Conditions We Treat

NJNBI offers a wide range of treatment options for common conditions affecting all aspects of the spine including:

Adult Lumbar Spondlyolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one of the vertebrae of the spine slides out of place, with the most common occurrence in the lower back (lumbar) region.

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is the result of degenerative disc disease, where the facet joints within the spine begin to develop arthritis from increased pressure.

Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy

Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (aka spinal cord compression) is a condition where narrowing of the spinal canal occurs due to wear and tear over time.

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is not a disease but rather a term used to describe the normal changes in the spinal discs over the course of time.

Degenerative scoliosis

Also known as adult onset scoliosis, degenerative scoliosis is when the curvature of the spine is caused by the degeneration of the facet joints.

Degenerative spondylolisthesis

Degenerative spondylolisthesis usually occurs when one vertebra (back bone) slips forward over the vertebra below it and puts pressure on the nerve roots there in the lumbar region of the spine

Herniated discs

A herniated disc occurs when there is a rupture of the tissue that separates the vertebral bones of the spinal column.

Lower back pain

While there are a variety of causes for lower back pain, the majority of them result from the natural degeneration of parts of the spine.

Lumbar spinal stenosis

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, compressing the spinal cord and nerves in the lower back.

Neck pain

Neck pain is a common problem categorized as discomfort in the neck area. Read more about the common symptoms and treatment options available.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a condition that causes radiating pain into the extremities along the course of a spinal nerve root, commonly in the lower back and neck.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that causes pain that radiates through the sciatic nerve, which runs through the lower back then splits and travels down each leg.

Spinal tumors

A spinal tumor is an abnormal tissue growth typically associated with cancer. Learn about the 3 types of spinal tumors as well as diagnosis and treatments.

Spondylolytic spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra becomes displaced and slips forward. The L4 and L5 segments are most commonly affected

Vertebral compression fracture

A vertebral compression fracture is a vertebra in the spine that has decreased in height, between 15 to 20 percent, due to a fracture.

Cervical Spondylosis Overview

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

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

Pain associated with this condition can range from mild to severe and may be worsened by looking up or down for an extended period of time. Lying down or rest may also relieve pain.

Other symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:

Grinding and popping sound or feeling in neck during movement
Headaches
Muscle spasms in the neck and shoulder area
Neck pain and stiffness
Numbness and weakness in arms, hands and fingers
Trouble walking, loss of balance or weakness in the legs

How Is Cervical Spondylosis Diagnosed?

In order to determine the source of your neck pain and confirm a diagnosis of cervical spondylosis, Dr. LaRocca will perform a comprehensive examination, recording a physical examination and the complete history of your neck pain.

A thorough physical examination may include:

Arms
Blood flow
Flexibility of the neck
Legs
Neck
Reflexes
Shoulders
Strength
Touch sensation
Walking test

In addition, Dr. LaRocca may also feel for tender points (trigger points) or swollen glands by pressing on the neck and shoulder area.

Diagnostic testing may also be conducted, including:

Computed tomography (CT) scan: A special x-ray procedure that is used to evaluate bone and the spinal canal.
Electromyography (EMG): A nerve conduction study that tests for nerve damage using electrodes.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This test is ideal for examining the soft tissues of the body for damage or abnormalities such as muscles, discs, nerves and the spinal cord.
Myelography: A special x-ray that uses injected dye to highlight the spinal canal and nerve roots.
X-rays: X-rays are used to examine the alignment of the neck as well as potentially lost disc height or bone spur development.

What Treatments Are Available For Cervical Spondylosis?

With the latest advances in tools and techniques of the industry, Dr. LaRocca and his team with New Jersey Neck & Back Institute (NJNBI) offer non-surgical options as part of a comprehensive treatment plan including:

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Anterior corpectomy and fusion
Cervical epidural block
Cervical facet joint block
Ice, heat and other modalities
Laminectomy/fusion
Medications
Physical therapy
Soft collars
Steroid injections