Treatment for Cervical Spinal Cord Injury in New Jersey
The spinal cord is a vital part of the central nervous system. It acts as an information superhighway, carrying messages between your brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can interfere with even the simplest tasks. The cervical region, or neck, is the least-protected section of the spine, making it especially susceptible to injury. It also supports the head, which weighs around 11 pounds. This weight adds stress to your vertebrae and can lead to wear and tear.
NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute is a New Jersey-based treatment center for cervical spinal cord injury and other spine conditions. At our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, and Holmdel, we provide non-invasive and minimally invasive spine surgery to help our patients experience a successful recovery.
What Causes Cervical Spinal Cord Injury?
In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that about 15.4 million people worldwide suffered from a spinal cord injury. Most of these cases were due to trauma. Cervical spinal cord injuries most frequently originate with an accident, such as:
- Sports injuries
- Whiplash from a driving accident
- Birth injuries around an infant’s neck
- Trampoline and playtime accidents involving children
- Serious falls, especially for people over the age of 65
- Domestic violence
- An infected abscess on the spinal cord
Injuries may also be caused by cervical cord compression. This term refers to unnatural pressure placed on the cervical spinal cord, compromising the support provided by the vertebrae. Cord compression often arises from a spinal condition. Some diagnoses that might result in injury include:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Degenerative joint disease
- Cervical facet syndrome
- A slipped or herniated disc
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Stenosis
- Myelopathy
Understanding the root cause of neck pain is important before beginning treatment, especially when it is related to an underlying condition. This ensures proper treatment of symptoms for long-term relief.
What Are the Symptoms of a Cervical Spinal Cord Injury?
Neck injuries can cause a variety of symptoms depending on their location and severity. Their intensity can also vary, ranging from nagging pain to a complete loss of sensation and movement. This may worsen over time as the injury is subject to more wear and tear. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from becoming debilitating, so contact a spine specialist if you are experiencing any of these symptoms:
- Tingling or numbness in your hands, feet, toes, or fingers
- Muscle weakness and loss of fine motor skills
- Uncontrollable twitches and spasms
- Blood pressure and heart problems
- Severe neck and back pain
- Difficulties breathing
- A loss of bowel or bladder control
- Sexual dysfunction
- Paralysis in your torso, arms, or legs
Though these symptoms may indicate a cervical spinal cord injury, there are also many overlapping or similar conditions with the same symptoms. The NU-Spine team recommends receiving a professional diagnosis from a spine specialist so a neck injury can be treated appropriately.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Cervical Radiculopathy?
When you arrive at NU-Spine for diagnosis, Dr. Branko Skovrlj begins with a physical exam. He will also request your medical records. Diagnostic tests may be necessary. NU-Spine uses state-of-the-art equipment when running diagnostic tests, including:
- X-ray
- Computed tomography (CT) scans
- Magnetic resonating imagery (MRI)
Our goal is to determine the location of your injury, its severity, and its underlying cause. This can rule out another spinal condition. By learning as much as we can about your case, we can develop an effective treatment plan that addresses your pain at its source.
What Are Cervical Spinal Cord Injury Treatments?
Every cervical spinal cord injury is different. Because of this, no one treatment is effective for all cases. This is why NU-Spine takes a personalized approach. We consider all factors, including your injury’s location, its severity, and its cause, to develop a unique treatment plan. Dr. Skovrlj begins with conservative treatments, during which the team monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and other functions.
If conservative treatments are not effective, the team will consider surgical options. These include:
- Disc replacement
- Laminectomy
- Corpectomy
- Spinal fusion
- Spinal reconstruction surgery
- Lumbar foraminotomy
- Lumbar decompression
- Hemilaminectomy
NU-Spine specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery, using small incisions and specialized tools to minimize the procedure’s impact. By reducing stress on the body, minimally invasive procedures can ensure a smoother recovery with less risk, less post-operative pain, and faster results.
Our treatments focus on preventing further damage while mitigating symptoms and improving one’s quality of life after a neck injury.
Find Treatment for a Cervical Spine Injury in NJ
If you need treatment for a cervical spinal cord injury or other condition, don’t wait to transform your life with a touch of care. Experience the cutting edge in minimally invasive spine treatments at NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute. Don’t wait for relief; schedule your appointment with our spine experts today and take the first step toward a pain-free future. Contact us today for an initial consultation, or visit one of our locations in Paramus, Woodbridge, Toms River, Jersey City, or Holmdel, NJ.