Neck | Cervical

Spine Treatment for Neck (Cervical Spine) Conditions in New Jersey

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The spine runs from the base of the skull to the pelvis, and doctors separate it into several sections. The cervical spine refers to the seven bones (vertebrae) at the top, comprising the neck. Whether due to injury or disease, the cervical spine can become damaged. When this occurs, it causes various symptoms that make it difficult to perform daily tasks.

At NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute, Branko Skovrlj, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon and fellowship-trained spine surgeon. Dr. Skovrlj specializes in treating spine conditions, including neck pain and related conditions. Leveraging innovative diagnostic technology and spine treatment options, Dr. Skovrlj provides personalized care to patients throughout New Jersey, including locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.

What Are Cervical Spine Conditions?

The crucial role the cervical spine plays in daily movement often is not felt until a condition develops. In addition to vertebrae, the cervical spine features intervertebral discs, which provide shock absorption to prevent pain during movement.

When these bones, discs, or other structures supporting the cervical spine are damaged, it can become painful for a patient to move their head. This significantly limits the ability to conduct everyday tasks. The cervical spine is responsible for forward and backward bending of the head (flexion and extension), plus side-to-side head movements (rotation and lateral flexion).

Neck conditions also may impact other functions of the cervical spine, which include:

Protecting the spinal cord
Supporting blood flow to the brain
Bearing the head’s weight to ensure it stays upright

Neck pain has multiple causes. Sometimes, a sharp, sudden movement may strain the muscles in the neck and cause pain. In other patients, another condition can lead to pain, such as osteoporosis, which causes small spinal fractures. In most cases, a cervical spine condition will begin with minor neck pain that worsens over time.

Besides neck pain, symptoms that may suggest a patient has cervical spine damage include:

Breathing trouble
Radiating back pain
Loss of bladder and bowel control
Muscle spasms
Numbness in the arms and hands
Problems walking steadily

Types of Neck Conditions

Cervical Degenerative Joint Disease

This condition occurs when spinal discs wear down due to age or injury. They become thin and brittle, reducing shock absorption and allowing vertebrae to rub against one another.

Cervical Facet Syndrome Treatment

Facet joints stabilize the neck while providing flexibility. Arthritis, traumatic injury, or repeated stress can cause cartilage around these joints to become inflamed, resulting in pain and tenderness.

Cervical Herniated Disc

This occurs when the outer layer of a spinal disc tears, allowing the soft nucleus to leak out. The leak may pinch root nerves or compress the spinal cord, causing intense pain, tingling, or numbness.

Cervical Kyphosis

Also called military neck, this is an abnormal C-shaped curve in the neck. It can create visible deformity while interfering with a patient’s ability to perform ordinary tasks like turning their head or swallowing.

Cervical Myelopathy

The spinal cord carries information between the body and brain. When the cord is placed under pressure, its ability to function correctly is impacted. Symptoms may be felt anywhere in the body.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Also known as a pinched cervical nerve, this occurs when a nerve root becomes compressed, inflamed, or damaged. The damage causes faulty nerve signals that affect senses and reflexes in the arms.

Cervical Slipped Disc

Like a herniated disc, a slipped disc happens when the inner gel of vertebrae spills out into the surrounding spine. With a slipped disc, this gel leaks in only one area. However, it can affect nerve roots and cause the same neck pain.

Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

Whether caused by sports, a car accident, infection, or a birth injury, damage directly to the spinal cord can be debilitating. Depending on its location, symptoms can range from pain to total paralysis.

Cervical Stenosis

Cervical stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck. It compresses the spinal cord, leading to multiple symptoms, including severe neck pain.

Neck Injury

Even mild-seeming neck injuries are serious. Whiplash may cause unseen internal damage to muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues surrounding the spine. It can also create inflammation around the facet joints.

Neck Pain

There are many potential causes for neck pain, from injury to nerve compression or arthritis. An accurate diagnosis is essential to providing the right treatment. Speak with the specialists at NU-Spine if you are experiencing pain in your neck.

Pinched Cervical Nerve

A cervical pinched nerve happens when damage to a nerve root in the cervical spine causes pain. This can cause radiating pain or tingling known as Neck Injury.

Treatment of Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease

Treatment of Cervical Degenerative Disc Disease in New Jersey Cervical degenerative disc disease happens when one or more of the cushioning discs in the neck start to break down. Most often, a disc breaks down due to normal wear and tear, but an injury can also cause the condition. Cervical degenerative disc disease is a ...

How to Seek Spine & Neck Surgery Services in New Jersey

NU-Spine provides a variety of minimally invasive surgical treatments for many neck conditions, helping to solve a patient’s neck pain. Serving patients throughout New Jersey with locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, and Hainesport, New Jersey. Dr. Skovrlj is one of just a few neurosurgeons in New Jersey specializing in complex spine procedures.

He and his team take a personalized approach to care, getting to know each patient. They take the time to thoroughly understand a patient’s symptoms and listen to their concerns. Begin your journey to wellness and transform your life with a touch of care! Experience the cutting-edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step towards a pain-free future.

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.

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