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.

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.

Symptoms of Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

As the structure of the spine gradually weakens with age, one or more vertebra may be unable to maintain its proper position. Spondylolisthesis can also be caused by sports injuries, accidents or genetic birth defects. Some individuals may not experience any symptoms when a vertebra slips forward, while others may notice several. The most common symptoms of spondylolisthesis include:

Low back pain
Pain in one or both legs
Numbness/tingling in one or both legs
Leg weakness
Muscle spasms
Tight hamstring muscles
Irregular walk
Sciatic pain

The pain tends to feel better when sitting and to feel worse after walking or standing for long periods of time. Additionally, because it’s a degenerative condition, the pain is chronic and symptoms may worsen over time.

Diagnosing and Treating Degenerative Spondylolisthesis

If your doctor suspects you have degenerative spondylolisthesis, New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. can help. The team, which is led by board certified spine surgeon Dr. Sandro LaRocca, will start by reviewing your medical history, talking to you about your symptoms and performing a physical exam to test for range of motion, weakness and pain. Further diagnostic testing, such as X-rays and MRI scans, may also be required.

Non-surgical treatment options for spondylolisthesis include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, back braces and epidural steroid injections. However, these options don’t always provide the long-term relief you’re looking for, especially as symptoms get progressively worse. These methods might be able to help your symptoms, but they can’t physically move the displaced vertebrae back into position or stabilize an unstable spine.

When those forms of treatment fail to yield the desired results, Dr. LaRocca can help. He may recommend one of several surgical options to alleviate your symptoms, including lumbar laminectomy or, more commonly, lumbar spinal fusion surgery. Surgical outcomes for patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis are very good to excellent and have very high success rates. Once a course of treatment is determined, you’ll receive education on your condition and the surgical procedure along with compassionate, personalized care from a team of spinal experts.

Explore Your Treatment Options Today

If degenerative spondylolisthesis symptoms are getting in the way of enjoying your life, don’t wait to reach out to Dr. LaRocca. If not treated, spondylolisthesis will continue to get worse overtime. The sooner the surgery can be performed, the sooner your quality of life can be restored.

With years of experience and advanced technology, NJNBI can offer the relief you deserve from a wide variety of neck and back problems, including stenosis, herniated discs and adult degenerative scoliosis. Make an appointment at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. to learn more.