CONDITIONS

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Do you have a spinal condition that’s causing you chronic pain intense enough to interfere with your life or day-to-day activities? Are you afraid you’ll never be able to get your pain under control or that it might continue to worsen as you age? 

WELL, YOU’RE NOT ALONE. 

Many people with spinal disorders feel frustrated, confused, and helpless about their conditions. As many as 500,000 people suffer from some form of spinal injury each year. The good news is that you can ease your concerns and fears by gaining a better understanding of your condition. 

 

At NJ Spine and Orthopedic, we work to help you understand your symptoms, diagnose your condition and inform you of the various treatments. Below is an overview of the most common types of spine conditions, as well as other orthopedic conditions.

care after spinal fusion surgery

Tips for Taking Care of Yourself After Spinal Fusion Surgery

Undergoing a major surgical procedure like spinal fusion is not only a tiring physical undertaking, but it can take a toll on your mental health. It’s so important to start thinking about how you will take care of your body as you begin the recovery process once you get back home. Spinal fusion, a major procedure that permanently connects two or more vertebrae in your spine, often produces extremely effective results for patients hoping to reduce their chronic back pain. But the recovery period is perhaps just as important, and a careless blunder can negate an otherwise successful procedure.   Here are a number of steps you can take to ensure that you’re on your way to a safe and speedy recovery. Strategies for Staying Healthy After Spinal Fusion Surgery Taking care of yourself after spinal surgery is important, so don’t hesitate to lean on others during this challenging stage. Having friends and family by your side will ease your anxiety and help you on the road to recovery. Likewise, it’s important to note that every case is different, so follow your surgeon’s directives to the T. These guidelines are broad recommendations that will hopefully guide you in the right direction.   Sustain a healthy diet: When you’re thrown off your routine, in any situation, it’s easy to let your diet slip. After a major surgery, it’s more important than ever to give your body the nourishment it needs. Establish a balanced, low-fat diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables. Because you’ll be less active during your recovery period, refrain from high-calorie, fattening foods. And of course, drink plenty of water! Rest responsibly: Spinal fusion requires more rest than most surgeries, and just like any back injury, it is vital that you know how to position your body to prevent further damage. Your surgeon will be able to tell you exactly what sleep positions are best for your back, but it is generally advisable to keep your shoulders, upper back, and head marginally elevated. You can do so by propping up pillows, leaning against a wedge, or with an adjustable bed. Likewise, when shifting positions, roll your entire body to either side such that your back isn’t twisting on its own. Sitting in a chair can often put a strain on your lower back. If you must do so for a long period, it may be beneficial to take breaks every half-hour to stand up and walk around. Keep your knees lower than your hips, and always use a wedge. Maintain body circulation: While resting is a vital aspect of recovery, you’ll eventually want to start moving your body. It may cause you slight discomfort, but it will counteract other serious complications such as deep-vein thrombosis, a life-threatening condition in which blood clots form in one or more of the deep veins in your body. Ask your surgeon how long after surgery you should begin walking, but when the time is right, do so relatively slowly and with caution. Start

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Are There Alternatives to Spinal Fusion to Alleviate Back Pain?

Are There Alternatives to Spinal Fusion to Alleviate Back Pain?

If you’re frustrated by constant back discomfort and seeking pain relief, you may be considering spinal fusion surgery. It’s a relatively common procedure that, in many cases, is essential if you want to alleviate your back pain and improve both your physical and mental health. It’s easy to understand, however, that you may be concerned about having a significant spinal surgery and are wondering if there are alternate techniques to relieve your pain. Over the years, orthopedic surgeons have concluded that spinal fusion surgery is not always essential and that there are different methods by which to take pressure off your nerves.   Overall, it is important to understand what is bothering you, what your treatment options are, and that decision is best for your physical and mental health. What is Spinal Fusion Surgery? Before you can decide whether or not spinal fusion is right for you, it is first important to understand what it is and why you might need it. Spinal fusion is a surgical technique that connects two or more vertebrae into a single bone. The goal is to diminish back pain by reducing friction between the vertebrae. The procedure used to be more common for those with degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and herniated discs, but is now slightly more irregular because it’s more invasive and necessitates a longer recovery time than modern surgeries. There are several conditions for which patients may need spinal fusion, including:   Degenerative disk disease Fractured vertebrae Scoliosis Spinal stenosis Spondylolisthesis Tumors Spine Infections   Spinal fusion surgery is only essential if chronic pain persists after your doctor has accurately diagnosed your condition and has endeavored alternative methods with limited success. Non-Surgical Alternatives to Spinal Fusion There are several alternative treatment options that you may consider depending on your case, doctor’s recommendation, and intent to keep a range of motion.   Physical Therapy: Physical therapists are trained professionals who can evaluate your injury and improve your quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. Physical therapy will help you increase functionality and strength using individualized rehabilitation training, exercises, and treatments. Steroid Injections: If your back pain won’t go away with time—and if your pain is caused by inflammation of the spinal nerves—steroid injections are minimally invasive and will help you temporarily relieve pain in your neck, arms, back, and legs. Radiofrequency Ablation: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses electric current to heat up a small area of nerve tissue to reduce or stop the transmission of pain. This is a fine method if you want to avoid surgery, get immediate pain relief, have little to no recovery time, and see improved functionality.  Surgical Alternatives to Spinal Fusion  Sometimes surgery is necessary to truly relieve nerve compression for the long haul. While spinal fusion is a common treatment method for conditions of this nature, there are alternate procedures that are less invasive and provide quicker recovery times.   Undergoing an artificial disk replacement: Your doctor will determine if

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epidural steroid spine injection for lower back pain

Is an Epidural Steroid Injection for Low Back Pain Relief Right For You?

Your spinal column supports your entire body. Even relatively small damage to the spine can affect your ability to move, sleep, and function. When stress on the spine manifests in the low back, the pain can directly impact the quality of your life. Globally, 540 million people suffer from low back pain, and its prevalence is increasing.  Often, low back pain is left untreated, potentially leading to more serious problems. When physical movement is limited, your emotional health can plummet. Pain management practices that fail can be extremely discouraging, causing even more frustration. Fortunately, relief from low back pain may be within reach. Epidural steroid injections may help you live a life free from chronic low back pain. Why Might Your Doctor Recommend an Epidural Steroid Injection?  If you’ve tried non-invasive treatments for your low back pain and still haven’t experienced any relief, then your doctor might recommend an epidural steroid injection. Generally, such discussions would transpire after you’ve tried other treatments anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks and your pain level is the same or worse.   When you visit a doctor about your low back pain, they may recommend various non-medical approaches, including exercise, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, nonprescription medication, and a combination of heat and cold therapy. For those with moderate to acute pain, these treatments can be quite effective. However, someone with crippling back pain may have a larger problem and need a rigorous treatment plan to ease their discomfort.  What are Epidural Steroid Injections? Epidural steroid injections are cortisone-like medicines that are injected into your spinal canal.  They tend to work best for conditions in the low back and leg regions. The most common medical conditions treated with epidural steroid injections include:   Herniated or bulging discs Spinal stenosis Degenerative disc disease Sciatica Spondylolisthesis Bone spurs Joint cysts While the purpose of the injection is to relieve pain, it often provides additional benefits when combined with other non-medical treatment programs. Once the cortisone is inserted into the spine, the synthetic minerals break down the proteins that cause swelling, allowing the joints to move freely.  Are Epidural Steroid Injections a Cure for Low Back Pain?  While epidural steroid injections are used to reduce pain and restore mobility, they are not a cure-all. Based on your medical condition and other factors, the injection can last up to three months. The goal is to decrease pain long enough to encourage healing in the affected areas, and through a series of injections, you may start to see small improvements turn into something significant.   Additionally, you may start to feel relief within 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. In regards to needle-based procedures, these injections are minimally invasive, so you can expect to see no scarring and minimal downtime. Keep in mind that this procedure may not benefit everyone, especially those with non-specific low back pain. Living with back pain is not easy, but you can take charge when it comes to managing your low back pain. Reach out to an experienced spine

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joint injections that may ease your pain

4 Types of Joint Injections That May Ease Your Pain

No matter what type of joint pain you have, the suffering can be emotionally exhausting. It’s often challenging to predict why your joints hurt because several underlying health conditions or hidden injuries can be the cause of your unexplained joint pain. One of the most common sources is arthritis, including its most common forms—osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Other conditions that can lead to painful joints include bone cancer, bursitis, ankylosing spondylitis, sprains, and tendinitis. Joint pain can cause swelling, discomfort, and stiffness in any part of a joint, including the connective tissues and structures that attach to it. General fatigue, immobility, and physical weakness are other common symptoms. These symptoms not only affect your everyday life but also make it hard to live a quality life. Fortunately, there are other treatments besides over-the-counter medicines and prescription medications that may help ease your pain. When it comes to treating joint pain, injection therapies from NJ Spine & Ortho can be beneficial in eliminating pain or at least significantly reducing it over time. What Injections Can Help Ease My Joint Pain? The type of injection that’s best for you will depend on where your joint pain is and what’s causing it. Two people can have the same joint condition and experience completely different side effects, which is why it’s critical to talk to an experienced medical professional to come up with a treatment plan for you. Based on your needs, your doctor may recommend one of the four following injections: Corticosteroid Injections Corticosteroid injections, also referred to as cortisone or steroid shots, are used to treat a variety of conditions. In the body, cortisone is released through adrenal glands when you are under stress. Injectable cortisone is artificially produced to mimic the function of cortisone in the body but is much more powerful. These types of injections are used to reduce inflammation in the affected joint and are directly inserted in areas like the shoulder, knee, hip, spine, or wrist. Most people start to feel relief anywhere between 48 to 72 hours after the procedure, and relief could last for up to three months. Hyaluronic Acid Injections Hyaluronic acid is naturally produced and acts as a lubricant to keep joints working properly. Hyaluronic acid injections are gel-like and used to treat joint pain in the knee, typically in patients with osteoarthritis. People with osteoarthritis in the knee feel joint stiffness or tenderness because of a reduced supply of hyaluronic acid. The injection helps the joint work more smoothly. In this procedure, your doctor will draw a few tubes of your blood and run it through a device to separate the platelets. Once the platelets are circulated, they are injected into the affected area in your body. The release of the activated platelets initiates and increases reparative cells to help heal the wound faster. Placental Tissue Matrix (PTM) Injections PTM injections use placental tissue—donated from mothers after the delivery of a healthy newborn baby—to help your body repair itself. PTM provides anti-inflammatory benefits,

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effective treatments for sciatica

What is Sciatica and What Are Effective Treatments for It?

If you’ve ever heard someone complaining of lower back or leg pain, you’ve probably heard the term “sciatica.” Sciatica is caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which is the largest and longest spinal nerve in the body and runs from the buttocks region into the thighs. Sciatica causes sharp pain or numbness down your lower back and legs. Typically, sciatica is easy to identify because it is a symptom of an underlying health issue, not a medical diagnosis. Medical conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis , degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction are some of the most common causes of sciatica. In many cases, acute sciatica will heal on its own. However, chronic sciatica can produce regular discomfort, affecting your ability to live a quality life. People who have severe sciatica can alleviate pain with both self-care treatments and surgical procedures from NJ Spine and Ortho. Self-Care Treatments for Sciatica A self-care treatment plan for sciatica has two key components: decreasing your pain and increasing your mobility. Generally, common self-care treatments include: ● Over-the-counter medicines: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen can reduce inflammation and swelling. ● Cryotherapy or thermotherapy: Cold compresses can be used to reduce pain and swelling whereas heat compresses can be used to reduce stiffness. Alternating between heat and cold therapy several times a day can relieve your discomfort. ● Gentle stretches: Light stretching can ease pain from sciatica by increasing blood flow and improving your strength and flexibility. A licensed instructor or spine specialist can teach you some proper stretching techniques to handle your specific pain. Since there is no “one-size-fits-all” self-care plan, your level of pain will determine how simple or complex your self-care treatment will be. Often, someone with acute sciatica will experience better results from these self-care treatments rather than someone with chronic sciatica. When Should I See a Doctor About Sciatica if Self-Care Treatments Don’t Help? Each case of sciatica is unique. Where it hurts, the pain level, and the source of the pain will be different in every person. If you’ve tried self-care treatments anywhere between four to six consecutive weeks and you still don’t feel better, then it may be time to talk to a doctor for more aggressive treatments. A doctor may recommend or prescribe other treatment options such as: ● Prescription medications ● Physical therapy ● Spinal injections ● Alternative therapies Call your doctor immediately if your symptoms get worse after trying their treatment options. If your pain gets worse, despite trying both self-care and doctor-recommended treatments, surgery may be your next best option. Effective Surgical Procedures for Sciatica If you’ve explored all non-surgical options and your pain is still debilitating, surgery may be the only way to relieve sciatic nerve pain. The type of surgical procedure you undergo and how soon surgery would be considered depend on the cause of your sciatica. Regardless, the goal of spinal surgery for sciatic pain remains the same—to stabilize the spine

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top facts for varicose veins

Top 4 Facts You Should Know About Varicose Veins

Varicose veins can both cause immense pain and make you feel extremely uncomfortable in your own skin. Typically, varicose veins appear in the legs, are large and dark, and bulge out from the skin. They occur when large blood vessels become inflamed and twisted, commonly caused by venous insufficiency—when vein walls are weakened or valves are damaged. When you have venous insufficiency, your veins have trouble moving blood from your legs to your heart, causing the veins to fill up with blood. Some people may not experience any pain from varicose veins. However, those who stand for long periods complain of pain, cramping, or a burning and tingling sensation in the legs. These symptoms shouldn’t be ignored; untreated varicose veins can lead to life-threatening health conditions. If you suffer from varicose veins, here are four facts that you should know. The Risk Factors for Varicose Veins Around 20 to 30 million Americans suffer from varicose veins. As with any health condition, several risk factors contribute to developing varicose veins, both controlled and uncontrolled. The following factors increase your risk of developing varicose veins: ● Genetics: The risk of developing varicose veins is higher if a family member has the condition ● Age: Older people have an increased risk of vein problems due to the weakening of veins ● Sex/gender: Women have more vein problems than men due to frequent hormonal changes ● Pregnancy: Pregnant women tend to develop varicose veins due to the extra weight ● Weight: Overweight or obese individuals usually develop varicose veins due to excess body fat straining the veins Also, if you’ve endured any type of leg trauma from a prior accident, the incident may have caused blood clots or valve damage, affecting the flow of blood. Although some of these risk factors are modifiable, others are not. The combination of these factors along with your lifestyle can exert a strong influence on your health, making you more prone to having varicose veins. How You Can Prevent Varicose Veins Unfortunately, there is simply no way to prevent varicose veins from forming. However, you can prevent them from worsening. Here are some lifestyle changes you can implement: ● Avoid or reduce the amount of time you sit or stand ● Wear compression socks or stockings ● Lose weight ● Engage in physical activity ● Improve your sleep position ● Elevate your legs Although you can’t control your age or family history, adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle can reduce the effects of varicose veins and the chance of other medical complications from occurring. Medical Complications of Varicose Veins Generally, most people with varicose veins feel an achy or heavy feeling in their legs and tend to itch around the veins. However, some people develop serious complications, such as: ● Bleeding ● Phlebitis ● Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) ● Ulcers ● Dermatitis These types of complications are severe enough to require immediate medical attention. Blood clots, ulcers, or prolonged bleeding can result in a painful inflammatory reaction and,

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tips for preventing back pain

Tips for Preventing Back Pain

Back pain can be extremely uncomfortable and difficult to manage. Most people choose to deal with their back pain by treating it with over-the-counter medications, ice packs, and rest—all of which only provide short-term pain relief. Whether your back pain is the result of an injury or overuse, there are a few adjustments and simple lifestyle changes you can implement to reduce or prevent your pain. Here are four simple yet effective back pain prevention tips. Regular Exercise Strengthening your core and the muscles in your back through regular exercise can help ease back pain, as well as prevent injury, enhance flexibility, and increase stability. You don’t need to lift heavy weights or run a marathon to make your back stronger. There are many other back exercises that you can do that will not only relieve back pain but also help you stay physically active in a safe way. Stretching, walking, and swimming are low-impact exercises that can reduce tension in the muscles that support your spine. Even simple seated posture exercises such as lifting your arms up or squeezing your shoulder blades to your midline can increase blood flow, effectively reducing stiffness and relaxing the muscles in your back. To ensure you aren’t performing any harmful exercises, speak to a physician who specializes in treating back pain to build a safe exercise program for you. A Healthy Weight for a Healthy Back Excess body fat can put pressure on the spine, resulting in insurmountable pain. Overweight and obese individuals have an increased risk of developing severe back pain and tend to have a harder time staying physically active. The best way to prevent back pain is to maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet. Consuming nutrient-dense foods loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fibers promote a healthy diet and can help you manage your weight. Some fresh foods you can incorporate into your diet include: ● Fruits ● Vegetables ● Lean meats ● Dairy products ● Whole grains Highly processed foods and excessive amounts of alcohol, sugar, and caffeine can strain your nervous system, directly causing back pain. Your spine is vital to how your body functions and back pain can be debilitating. But don’t be overwhelmed: healthy eating habits can keep your body strong. Good Sleeping Positions The way you sleep can significantly affect your health. Poor sleeping positions can not only impact a good night’s sleep but also aggravate existing back pain. Investing in a high-quality mattress or adding a mattress topper for additional support can help you keep your spine in a neutral position. A spine specialist can identify the best sleeping position for you based on your condition and body type. Generally, laying in a supine position—face up—is a natural way to ensure weight is equally distributed across the spine. Laying on your side is another good way to reduce joint and back pain, although it needs to be done correctly. Constantly laying on one side of your body can put pressure on the

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m6-c articificial disc replacement

M6-C Disc Replacement Procedure

People living with cervical degenerative disc disease can benefit greatly from the M6-C artificial cervical disk replacement surgery offered at NJ Spine and Orthopedics. This innovative procedure is performed by our highly skilled spine surgeons and is perfect for people who don’t want to undergo spinal fusion surgery. It is the only surgery that provides a “natural way” to help patients preserve motion and reduce pain in the spinal column, and we take pride in being able to offer one of the most innovative procedures that exist today.   Designed with an artificial shock-absorbing nucleus and fiber annulus that mimics the spine’s natural structure, the M6-C disc is the only implanted procedure offered in the United States that enables compression like a natural disc. If chronic pain in the neck, back, or spine inconveniences your daily life, the M6-C disc can help change your life for the better. Our experienced surgeons and committed medical staff at NJ Spine and Orthopedics will listen to your personal health goals to ensure your M6-C disc replacement procedure is a complete success.   Benefits of an M6-C Artificial Cervical Disc Replacement Patients who receive the M6-C disc can expect to see a significant improvement in their range of motion. The M6-C is not only in line with the natural curve of your spine to allow it to move naturally but is also the only artificial disc that works with your other discs to create a stable motion, putting less strain on healthy discs to minimize adjacent disease. Other benefits of the M6-C disc include:  Could last 10 or more years 15 to 20 minutes faster than other procedures Approved by the FDA in 2019    Undergoing the M6-C disc replacement procedure at one of our NJ Spine and Orthopedics locations near you will be a decision you won’t regret. Why get a major surgery if you don’t have to? With this technique, you can expect less pain, a smaller scar, a shorter hospital stay, and a faster recovery.   What to Expect from the M6-C Artificial Cervical Disk Replacement Procedure  This minimally invasive surgery will be performed by one of our board-certified spine surgeons who will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. First, your surgeon will remove the ruptured or herniated disc through a small incision. Once the damaged disc is removed, the M6-C disc will be inserted into that same area between adjacent vertebrae to maintain height and flexibility. After the M6-C disc is successfully placed in the spine, your surgeon will close the incision using a specialized set of instruments. It’s as simple as that.     All surgeries, including minimally invasive ones, can carry some level of discomfort. With the M6-C disc procedure performed at NJ Spine and Orthopedics, you will be able to leave our facility either the same day or the following day after the operation. By adhering to the specific guidelines and activities provided by your surgeon, we can work together to ensure you obtain optimal results.

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For immediate assistance, please call 855.586.2615
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LETS GET IN CONTACT

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