SAN DIEGO -- An artificial disc tested in San Diego is now approved for patients with degenerative disc disease.

Pete Wright has endured a painful four years. Degenerative disc disease has left the accomplished triathlete and firefighter in agony.

"It got to the point where I couldn't sleep anymore. I couldn't walk very well," Wright said.

Doctors found that fusing bones in the spine can eliminate pain caused from degenerative disc disease but it can also lead to more back problems.

Wright decided to try a new option -- artificial disc replacement.

Scripps spine surgeon Dr. Erik Westerlund said, "It allows motion on all planes. It also helps reduce the impact on a what a fusion might do above and below."

Westerlund removed two of Wright's damaged discs and replaced them with artificial discs called "charite," which are designed to help align the spine and preserve its ability to move, bend and twist.

"The goal of this procedure is to remove each of those discs as pain generators and replace them with a disc replacement that will allow him to return to more normal function," Westerlund explained.

The artificial disc is implanted through an incision in the stomach, which significantly reduces recovery time, according to 10News.

"I was up and out of bed and walking around after one week," Wright told 10News.

As Wright continues to heal, his mobility returns. He looks forward to living life to the fullest again.

"The pain that used to be there constantly -- 24 hours a day, seven days a week -- is all gone," Wright said.

Artificial disc replacement is not for everyone. Patients with degenerative disc disease who can't find relief with other lower back pain treatments should ask their doctor if artificial disc replacement might work for them.