phillips is the first of many people in Central Virginia who can benefit from this approach.

“I’m thrilled for her,” he said. “Marie’s drive and attitude have been a big part of her recovery, and I’m glad I could support her along the way.”

If you are living with neck pain, numbness or weakness that is not improving, talk with your doctor about your symptoms and whether a spine evaluation may be right for you.