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.

Neck Pain Overview

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

How Is Neck Pain Diagnosed?

After taking a look at your medical history, Dr. LaRocca will perform a physical exam to check for numbness, tenderness and muscle weakness. The patient may also be asked to move his or her head several different ways to determine the location of the pain.

Diagnostic imaging tests may also be performed and they can include:

Computerized tomography (CT) scan to produce cross-sectional views of the structure of the neck
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to view the soft tissues of the neck including the nerves and spinal cord
X-rays to reveal sections of the neck where the spinal cord or nerves may be compressed on impinged by abnormalities in the neck

In some instances, additional tests may be necessary, including:

Blood tests to check for infection or other inflammatory conditions that may be causing the neck pain
Electromyography (EMG) to measure speed of nerve conduction to see if certain nerves are operating properly

Treatment for Neck Pain

If neck pain persists over two or three weeks, Dr. LaRocca will create a customized treatment plan that may include treatments, such as:

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion
Cervical laminoplasty to create more space within the spinal canal
Laminectomy to relieve pressure in the spinal cord
Medications (e.g., muscle relaxants)
Physical therapy to correct posture and strengthen the muscles
Soft collar for short-term immobilization of the neck to take pressure off the structures in the neck
Steroid injections near the nerve roots in the spinal cord to relieve pain
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) where electrodes are placed on the skin in the painful areas to relieve pain.