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February 28th, 2024 by New Jersey Brain and Spine

Spinal Tumor Types & Treatments Explained

There are more than 20 types of spinal tumors. The spinal column consists of vertebrae, a series of stacked bones, and at the center of that column is the spinal canal. Housed within the spinal canal is the spinal cord, which is a narrow tube of nerve tissue that sends messages between the body and the brain—this occurs via nerves and nerve roots that branch off from the spinal cord. The spinal cord and the brain, together, make up the...

Laminectomy for Spinal Tumors: Removing Growth and Restoring Spine Stability

The goal of a laminectomy, and other minimally invasive spine surgery, is to stabilize the spinal bones and joints and relieve pressure on the spinal nerves, which has resulted from spinal instability, bone spurs, herniated discs, or mass lesions such as spinal tumors. What is a Laminectomy? A laminectomy is a surgical procedure and a common type of spinal surgery. The procedure may be performed at any level of the spine, depending on the source of compression. The spine surgeon...

Avoiding Laminectomy with Nonsurgical Back Pain Treatment

If you’ve been living with chronic back pain, surgery may feel inevitable—but that’s not always the case. Many patients find long-lasting relief through non-surgical treatments that address the root causes of spinal pain. Before considering an invasive procedure to address the issue, such as laminectomy, it's worth exploring a variety of non-surgical treatments that can offer relief and improve quality of life. Laminectomy is typically reserved for spinal stenosis or nerve root compression that hasn’t responded to conservative care. Let’s...

Spinal Decompression for Athletes. Maximize Performance and Prevent Injuries

For both high-performing and recreational athletes, optimal performance and injury prevention are vital to staying at the top of your game. Spinal decompression therapy has become an effective approach for many in their quest to remain competitive and active. Spinal decompression is part of a broader rehabilitation strategy and not a performance-enhancing therapy in itself. What is Spinal Decompression? Spinal decompression is a specialized treatment that involves gently stretching the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal discs. By alleviating...

Sciatica Prevention Starts with Healthy Habits

Sciatica commonly refers to pain that travels along the path of the body’s sciatic nerve, which extends from the lower back through the hips and buttocks and then down each leg. While this pain may often be severe, most cases respond well to treatment. Sciatica is a very common condition in the United States, with more than 40% of people experiencing sciatic pain at some point in their lifetime. Sciatica prevention starts with a healthy lifestyle and habits, but it...

Cutting-Edge Technology for World-Class Neurosurgical Care

Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)—also known as brain bleeds—are the deadliest form of stroke. While fatal in 35-50% of cases, they have traditionally been treated the same way for decades. For more than 50 years, external ventricular drains (EVDs) have been the gold standard for draining excess fluid or blood from the brain. While relatively cheap and easy to use, EVDs are somewhat slow and prone to clogging—which limits their ability to support higher rates of lifesaving care. For the first time...

What is Spinal Decompression? Easing the Load for Back and Neck Pain Relief

What is Spinal Decompression? Easing the Pressure for Back and Neck Pain Relief As a neurosurgeon, one of the most common questions I hear from patients suffering from chronic back or neck pain is, “What exactly is spinal decompression?” Simply put, spinal decompression is a non-surgical therapy designed to relieve pressure on the spine. It has become an increasingly popular treatment for those seeking long-term relief without surgery. Understanding Chronic Back and Neck Pain Chronic back and neck pain affects...

Surgical Treatment Options for Schwannoma: Excision and Nerve Preservation

A schwannoma is an atypical, neurogenic tumor made up of Schwann cells that’s often treated through Schwannoma surgery, also known as tumor enucleation. Tumor enucleation is the most preferred procedure to treat a schwannoma since it preserves the function of the original nerve. The goal of Schwannoma surgery is to achieve complete resection of the tumor while preserving nerve function. Understanding schwannoma formation, detection and treatment is important for those considering Schwannoma surgery. What is a schwannoma? A Schwannoma is...

Radiation Therapy for Meningioma: Exploring Targeted Treatment Approaches

A meningioma is often slow growing and may require Radiation Therapy for treatment; symptoms may be mistaken for other health conditions. If your physician suspects you may have a meningioma, you will likely be referred to a specialist. What is a Meningioma? Is Meningioma Serious? Meningiomas are one of the most common brain tumors, accounting for more than 40% of all primary brain tumors. They grow on the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord and are usually benign. As...