
Treatment for Back Pain in New Jersey
Your spine is the core of your skeletal system. It supports your weight, allows you to bend and twist, and protects your spinal cord – the superhighway of your nervous system. Due to its importance, the spine undergoes a significant amount of stress day to day. Its anatomy is also fairly delicate. Together, these facts mean that your spine can be incredibly prone to injury, especially as you age. The resulting pain can affect your daily activities and negatively impact your quality of life.
The team at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute diagnoses and treats multiple causes of back pain. We provide non-invasive treatments and minimally invasive spine surgery at our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel.
What Causes Back Pain?
There are many potential causes of back pain. The back plays a key role in providing support, and a variety of factors can affect it. Some cases of back pain start with damaged or worn-down soft tissues or bone in the back. Others originate with infection or inflammation elsewhere in the body. People experience back pain in the mid-back or lower back.
Common causes of back pain include:
- Incorrect posture
- Poor sleeping habits
- Improper exercise techniques
- Weakened muscles due to lack of activity
- Workplace stress from pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy loads
- Degeneration due to aging
- A muscle or ligament strain
- Fractured vertebrae
- A slipped or herniated disc
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
- Scoliosis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Infected kidney or bladder
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Cancer or a tumor
- Failed back surgery
Some individuals are more susceptible to back pain than others. Certain factors — some within your control and some not — can make you more likely to experience pain. Though back pain can affect anybody, you may be at a greater risk if you:
- Are over 65 years old
- Are pregnant
- Are obese or overweight
- Do not exercise regularly
- Work a job that requires heavy lifting or long periods of sitting
- Smoke cigarettes
- Suffer specific medical conditions, such as arthritis
Because there are so many potential sources for your pain, identifying the root cause before beginning treatment is crucial. A licensed neurosurgeon can accurately diagnose your condition to ensure that your discomfort is addressed correctly.
What Are the Symptoms of Back Pain?
Symptoms of back pain are as varied as its potential causes. Some are acute, meaning that they start suddenly and last for up to six weeks if not treated. Other cases are chronic. These develop over a long period and stay with you day after day. Whether your case is acute or chronic, you may experience:
- Dull pain
- Sharp, shooting, or stabbing pain
- Pain that worsens after bending, lifting, standing, or walking
- Pain radiating down your arm or leg
- Muscle tightness, stiffness, or aches
- Muscle weakness in your arms or legs
- Burning sensations
- Numbness or tingling in your legs, chest, or body
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
In many cases, these symptoms can increase as time goes on. The sooner back pain is diagnosed, the sooner a spine specialist can help you receive the treatment you need and get back to your active lifestyle.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Back Pain?
Because the causes of back pain can vary, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Led by Dr. Branko Skovrlj, the NU-Spine team conducts a complete evaluation to ensure a full understanding of your back pain. We perform physical exams, explore your medical history, and assess your symptoms while we pursue a diagnosis. We may also conduct tests using advanced technology, such as:
- X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Blood tests
Our goal is to provide the most accurate diagnosis possible. Once we understand the source of your pain, we can then move on to develop a treatment plan.
What Are Back Pain Treatments?
Our renowned spine specialists use a multi-disciplinary approach to ensure the best outcomes. Our initial treatments are non-invasive and may include:
- Pain relief medication
- Topical rubs and ointments
- Antidepressants
- Cortisone steroid injections
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
If conservative treatments fail to provide meaningful relief, our team may recommend surgery. NU-Spine specializes in minimally invasive surgeries, including:
- Foraminotomy
- Discectomy
- Microdiscectomy
- Laminectomy
- Hemilaminectomy
- Corpectomy
- Lumbar decompression
- Spinal fusion
- Revision spine surgery
- Spinal reconstruction surgery
- Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF)
- Extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF)
Minimally invasive spine surgery procedures use small incisions and specialized tools to reduce the impact on your body. By preventing unnecessary stress, these procedures can ensure a faster recovery with less pain or risk of infection – helping you get back to your active lifestyle sooner.
Find Back Pain Treatment at NU-Spine
If you want relief from your back pain, don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with the spine experts at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today for an initial consultation, or to visit one of our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, NJ.