Elon Musk recently recommended disc replacement surgery for severe neck or back pain. But what does the evidence say about its benefits and harms? Disc replacement is a major surgery with potential complications. It’s typically used for slipped discs, but it’s not as well-supported by evidence as other spinal surgeries. Clinical trials comparing disc replacement to non-surgical treatments are lacking. In the absence of strong evidence, it’s important to weigh the potential benefits and risks carefully and consider non-surgical options as well.