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 (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

Signs and Symptoms

Typically, radiculopathy only affects one side of the body. However, depending on where the sciatic nerve has been affected, symptoms can impact both legs or even your feet and toes. The most common symptoms include:

Discomfort that extends from the lower back and down the leg
Tingling, numbness, or weakness of the leg or foot
Hip pain
Pain in the buttocks or leg that worsens when sitting
Shooting pain that makes it hard to stand

The pain caused by radiculopathy can range from mild aching to chronic, debilitating discomfort that causes sudden, electricity-like jolts. Even if you only experience mild symptoms, it’s important to schedule a consultation with New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. to seek treatment right away.

How We Diagnose Radiculopathy

To reach a radiculopathy diagnosis, Dr. LaRocca will take your medical history and conduct a physical exam. During this exam, he may ask you to perform a range of tasks that demonstrate your reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength.

In addition to a physical exam, medical imaging can provide additional insight to support Dr. LaRocca’s diagnosis. These tests include:

X-ray: This method can help rule out broken bones or spinal issues, including bone spurs.
MRI or CT scan: This scan shows Dr. LaRocca if you have a herniated disc or other soft-tissue damage.
Electromyogram: This test can help unveil nerve and muscle damage.

Treatment Options

Many patients come to New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. because stretches, heating pads, ice packs, physical therapy, spinal injections, and other conservative treatments fail to provide relief. If this describes your experience with radiculopathy, Dr. LaRocca may recommend surgery.

As an experienced surgeon board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, Dr. LaRocca performs minimally invasive laminectomy procedures to resolve the symptoms of radiculopathy. These procedures utilize smaller incisions than traditional surgeries to protect surrounding tissues, reduce pain and scarring, and speed recovery time. Patients also spend less time in the hospital after treatment with outpatient procedures available in many cases.

Schedule an Appointment Today

No one should live with the discomfort and mobility impairments caused by radiculopathy. If you’ve noticed symptoms of this condition or your physician recommends surgery, Dr. LaRocca can help. To learn more about sciatica treatment, contact us online or call 609-896-0020 to schedule a consultation at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. in Lawrenceville, Toms River, Mount Laurel, or North Brunswick.