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.

Radiculopathy Overview

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:

Bone spurs
Cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Herniated disc
Spinal stenosis
Other diseases such as diabetes that cause nerve damage
Spinal tumors

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.

Symptoms of Radiculopathy

The symptoms of radiculopathy are dependent upon the location of the affected nerves. Symptoms commonly include pain, tingling and numbness in the arms or legs. Radicular pain that radiates down the buttocks and legs is known as sciatica.

How Is Radiculopathy Diagnosed?

After taking a thorough medical history and history of symptoms to determine the location of the pain, Dr. LaRocca will perform a physical exam. During the exam, Dr. Sandro LaRocca will be assessing reflexes and muscle strength for abnormalities. Diagnostic tests may also be recommended including:

Computerized tomography (CT) scan to check for compression of the spinal cord
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to examine the soft tissues of the spine including nerves, ligaments and muscles
X-rays to reveal any trauma, signs of osteoarthritis or infection

What Are The Treatments For Radiculopathy?

The experienced and professional team at New Jersey Back & Back Institute (NJNBI) offers treatment options including:

Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (link to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion page) if radiculopathy occurs in the neck
Anti-inflammatory medication
Chiropractic manipulation
Discectomy
Epidural steroid injections
Laminectomy
Physical therapy

Have Another Question?

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.

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