Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD, Author at The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute

Older person smiles while massaging pain-free neck

How Successful Is Cervical Disc Replacement?

Neck / Cervical / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

Persistent neck pain can affect a person’s comfort, mobility, and quality of life. Fortunately, a permanent solution exists. Cervical disc replacement is a cutting-edge treatment that significantly reduces neck pain without loss of movement. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides surgical treatments for various neck and back conditions at locations across New Jersey. Here, we discuss […]

How Successful Is Cervical Disc Replacement? Read More »

Surgeon performing endoscopic microdiscectomy

What to Expect with a Microdiscectomy Procedure

Lower Back / Lumbar & Sacrum / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

What Is a Spinal Disc? A spinal disc is a pad of rubbery tissue with a soft, gel-filled center like a jelly doughnut, between two vertebrae. The spine is not a single bone. Rather, it is a column of interlocking ring-shaped bones called vertebrae. The spinal cord passes through the center. This structure allows the

What to Expect with a Microdiscectomy Procedure Read More »

Is Sex Safe After Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

Lower Back / Lumbar & Sacrum / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

Lumbar degenerative disc disease Lumbar degenerative joint disease (arthritis) Lumbar spondylosis Lumbar spinal stenosis Flat back syndrome Lumbar kyphosis Lumbar slipped disc Lumbar herniated disc Failed back syndrome Lumbar radiculopathy Lumbar myelopathy Lumbar spinal cord injury This pain can have far-reaching effects on your life. For many patients, the pain even interferes with intimacy. Certain

Is Sex Safe After Lumbar Spinal Fusion? Read More »

Physician explaining model of spine to patient

Complex Revision Spine Surgery: When a First Operation Falls Short

Miscelleanous / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

If you have ever received spine surgery, you expect it to relieve pain. If it doesn’t, the continued pain may be discouraging. Fortunately, solutions exist for failed back surgery syndrome. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute offers state-of-the-art treatments, including complex revision spine surgery, at locations throughout New Jersey to help patients get back

Complex Revision Spine Surgery: When a First Operation Falls Short Read More »

How Much Mobility Is Lost After Lumbar Fusion?

Lower Back / Lumbar & Sacrum / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

Living with chronic back pain can be discouraging. Fortunately, lumbar spinal fusion presents a permanent solution. Though this relief comes at the sacrifice of some flexibility, many patients can compensate for lost mobility and maintain a high quality of life. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides lumbar fusion and other surgical procedures to treat back

How Much Mobility Is Lost After Lumbar Fusion? Read More »

Mature person smiling while playing tennis on beach

How Long Do Patients Need Pain Medication After Spinal Fusion Surgery?

Miscelleanous / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

Spine surgeries can provide long-term relief for back conditions. Before the benefits can be enjoyed, however, patients must go through recovery. Though the recovery period may be challenging, many patients find that the relief is worth it. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute serves the state of New Jersey with cervical spinal fusion, thoracic

How Long Do Patients Need Pain Medication After Spinal Fusion Surgery? Read More »

Mature person sitting on bed experiencing lower back pain

What Activities Are Restricted After Sacroiliac Fusion Surgery?

Miscelleanous / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

For people who struggle with lower back or hip pain, sacroiliac joint fusion can provide permanent relief. However, this procedure often comes with some activity restrictions. Understanding these limitations is important to deciding on the right treatment plan for you. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides surgical treatment for sacroiliac joint disease and other spine

What Activities Are Restricted After Sacroiliac Fusion Surgery? Read More »

When Does a Neck Injury Require Surgery?

Neck / Cervical / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

Whether it was caused by sports, a vehicle accident, or a workplace accident, a neck injury is often serious. However, that doesn’t mean that surgery is always the recommended treatment. A wide variety of treatment options exist, and the best one is decided on a case-by-case basis. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides neck

When Does a Neck Injury Require Surgery? Read More »

Physician evaluates scoliosis in patient

What Are Symptoms of Scoliosis?

Mid-Back / Thoracic / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

The spine performs an important role in providing support and mobility to the body. When it develops abnormally, a person may struggle with pain, reduced mobility, and other health consequences. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Institute provides cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatments for spine conditions, including spinal deformities such as scoliosis, at locations across New Jersey.

What Are Symptoms of Scoliosis? Read More »

Failed Back Syndrome: What to Do When a First Surgery Doesn’t Work

Neck / Cervical / By Dr. Branko Skovrlj, MD

If you have received surgery for a back injury or condition, you probably expected relief that lasted. It may be discouraging to experience a resurgence of pain or persistent side effects. Luckily, failed back syndrome can be treated with options ranging from physical therapy to a corrective surgical procedure. NU-Spine: The Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Failed Back Syndrome: What to Do When a First Surgery Doesn’t Work Read More »