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...
Most spinal conditions do not require surgical intervention, and surgery is generally only considered after conservative, non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or injections fail to provide relief. Key indicators that it may be time to see a specialist include persistent pain lasting weeks or months, pain...
Neurosurgeons treat many different conditions related to the brain, spine, and nervous system. Not all conditions treated by a neurosurgeon require surgery. Some may be effectively treated with less invasive treatments. A brain tumor is an example of a brain condition that can be treated by a...
Minimally invasive spine surgery differs from traditional spine surgery in approach, impact, and recovery time. Deciding between minimally invasive and traditional spine surgery typically depends on the type and severity of your condition. An experienced spine surgeon can help you compare how different surgical approaches can be...
Back and neck pain are among the most common physical ailments adults face today, often impacting daily productivity and overall quality of life. In many instances, discomfort is temporary, the result of a minor strain or poor posture, and resolves with rest or conservative care....
