Neck & Back Pain Overview

It’s normal to experience some neck and back pain over the course of your life. However, if the pain isn’t going away and nothing seems to be helping, it could be a sign of a more serious condition that requires surgical intervention.

For example, if your symptoms include radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the upper or lower extremities. This is usually the result of spinal cord or spinal nerve compression in the spine.  In most cases conservative management with over the counter medications, physical therapy and spinal injections may be effective.  Surgery may be the best option to get the relief  and restoration of function you’re looking for. If your doctor has recommended you explore surgery as a potential treatment option, schedule an appointment with leading spine surgeon Dr. Sandro LaRocca at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute, P.C. He can help you take the first step toward reduced pain and better quality of life.

Causes of Neck and Back Pain

If you experience neck or back pain with symptoms spreading into your extremities, it’s most likely due to an issue with the spine. The spine is a complex structure that runs from the base of the skull all the way down to your tailbone and is made up of a series of small bones called vertebrae that help protect the spinal cord and the sensitive nerves that run through your body. Vertebrae also play a major role in mobility, from turning your head to bending and twisting your back.

Because the spine is so complex, it’s susceptible to many different injuries, diseases and conditions. Some of the most common causes of spine-related neck and back pain include:

  • Age

  • Injury

  • Improper/heavy lifting

  • Overuse

  • Poor posture

  • Excess body weight

  • Abnormal growth, such as a tumor

  • Herniated disc

  • Congenital defect

  • Pinched nerve

  • And more…

In addition to pain, a spine problem can limit a person’s ability to do certain activities as well as cause arm/leg pain and weakness, tingling, numbness, stiffness and a host of other symptoms. It’s important to know that you don’t have to live with these symptoms and that help is available.

Diagnosing and Treating Neck and Back Pain

If your symptoms have been an ongoing problem, it’s likely that you’ve tried a number of treatments, from physical therapy and steroid and epidural shots to chiropractic care. However, these treatments don’t help all patients, and your doctor may suggest you schedule a consultation with a surgeon like Dr. LaRocca, one of the premier spine surgeons in the Mercer County, Burlington County, and Ocean County areas. He specializes in diagnosing and treating a range of spine issues, including herniated discs, scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, and spinal fractures..

During your first consultation, board certified spine surgeon Dr. Sandro LaRocca will review your symptoms and run diagnostic tests to assess your condition. Once a diagnosis is made, he’ll recommend the best course of action and provide compassionate, personalized care alongside a team of multidisciplinary specialists to help you find the relief you’re seeking.

Learn More About Resolving Back Pain with Dr. LaRocca

If you're ready to resolve your neck or back pain or have been referred for a surgical consultation, Dr. LaRocca and the team at New Jersey Neck & Back Institute are here to provide a comprehensive approach to relieve your pain and enhance your quality of life. You can schedule an appointment by calling 609-896-0020 or visiting our website at www.njnbi.com. We have four convenient locations:

3131 Princeton Pike, Bldg 6, Ste 106, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

1985 Highway 34, Ste 6A, Wall Township, NJ 07719

1004 Birchfield Drive, Mount Laurel, NJ 08054

2090 NJ-27, STE 102, North Brunswick Township, NJ 08902