Common misconceptions about degenerative disc disease
Common Myths About Degenerative Disc Disease | Facts & Treatment Options When patients receive a diagnosis of degenerative disc disease (DDD), many experience unnecessary fear and anxiety due to widespread misconceptions about this common spinal condition. At New Jersey Brain and Spine (NJBS), our spine specialists frequently encounter patients who have been misinformed about what DDD really means for their future health and quality of life. Understanding the facts about DDD is crucial for making informed decisions about your care...
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Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Tumors: What to Watch For and When to Get Help
Signs and Symptoms of Intradural and Extradural Spinal Tumors While rare, spinal tumors can press on nerves, cause permanent damage, and may be overlooked as everyday back pain. Nearly 85% of people experience back pain symptoms at some point in their lives. While most back pain is temporary and can be managed at home, some symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor. Although it’s rare that back pain indicates something as severe as a spinal tumor, both noncancerous (benign) and...
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Find Out What Spinal Fusion Can Do For Your Quality of Life
How Spinal Fusion Surgery Can Improve Your Quality of Life Spinal fusion is one of the most frequently performed back surgeries. According to The Spine Journal, over 400,000 spinal fusions are performed in the United States each year, and the number continues to grow. For people living with chronic back pain, radiating leg pain, or spinal instability, spinal fusion surgery may be one of the most effective ways to reduce pain and restore range of motion. At New Jersey Brain...
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Neurovascular Care for Brain AVMs & Aneurysms
Multidisciplinary Care for Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): The Role of the Neurovascular Center The brain is an organ of exquisite complexity, and its health is paramount to our overall well-being. Among the myriad of conditions that can affect the brain, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) pose a significant threat due to their potential to cause serious complications. Here, we explore this precarious condition and discuss what individuals need to know about severity, prevalence, life expectancy, survival rates, and treatment options. We...
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Long-Term Outcomes of Brain Tumor Resection
Long-Term Outcomes of Brain Tumor Resection: Monitoring and Survivorship Care Brain tumor resection is a critical surgical procedure performed to treat a variety of brain tumors. By understanding the long-term outcomes and the importance of ongoing monitoring, patients can feel empowered to navigate their health journey. In our blog post, we will address the common questions and concerns regarding brain tumor resection and the implications for overall quality of life. What Type of Surgeon Removes Brain Tumors? Neurosurgeons are the...
read more Integrating Holistic Approaches in Spinal Decompression
Spinal Decompression Therapy and Holistic Spine Care: A Neurosurgeon’s Perspective As a neurosurgeon, it may seem counterintuitive that I advocate for conservative care when treating spine-related pain. According to the U.S. Pain Foundation, more than 51.6 million Americans endure some level of pain every day. While surgery is necessary in some of these cases, many patients benefit more from non-operative strategies that address the full context of their health, not just what appears on imaging. Spinal pain is rarely caused...
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When and How to Consider Surgery Options for Sciatica
When and How to Consider Surgery Options for Sciatica As a neurosurgeon, one of the most common issues I see is sciatica. Sciatica is nerve pain caused by injury or irritation to the sciatic nerve—a type of nerve pain that starts in the lower back and travels down the leg. Many people use the term as a general descriptive term for nerve irritation in the lumbar spine that causes radiating leg pain. It can feel like burning, shooting, or sharp...
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Spinal Stenosis Treatment for Athletes and Active Individuals
Spinal stenosis, a fairly common condition marked by the narrowing of the spinal canal, can pose specific challenges for athletes and active individuals. This condition can lead to numbness, pain, and mobility issues, which make it essential that active individuals explore effective treatment options to return to high-level physical activity. In this blog post, we will explore the ways to prevent the progression of spinal stenosis, successful treatment options, and who to consult for the best care. Understanding these options...
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How Spinal Stenosis Is Diagnosed and Treated
How Spinal Stenosis Is Diagnosed and Treated Spinal stenosis is a condition characterized by pressure on the spinal cord or the nerves that run from the cord to the muscles. Although spinal stenosis can occur in any part of the spine, it is most common in the lower back. This narrowing of the spinal canal may result from degenerative changes, herniated discs, ligament hypertrophy, or spondylolisthesis. This condition often results in numbness, pain, and/or weakness in the legs. Understanding how...
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