Stabilization is a way to steady a spine that moves abnormally. When the disc is damaged, one vertebra may slip and slide over the vertebra above or below it during motion. This type of movement is called translation and can cause back pain.

Fusion holds the spine steady but doesn't allow motion. Dynamic stabilization does both. A special device is implanted into the spine to bring this about. It consists of screws, fulcrums, and ligaments to unload the disc and facet joints during motion.

Unlike disc replacement, dynamic stabilization saves the disc and the bony vertebral structure. With this type of treatment, a device is attached to the back of the spine to help stabilize the motion segment while leaving the intervertebral discs intact.