Neck | Cervical
Spine Treatment for Neck Conditions
Spine Treatment for Neck (Cervical Spine) Conditions Near You in New Jersey
When you have consistent neck pain, discomfort can be chronic, making it difficult to focus or do the activities you love. On top of that, loss of mobility keeps you from living life to the fullest. If you are struggling with neck pain, don’t wait to find relief.
Trust NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, where we provide innovative neck surgeries to treat a variety of cervical spine conditions at locations near you in New Jersey. Our resident neurosurgeon, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, prioritizes minimally invasive spine surgery procedures whenever possible to help patients get pain relief. Learn more about how this approach allows for an easier and faster recovery, helping you get back to your pain-free life sooner.
What Is the Cervical Spine?
- Protecting the spinal cord
- Supporting the head
- Enabling head movement
- Facilitating blood flow to the brain
Though the cervical spine is remarkably strong, it is also delicate. The head weighs between 11 and 13 pounds, putting a large amount of strain on the neck. In addition, the cervical spine combines many critical nerves and blood vessels in a relatively small space. This makes it one of the most complex regions in the body. This complexity, flexibility, and stress make the neck susceptible to a wide variety of conditions that cause pain and interfere with mobility.
Symptoms of Neck Conditions
Not all forms of neck pain feel the same. Some patients feel pain immediately and intensely. In most cases, however, conditions begin with minor pain that worsens over time. Spine damage that leads to neck pain may also cause other symptoms that reduce a patient’s quality of life, including:
- Breathing difficulties
- Back pain that radiates into limbs
- Numbness or tingling in the arms and hands
- Unsteadiness or difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Muscle spasms
Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek prompt medical attention. The spine experts at NU-Spine use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose the cause. They will then plan appropriate treatment to relieve symptoms and improve your well-being.
Types of Neck Conditions Treated at NU-Spine
NU-Spine offers treatment for all types of neck pain and conditions. Patients may consult us for treatment options for conditions including:
Cervical Degenerative Joint Disease
Cervical degenerative joint disease is another name for neck arthritis. This condition occurs when age-related wear and tear causes cartilage in neck joints to break down. The cartilage develops rough patches that create friction between joints, resulting in stiffness and pain.
Cervical Facet Syndrome
Facet joints help stabilize the neck and provide flexibility. Cervical facet syndrome occurs when the cartilage in these joints degrades. It may be caused by arthritis, traumatic injuries, or repetitive movements in the workplace. It results in significant pain and loss of mobility.
Cervical Herniated Disc
Spinal discs are gel-filled pads that provide cushioning between vertebrae. A cervical herniated disc occurs when one of these pads ruptures, allowing the gel center to leak. The leak aggravates surrounding tissue and may fill the spinal canal, putting pressure on the spinal cord or root nerves.
Cervical Slipped Disc
A cervical slipped disc, also called a cervical bulging disc, is another condition affecting the spinal discs. It occurs when a spinal disc moves out of its normal position. This creates a bulge that protrudes into the spinal canal and presses against the spinal cord or a root nerve.
Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease
Cervical degenerative disc disease occurs when one or more spinal discs in the cervical region begin to break down. This is often due to age or work-related wear and tear. It results in pain and stiffness and may also make discs vulnerable to rupture or herniation.
Cervical Kyphosis
Cervical kyphosis is the medical term for military neck. This condition is characterized by an abnormal forward curve in the neck. It may result in chronic pain, loss of mobility, and neurological symptoms, in severe cases, due to extreme deformity impinging on the spinal cord.
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Cervical stenosis refers to a narrowing of the spinal canal. The spinal canal is the open space in the center of the vertebrae through which the spinal cord passes. An injury, disc issue, or degeneration may cause this canal to narrow, leaving insufficient space around the spinal cord.
Cervical Myelopathy
Cervical myelopathy describes spinal cord compression. This occurs when another condition, such as kyphosis or a herniated disc, puts pressure on the spinal cord. The pressure interferes with normal spinal cord function, resulting in pain and loss of control due to faulty nerve signals.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy is like myelopathy but is caused by compression of root nerves rather than the spinal cord. These major nerve bundles branch off the spinal cord to reach other parts of the body. Symptoms depend on which root nerve is affected. A pinched cervical nerve is another name for cervical radiculopathy. The compression interferes with nerve function, resulting in pain.
Neck Injury
A neck injury is any form of injury to the cervical spine or surrounding tissues. It is a broad category that includes sprains and strains, vertebral fractures, and damage to the spinal cord itself. Neck injuries vary in severity, but all types are considered serious.
Cervical Spinal Cord Injury
Severe injury or nerve compression may result in a cervical spinal cord injury. This refers to any damage directly to the spinal cord, ranging from bruising to a partial or full sever. Spinal cord injuries are serious and require prompt medical attention to keep damage from worsening.
Neck Pain
The cause of neck pain is not always easy to identify. Many spine conditions have similar symptoms, making it difficult to tell the difference without a closer look. NU-Spine has expertise in diagnosing various kinds of neck pain, which is a crucial step in determining the correct treatment.
What Neck Surgeries Does NU-Spine Offer?
Neck surgeries at NU-Spine are performed by Dr. Branko Skovrlj, one of the few neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus solely on the spine. He is a specialist in all kinds of spine procedures and offers a variety of cutting-edge treatments. They include:
Cervical Rhizotomy
Rhizotomy is a minimally invasive treatment for some forms of nerve pain. It involves damaging key nerves using cutting, chemical ablation, or radiofrequency ablation. The damage disrupts nerve signals, including pain signals, providing effective relief for chronic nerve pain.
Cervical Laminectomy
The lamina is the posterior or back section of a vertebra. Its role is to protect and support the spinal cord, but it can also contribute to nerve compression. A cervical laminectomy is performed to remove all or most of the lamina, relieving pressure and creating extra space around the spinal cord.
Cervical Hemilaminectomy
“Hemi” means half. Appropriately, a hemilaminectomy is “half of” a laminectomy. This procedure is performed similarly to a standard laminectomy but removes only part of the lamina. The rest of the bone remains intact, preserving some spinal cord protection while allowing a faster recovery.
Cervical Foraminotomy
The foramen is a gap between two vertebrae that allows root nerves to reach the rest of the body. A cervical foraminotomy widens this gap. It may be used to relieve pressure on root nerves or to improve the surgeon’s access to a damaged spinal disc or other internal structure.
Cervical Spinal Fusion
A cervical spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that fuses two or more vertebrae into a single, strong bone. This stabilizes the spine, eliminating movement in the joint and, thus, any pain associated with it.
Cervical Decompression Surgery
Cervical decompression is another name for cervical laminectomy. This procedure removes all or most of the lamina, the section of the vertebra that supports the spinal cord. Removing it creates extra space around the spinal cord to relieve painful myelopathy or radiculopathy.
Cervical Spine Reconstruction
Cervical spine reconstruction is the standard treatment for severe cervical kyphosis and other deformity. This procedure utilizes a variety of techniques to rebuild the spine with a healthier shape and structure, effectively relieving pain and restoring full mobility.
Cervical Spine Revision
Cervical spine revision is performed to treat continued pain after a previous spine surgery. The first procedure may have been insufficient to treat the patient’s condition, or the pain may recur due to failing hardware. Cervical spine revision is used to provide long-lasting relief.
Cervical Discectomy
Cervical discectomy is a surgical treatment for a slipped or herniated cervical disc. During this procedure, the surgeon removes all or most of the damaged disc. This relieves pressure on the spinal cord and eliminates pain. A spinal fusion or disc replacement may follow to stabilize the spine.
Cervical Microdiscectomy
Cervical microdiscectomy is a modern, minimally invasive form of discectomy. NU-Spine prefers it when possible. It is performed similarly to a standard discectomy and offers similar results but uses a tiny camera and surgical retractors to avoid cutting through muscle.
Cervical Disc Replacement
After a cervical discectomy or microdiscectomy, Dr. Skovrlj may perform a cervical disc replacement. This procedure involves inserting an artificial disc into the space left by a removed spinal disc. The replacement provides shock absorption and mobility like a natural disc.
The Advantages of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Though Dr. Skovrlj has expertise in all kinds of spine procedures, he has a special focus on minimally invasive spine surgery. Minimally invasive procedures utilize advanced equipment to access the spine through smaller incisions. This minimizes surgical trauma to surrounding muscles and nerves. Patients experience a variety of benefits, including:
- Shorter recoveries
- Faster results from surgery
- Reduced pain and bleeding
- Less risk of infection
- Fewer complications
In some cases, minimally invasive spine surgery also lets patients avoid a hospital stay. They can go home the same day as their procedure to recover where they feel most comfortable.
Find Relief from Neck Pain at a NU-Spine Location Near You
- If you frequently struggle with a painful neck condition, don’t wait for relief. Transform your life with a touch of care at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive neck surgery. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment at one of our New Jersey locations near you.
Neck Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
What conditions does NU-Spine treat?
NU-Spine treats a full range of cervical spine conditions, including:
- Degenerative joint disease
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet syndrome
- Herniated disc
- Slipped disc
- Kyphosis
- Stenosis
- Myelopathy
- Radiculopathy
- Neck injuries
Who performs surgeries at NU-Spine?
At NU-Spine, our resident neurosurgeon, Dr. Branko Skovrlj, performs neck surgeries. He is a board-certified neurosurgeon and one of the few neurosurgeons in New Jersey to focus exclusively on the spine. He is recognized worldwide for his contributions to spine treatment research.
What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgeries are advanced procedures that access the problem area through a smaller incision. By reducing damage to muscles, nerves, and other soft tissue, these procedures allow a faster recovery with less pain, bleeding, or risk of infection.
When is neck surgery necessary?
Neck surgery is recommended for patients whose pain interferes with normal life or when pain fails to respond to conservative treatments like rest, medication, physical therapy, or supportive braces. NU-Spine can help you determine whether neck surgery is the right next step for you.
Ask About Spine Surgery at NU-Spine
Are you struggling with back or neck pain? Don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Access cutting-edge, minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute.
MRI Review
We offer a MRI review to most insured patients as part of our commitment to patient care
Patient Resouces
To save time please print out the Patient Form and fill out all fields prior to your appointment.
Latest News & Insights
Get the latest news, updates and insights into spinal surgery and minimally invasive treatments.