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Complex Spinal Deformity

Multiple MRI scans of human spine

Treatment for Spinal Deformity in New Jersey

Spinal deformities are prevalent, especially among adults over 65. These conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s balance, mobility, and comfort, resulting in a decreased quality of life.

Luckily, treatment options are available. The world-renowned neurosurgeon at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute specializes in a variety of procedures and treatments, including correcting spinal deformity and other conditions affecting the back. With locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, and Hainesport, we serve all of New Jersey with high-quality care to help patients get back to pain-free living.

What Causes Spinal Deformity?

When the spine’s curves differ from the natural S-shape, it is known as a spinal deformity. When viewed from the front or back, the spine should be perfectly straight. When viewed from the side, it should have a slight S-curve. It angles forward at your neck, gently rounds out your upper back, and slopes forward once again at the waist, before finally bending backward to end in your tailbone. This shape allows the spine to support your body effectively while providing maximum flexibility.

There are many reasons spinal deformity might occur:

  • Congenital deformity
  • Degeneration due to age
  • Diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis
  • A back or neck injury
  • A failed spinal fusion surgery
  • Complications from previous surgeries
  • A neuro-muscular condition such as cerebral palsy
  • Tumors or spine infections

Regardless of the cause, spine deformity can be life-altering. If you notice symptoms of spinal deformity, speak with an expert, like the ones at NU-Spine. We can help you determine whether your pain is caused by deformity, and what treatment options may be available.

What Are the Symptoms of Spine Deformity?

There are several categories of spine deformity, classified by their shape. The most common include:

  • Scoliosis: The spine curves or bends to the side. There are multiple types of scoliosis based on the age at which they appear: infantile, juvenile, adolescent idiopathic, and adult degenerative.
  • Kyphosis: The natural curve of the spine becomes exaggerated in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar regions of the back. The excess curvature results in a humpback appearance.
  • Degenerative spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slips out of its place in the vertebral column. This most often happens due to arthritis or other degenerative diseases that weaken the joints.

Symptoms often vary depending on the type of deformity, its location in the spinal column, and its severity. If you are struggling with a spine deformity, you may experience some or all of the following:

  • Stiffness
  • Reduced flexibility or mobility
  • Decreased coordination
  • Difficulties with balance
  • Feelings of falling forward or backward
  • Pain in the deformed region
  • Tingling in an arm or leg
  • Radiating pain that shoots into your extremities
  • Muscle weakness in your limbs
  • Fatigue
  • A visibly hunched, flat, or asymmetrical back
  • Uneven hips or shoulders

Severe deformities can also affect the body in other ways. For example, children with extreme scoliosis in their upper back or thoracic region may also suffer from thoracic insufficiency syndrome, in which the chest is unable to support normal breathing and proper lung growth. Spinal deformity may also cause heart or bladder complications, pinched nerves, or spinal cord compression. This is why prompt treatment is so important, especially for young patients. By addressing spine deformities early, you increase the likelihood of a full recovery without a lasting health impact.

Diagnosing Spinal Deformity

Though spinal deformity is common among certain populations, there are a variety of spine conditions that may cause similar symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is necessary for effective treatment. At NU-Spine, diagnoses are performed by Dr. Branko Skovrlj. The process begins with a physical exam to test your mobility and check for areas of sensitivity. He may also request imaging tests, such as:

  • X-Ray
  • CT scans
  • MRI

The goal is to rule out other spine conditions, confirm your spinal deformity, and identify its location and causes. This information will help us determine the best treatment plan for your unique condition.

What Treatments Exist for Spinal Deformity?

Once we have accurately diagnosed your spinal deformity, we can design a treatment plan. NU-Spine uses the latest technology to treat a range of spine disorders. We opt for the least invasive treatments whenever possible, such as:

  • Oral pain medications, including analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Physical therapy to correct gait and posture
  • Chiropractic care
  • Corrective braces
  • Medication for osteoporosis
  • Epidural steroid injections to reduce inflammation
  • Facet joint injections

If your condition does not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options for spinal deformity include:

NU-Spine specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, which uses small incisions and specialized tools to reduce the stress on your body. Patients see a faster recovery with less risk of complications.

Treat Your Pain at NU-Spine

Are you or a family member struggling with spinal deformity? 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 visit one of our New Jersey locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, Holmdel, Freehold, or Hainesport.

Start Your Path to Relief: Contact Us Today!
Spine Center Locations

1. Paramus
37 W Century Road Suite 105A
Paramus, NJ 07652

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3. Woodbridge
655 Amboy Avenue, Suite C-301
Woodbridge, NJ 07095

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5. Toms River
1901 Hooper Ave. #B
Toms River, NJ 08753

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7. Hainesport
300 Creek Crossing Blvd,
Suite 307 Hainesport, NJ 08036

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2. Jersey City
631 Grand Street, Suite 2-100
Jersey City, NJ 07304

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4. Holmdel/Bell Works
101 Crawfords Corner Rd.
Suite 1116-B
Holmdel, NJ 07733

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6. Freehold
1000 West Main Street
Suite 201
Freehold, NJ 07728

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