Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

Nervous patient lays in hospital bed while waiting for surgery

Understanding Spinal Decompression Surgery: How Serious Is It?

What Is the Spinal Cord? The spinal cord is a thick bundle of nerves that relays information between the brain and the body. It carries sensory information to be processed by the brain. It also allows the brain to send instructions that govern organ function and motor ability. If the spinal cord becomes compressed, however, […]

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Group of seniors having yoga class in studio

Minimally Invasive Laminectomy: What You Need to Know

What Is a Minimally Invasive Laminectomy? A laminectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the lamina, the section of bone that forms the back of the vertebra. It encloses the spinal canal, protecting and supporting the spinal cord. By removing it, surgeons create additional space around the spinal cord. This is an effective solution to

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Athletic person in nature experiencing backache

Is Lumbar Microdiscectomy Usually Successful?

Understanding Spine Structure The strength and flexibility of the spine depend on its structure. The spine is composed of several interlocking bones, called vertebrae, which work together as a single unit that can bend and twist. Separating each pair of vertebrae are spinal discs. These are tough pads of tissue with soft, jelly-filled cores that

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X-ray image showing spine curved by scoliosis

What Is the Best Treatment for Scoliosis in Adults?

Understanding Spine Structure The spine, or backbone, naturally has a slight curve toward the front and back. This S-curve provides optimal support to the body while creating space around organs for unhindered function. From the front, however, the spine should appear perfectly straight. A healthy spine does not bend to either side, maintaining the bodyโ€™s

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Patient shaking spine surgeonโ€™s hand in medical office

What to Do When Someone Is Reluctant to See a Spine Surgeon

Spine Surgery: Sooner Is Better Than Later If your loved one is resistant to the idea of spine surgery, they may insist that it is not necessary. This is not always true, as many spine conditions are progressive. That means the longer they wait, the worse the symptoms will get. Examples of progressive spine conditions

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Neck pain specialist using tablet to explain treatment to patient

Important Questions to Ask When Seeking a Neck Pain Specialist in New Jersey

What Are the Neck Pain Specialistโ€™s Training and Board Certifications? The very first feature to look for in a neck pain specialist is training. The neck is a complex structure, and procedures are often delicate. You want to feel confident that your physician is fully qualified to perform the treatments they are offering. The following

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Physician holding model of spine to illustrate laminectomy procedure

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Laminectomy?

Types of Laminectomy Procedure The first factor at play in laminectomy recovery time is the type of laminectomy. There are several variations of the procedure, depending on which part of the spine requires treatment: Cervical laminectomy: This procedure targets pain in the cervical region or neck. Thoracic laminectomy: This surgery focuses on pain in the

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