Diagnosis and Treatment for Degenerative Spinal Disorders by Top-Rated Specialists in New Jersey

To best serve the needs of Northern NJ communities, Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics is well-versed in a wide range of degenerative back diseases, including the following:

Adult Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a disorder defined by abnormal spinal curvature. Though it most commonly is diagnosed during childhood or adolescence, scoliosis can also be found in adults after the skeleton has completed its growth. Non-invasive treatments are available to relieve symptoms and pain, as well as improve or restore mobility and function.

Degenerative Arthritis of the Spine

A form of osteoarthritis, which is the breakdown of bone within weight-bearing disc cartilage and joints, degenerative arthritis of the spine occurs when the joints between two vertebrae slide out of place. It is most common in the neck and lower back, and though everyone is at risk with age, the condition can be exacerbated by risk factors such as:

• A family history of arthritis
• Tobacco use
• Occupational hazards like repetitive lifting and bending
• Excess weight gain
• A history of trauma

Cervical and Lumbar Stenosis

Spinal stenosis develops when the spinal canal narrows due to arthritic changes. When it occurs in the neck, it’s known as cervical stenosis, while cases in the lower back are called lumbar stenosis.

Bone Spurs of the Spine

Along ligament or tendon attachments, within joint spaces, or along bone edges, bone spurs, overgrowths of bone, can develop and cause pain due to friction, nerve impingement, and more. Most patients have bone spurs that are undetected for years, but if symptoms present, they may range from mild to severe.

Spondylolisthesis

Accompanied by troublesome neck or back pain, spondylolisthesis results from the improper alignment of vertebral bones, discs, ligaments, and facet joints. It causes vertebrae to slide backward or forward, as the joints involved are unstable. Pressure may also be placed on nearby nerves, resulting in sciatica or radiculopathy.

Spondylosis

Limited range of motion due to degenerative arthritis is called spondylosis when it affects the spine’s joints. It can affect both intervertebral and facet joints and result in unpleasant symptoms, such as neck or back pain.

Radiculopathy and Sciatica

Pinched nerves can result from compressed or irritated arthritic joints, and the resulting symptoms such as weakness, numbness, and pain can radiate into the extremities – a condition known as radiculopathy. Also the result of pinched spinal nerves, sciatica describes radiculopathy that occurs in one or both legs.

Sacroiliitis

Highly common, this condition is regarded as an under-diagnosed form of spondylosis and describes joint inflammation occurring between the pelvis and sacrum. Its symptoms sometimes mimic those of spondylosis, stenosis, and radiculopathy, making an expert diagnosis imperative for finding relief.

The majority of patients with degenerative changes in the lumbar, thoracic, and cervical spine will not require surgery. Through a combination, our board-certified team of neurosurgeons, spine surgeons, and non-surgical personnel collaborate to evaluate and diagnose each degenerative back disease case and personalize a path toward relief.

Trust Your Care to Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics

To learn more about degenerative back disease treatment, contact Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics in Northern NJ today. From your first phone call, we take the time necessary to listen to your experiences and concerns, thoroughly examine your current health and medical history, review all diagnostics, and determine whether a pathology exists that correlates with your symptoms. Once making an accurate diagnosis through a collaborative, multi-specialty approach, we’ll begin you on the best treatment plan for your condition that utilizes non-surgical, surgical (if necessary), and pain management modalities, leaving you with the peace of mind that your symptoms are being addressed effectively.