New Jersey Neck and Back Institute, P.C.

New Jersey Neck and Back Institute, P.C.

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24 services for New Jersey Neck and Back Institute, P.C.

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion


Cervical Laminectomy Fusion

Cervical Laminectomy Fusion


Posterior Cervical Laminotomy

Posterior Cervical Laminotomy


Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion


Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion


Lumbar Minimally Invasive Discectomy

Lumbar Minimally Invasive Discectomy


Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion


Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion


Adult Lumbar Spondylolisthesis

Adult Lumbar Spondylolisthesis


Whether it’s the result of overuse, an injury, a congenital defect or the natural aging process, spondylolisthesis is a condition marked by the slipping of vertebrae in the spine. While spondylolisthesis can occur at any level of the spinal column, it’s most common in the lower lumbar region.

 

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical Spondylosis


Cervical Spondylosis typically affects more than 85 percent of people over the age of 60 but can be a source of pain and dysfunction at age 30 and beyond. It is the degeneration of the joints of the neck over the course of time. Though categorized as a form of arthritis, cervical spondlyosis rarely becomes crippling or disabling.

What Causes Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is the result of degenerative disc disease. As patients age, the amount of fluid content within the spinal discs dries out, causing the disc to weaken. Disc space can collapse and loss of disc space height can occur.

The facet joints within the spine begin to degenerate and develop arthritis due to increased pressure. Also, the cartilage that protects these joints slowly wears away, resulting in arthritis. The body then compensates for the cartilage and produces new bone in its place, resulting in bone spurs. Over time, these bony protrusions may narrow the space that the spinal nerves pass through.

There may be an increased risk of cervical spondylosis such as:

  • Genetics
  • Occupation
  • Smoking
  • Trauma or injury
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy


Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM), also known as spinal cord compression, is a condition of the neck in which wear and tear over the course of time leads to a narrowing of the spinal canal.

What Causes Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy?

As neck pain is commonly caused by soft tissue (muscle, ligaments and nerves) abnormalities resulting from wearing over time or injury, CSM may be attributed to conditions including:

  • Cervical disc degeneration: Also known as a herniated disc, cervical disc degeneration occurs when the soft center of the cervical disc bleeds out through the tough exterior, putting pressure on the spinal column.
  • Inflammatory diseases: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis destroys the cartilage in the joints of the neck.
  • Injury: Due to the flexibility of the neck and its support of the head, the neck is extremely prone to injury in situations such as a motor vehicle accident (MVA), household fall or sports injury. While most neck injuries affect the muscles and ligaments, severe injuries like a fracture or dislocation of the neck may cause severe damage to the spinal cord, causing paralysis.
  • Other: In some cases, infections, tumors or other abnormalities of the spine and its components can be the cause of CSM.
Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease


Despite what its name may imply, degenerative disc disease isn’t a disease at all. In fact, it’s a term used to describe the natural changes that take place in the discs of the spine as a result of aging, overuse and/or injuries. At New Jersey Neck & Back Institute (NJNBI), we take a multidisciplinary approach to treating degenerative disc disease to ensure you receive the best care possible. Contact us today to learn more.

What Causes Degenerative Disc Disease?

Spinal discs are essentially shock absorbers. They sit between the bones and the spine, providing height and allowing bending, flexion and twisting. Most importantly, they help the back remain flexible while resisting forces. As we age, the discs begin to shrink and lose integrity. But while nearly everyone will have some degree of degeneration on their spinal discs, not all those people will experience pain or disability.

So what causes degenerative disc disease? There are a few factors to consider. First, there’s the drying out of the disc. This happens with aging. Humans are born with discs containing approximately 80 percent water. As they age, the disc will begin to dry out. As a result, the discs won’t absorb shocks as well as they used to.

Wear and tear from daily activities and sports can also lead to degenerative disc disease. Certain activities can cause tears in the disc’s outer core. The third cause of degenerative disc disease involves injuries. Any impact to the back that results in swelling, soreness and instability can lead to the onset of degenerative disc disease.

Degenerative Scoliosis

Degenerative Scoliosis


While scoliosis – a curvature of the spine – is most commonly associated with children, it can also affect adults. Degenerative scoliosis occurs because of gradual wear and tear to the discs and facet joints that connect the vertebrae. Like all joints in the body, facet joints link the bones together and enable flexibility. As they degenerate over time, these structures can put pressure on the spine and cause it to curve abnormally to one side.

More than half of adults over the age of 65 are diagnosed with degenerative scoliosis, and many may not find the relief they seek through more conservative treatment methods, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care and more. However, there are successful treatment options available through the help of New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. in Lawrenceville and Toms River, NJ.

Treatment for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

Treatment for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis


As people enter their 50s, 60s and beyond, their spine is more likely to start showing signs of wear and tear.

One such sign is a condition called degenerative spondylolisthesis. This occurs when one vertebra (back bone) slips forward over the vertebra below it and puts pressure on the nerve roots there.

This typically happens in the lumbar region of the spine, resulting in symptoms of moderate to severe low back pain. It can also cause pain, stiffness, numbness or tingling in the buttocks and legs. If your doctor has recommended you seek surgical treatment, come to New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. for cutting-edge care.

Surgical Treatment for Herniated Discs

Surgical Treatment for Herniated Discs


A herniated disc can cause a great deal of discomfort and prevent you from doing the things you love. Luckily, they are also highly treatable and one of the most common reasons people are referred to New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. If you’re suffering from a herniated disc and conservative modalities haven’t provided relief, Dr. Sandro LaRocca is standing by to help you explore your surgical treatment options from our Central New Jersey locations in Lawrenceville, Mount Laurel, North Brunswick, and Wall Township.

What Is a Herniated Disc?

Between each vertebra is a spinal disc that holds the sections of the spine together while allowing for a full range of movement, with soft centers that provide cushioning during movement and for impacts. Sometimes, whether due to injury or to natural degeneration over time, the jelly-like center of the disc can become herniated, meaning it bulges out from its normal space. The bulging can cause pressure on the spinal cord itself, nerve roots, or other nearby structures, and this can occur anywhere on the spine.

When this happens, it can cause radiculopathy, which is pain, weakness, numbness, or pain radiating from the back through the extremities. It can also cause myelopathy, or spinal cord compression, leading to difficulty walking and balancing, tingling or numbness, and other symptoms.

Herniated discs are known to affect millions of people each year and are typically treatable through non-surgical treatments, like physical therapy, epidural shots, or pain management. However, if herniated discs don’t respond to these modalities, or there is neurological dysfunction such as weakness, surgery may be recommended by Dr. LaRocca.

Lower Back Pain Treatment

Lower Back Pain Treatment


People experience lower back pain for many different reasons. Sometimes, the pain goes away on its own after a few days or weeks. But other times, the pain is persistent and long lasting, or even seems to get worse over time.

There may be radiating arm or leg pain, radiating numbness and tingling or weakness associated with the back pain, too. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to know that relief is available through surgery, even after other treatments have failed. Visit New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. for more information about lower back pain surgical treatment options.

Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can be caused by anything from an injury to natural degeneration of the spine. Some of the most common causes of lower back pain that might benefit from surgery include:

A lower back pain diagnosis is usually confirmed through a physical exam and medical history review. X-rays, MRI’s, CT scans and other tests can provide further insight into the condition of your spine. Using this information, board certified spine surgeon Dr. LaRocca will be able to determine the best course of surgical treatment to alleviate your lower back pain and improve your quality of life.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis


Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows and puts pressure on the spinal cord. When this compression presents in the lower back region, it’s known as lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). If you’ve tried a number of LSS treatments but haven’t found relief from its symptoms, board certified spine surgeon Dr. LaRocca and his team at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. can help. Learn more about this condition and how NJNBI offers surgical treatments that get results.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Causes

Most cases of lumbar spinal stenosis are caused by arthritis. Just like our joints gradually weaken as we get older, so do the discs between our vertebrae. That’s why LSS most commonly affects adults over the age of 40. As the discs weaken, the space between the vertebrae can collapse, causing the spine to settle.

As a result, the body compensates by shifting our weight to the facet joints instead. Facet joints are what make the spine flexible, and they’re also the place where nerves exit the spinal cord. When put under such pressure, these nerves and the joints are negatively affected and the following symptoms may occur:

  • Back pain
  • Burning pain in the legs or buttocks
  • Numbness and/or tingling in the legs or buttocks
  • Reduced pain when sitting or leaning forward
  • Weakness in the legs
  • Foot feels like its slapping the ground while walking
  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction
  • Loss of coordination

It’s also important to note that while this disorder is most common in older adults, it may also appear as a congenital defect that affects some infants from birth. Tumors that press on the nerves or a traumatic injury that moves bones out of alignment and causes compression can also lead to spinal stenosis.

Neck & Back Pain

Neck & Back Pain


It’s normal to experience some neck and back pain over the course of your life. However, if the pain isn’t going away and nothing seems to be helping, it could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires surgical intervention.

For example, if your symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the upper or lower extremities, surgery may be the best option to get the relief you’re looking for. If your doctor has recommended you explore surgery as a potential treatment option, schedule an appointment with leading spine surgeon Dr. Sandro LaRocca at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. He can help you take the first step toward reduced pain and better quality of life.

Neck Pain

Neck Pain


Also referred to as cervical pain, neck pain is a common problem categorized as discomfort in the neck area. Symptoms of neck pain include:

  • Difficulty moving the head
  • Headaches
  • Muscle spasms/tightness
  • Pain after keeping the head in one position for too long

Because the neck is flexible and supports the weight of the head, it can be susceptible to injuries or conditions that restrict motion or cause pain. Causes of neck pain include:

  • Degenerative disc disease, the deterioration of the joints and vertebral discs of the neck and spine that can compress or impinge (pinch) the nerves in the neck
  • Injury from a sport or motor vehicle accident causing soft tissue damage
  • Muscle strains may result from issues such as an overuse of the muscles, causing pain in the neck
  • Other diseases such as meningitis, arthritis or cancer can also be a source of neck pain
Overview of Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis

Overview of Spondylolytic Spondylolisthesis


Lower back pain can stem from a variety of issues, one of which is a medical condition called spondylolytic spondylolisthesis. In order to find the cause of your symptoms, schedule an appointment with Dr. Sandro LaRocca.

Together with his team at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C., he specializes in healing patients through a combination of compassionate care and advanced surgical techniques.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy


Radiculopathy is a condition that causes radiating pain into the extremities along the course of a spinal nerve root. Though radiculopathy can originate anywhere on the spine, the most common locations are the lower back (lumbar) and neck (cervical) region.

Radiculopathy is the result of compression of the nerves in the spinal cord. Compression may be caused by the following conditions of the spine:

Patients who place excessive or repetitive pressure on the spine are at risk for developing radiculopathy, especially for those with jobs involve intense manual labor or those who play contact sports. In addition, patients with a family history of radiculopathy or other spine conditions may be predisposed to the condition.

Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

Radiculopathy (Sciatica)


A relatively common condition, radiculopathy is characterized by radiating discomfort beginning in the lower back and running down one or both legs. Commonly known as sciatica, the condition’s symptoms can limit mobility and hinder quality of life. But with patient-centered treatment from Dr. LaRocca, you can get back to doing the things you love. With the latest in radiculopathy medicine, New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. makes it easy for patients to receive the comprehensive care they deserve.

What Is Radiculopathy (Sciatica)?

Radiculopathy is often referred to as sciatica, as the condition affects the sciatic nerve located in the lower back and legs. Bone spurs and herniated discs are among the most frequent causes of radiculopathy. These abnormalities can pinch the spinal nerves that form the sciatic nerve, causing various types of discomfort. In other, rarer cases, a spinal tumor can compress your sciatic nerve.

Several risk factors increase your likelihood of developing radiculopathy, including:

  • Age
  • Diabetes, spinal cancer, and other diseases
  • Extended sitting and a sedentary lifestyle
  • Obesity
  • Office work and other sedentary occupations
Spinal Tumors

Spinal Tumors


A spinal tumor is an abnormal tissue growth typically associated with cancer. 

There are three common types of spinal tumors:

Intradural-Extramedullary Tumors

Intradural-extramedullary tumors are located within the spinal canal and under the membrane that acts as a protective covering for the spinal cord. They grow outside of the spinal nerves and are usually benign. This type of tumor may be broken down into subtypes, including:

Meningiomas: Typically benign in nature but with the potential to be malignant, these tumors occur in the area that surrounds the spinal cord. They occur most frequently in middle age and in elderly women, growing at a slow pace.

Nerve sheath tumors (schwannomas and neurofibromas): These tumors form in the nerve roots that branch out from the spinal cord and are generally benign and slow to grow.

Vertebral Compression Fracture Overview

Vertebral Compression Fracture Overview


Occurring in about 700,000 people each year, a vertebral compression fracture is a vertebra in the spine that has decreased in height (15 to 20 percent) due to fracture. This condition is typically caused by osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones of the body progressively lose their density, making them weaker and more prone to breaking.

Vertebral compression fractures occur almost twice as much as other conditions related to osteoporosis, such as a broken hip. In addition, while not all vertebral compression fractures are the result of osteoporosis, this condition is an indication of the presence of the disease.

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