Key Takeaways / Summary: Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slips forward out of alignment due to age-related wear, congenital traits, or trauma, causing back pain and compressed spinal nerves. Symptoms range from localized discomfort or intense radiating leg pain. Management ranges from non-surgical remedies like physical therapy and...
Key Takeaways / Summary: Age-related spinal disc breakdown is common and often symptom-free, but it becomes degenerative disc disease when it causes persistent pain, stiffness, or nerve irritation. Warning signs that require a spine specialist evaluation include radiating pain, numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or discomfort triggered by...
Cervical myelopathy develops when pressure on the spinal cord in the neck begins to affect movement, coordination, or sensation. Early warning signs can resemble normal aging, including hand clumsiness, balance problems, and difficulty walking. Because the condition can progress, new or worsening symptoms deserve evaluation by a...
Foot drop can develop when a nerve in the lower back becomes compressed or injured. Lumbar disc herniation and spinal stenosis are two spinal conditions that may cause weakness when lifting the front of the foot. New or worsening foot weakness should be evaluated promptly, especially after...
Many herniated discs improve, depending on size, with conservative care such as physical therapy, medication, and targeted injections. Surgery becomes necessary when persistent nerve compression causes severe pain, numbness, or progressive muscle weakness. Minimally invasive surgical procedures provide effective decompression with smaller incisions and faster recovery times. Spinal...
Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF) accesses the lower spine through the abdomen, while Extreme Lateral Interbody Fusion (XLIF) reaches the spine from the side. Both techniques avoid cutting major back muscles, resulting in reduced postoperative pain and faster overall recovery. A qualified spine surgeon evaluates the exact...
Dr. Frank Moore has been reviewed and approved as a 2026 NJ Top Doc based on merit. With more than three decades of neurosurgical experience, Dr. Moore brings extensive expertise in the treatment of complex conditions affecting the brain and spine. Dr. Moore completed his neurosurgical...
Key Takeaways / Summary: Preparation begins four weeks before surgery by organizing the home, removing trip hazards, and setting yourself up for success Patients should arrange for a driver and caregiver on the date of surgery, especially if it is a same day procedure. You will be required...
NJ Top Docs has reviewed and approved Dr. Omar N. Syed of Metropolitan Neurosurgery Associates based on merit for 2026. Dr. Syed is a board-certified neurosurgeon and fellowship-trained specialist in minimally invasive and complex spine surgery. With a career spanning advanced surgical care, hospital leadership,...
Dr. Yakov Gologorsky of Metropolitan Neurosurgery Associates has been reviewed and approved based on merit by NJ Top Docs for 2026. For Dr. Gologorsky, surgery is not always the first answer. As a board-certified neurosurgeon with advanced training in minimally invasive spine surgery and functional...
