Athletes, professional or amateur, put their bodies through far more than the average person. Unfortunately, high-level physical activities, impacts, and motions can lead to a spinal injury that limits movement and produces intense pain. Dr. Joshua Rovner is a leading spine surgeon focusing on sports medicine in New Jersey and is often called upon to treat professional and amateur athletes who have suffered a spine injury.
Advanced, Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery And Nonsurgical Orthopaedic Treatment And Care
Because contact sports demand well-above-average exertion, extended range of motion, use of controlled force, and involve the receipt of stress, pressure, and trauma, sports can cause significant injuries to the back and spine. Fractures, stress, stingers, disc compression, and disc displacement are common.
To help these active patients who are invested in physically demanding careers, Dr. Joshua Rovner specializes in minimally invasive spine surgery particularly, as it provides such a wide range of patient benefits, including fewer potential complications, shorter recovery periods, smaller and less visible scars, and overall improved outcomes.
The back and spine also house the spinal cord and nerves, making pain management high-priority and expertise in surgery paramount. Trust your care to an acclaimed spine surgeon who remains ahead of the curve in the latest developments in medical science.
Why choose Dr. Rovner?
New Jersey Sports Injury Specialist and Orthopaedic
Dr. Rovner is listed in “Top Doctors in America,” and has a reputation for excellence in spine surgery. He is a board-certified spine and orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive surgical techniques. You can expect personalized service and compassionate care, along with access to the latest advancements in spine surgery, including robotics.
Dr. Rovner focuses on conservative, non-surgical treatments as the first approach to a sports injury. In some cases, surgery is the only option. Spine surgeons can vary widely in their skills, training on the latest techniques and technology, and in natural talent. When under the care of Dr. Rovner, you can be confident that your treatment will be carefully considered, planned, and executed with ultimate care with the latest techniques in sports medicine in NJ.
Common sports injuries to the spine
Pro sports, school-sponsored sports, or vigorous exercise can all lead to painful spine conditions. Four common types of sports-related spine injuries include:
Neck “stingers” or “burners”
This injury is related to an impact to the head in which it moves to one side, with the shoulder moving the other direction. The impact causes the cervical (neck) nerves to compress or stretch beyond their natural capacity, leading to radiating pain through an arm. The symptoms of this injury come and go, with a sensation like an electric shock, which can last from seconds to minutes.
Vertebral stress fracture
These fractures occur when excessive stress is put on the spine. Tiny cracks develop in the vertebrae, called stress fractures. The symptoms of a stress fracture include swelling, pain, and bruising. These injuries require evaluation by a spinal surgeon, as if left untreated, can worsen.
Herniated disc
The soft cushions between the vertebrae can be damaged by the constant twisting and turning of various sports. The discs protecting the spine can be subjected to too much pressure and motion, leading to a herniated disc. The symptoms of this injury include pain, weakness, numbness, and radiating pain.
Fractures
When a vertebral bone is broken, the condition is serious and requires immediate treatment to protect the nerves in the spinal cord from damage. A severe fall in sports can lead to a fracture. The therapy required can vary based on the extent of the damage to the bone structure. The symptoms include severe pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, paralysis of arms or legs, or limited sensation and motion below the point of impact.
High-risk sports
Spine injuries can happen in any sport, but some carry a higher risk of causing damage, including:
- Horseback riding
- Snowmobiling
- Hang gliding
- Rock climbing
- Hockey
- Biking
- Snowboarding
- Skiing
- Ski jumping
- Football
- Diving
- Wrestling
- Gymnastics
- Golf
- Volleyball
Advanced treatment for sports spinal injuries
Dr. Rovner will thoroughly evaluate your condition to determine the most effective treatment. He is conservative, and may recommend modified activity, physical therapy, or bracing before resorting to surgery, but when surgery is necessary, you want a surgeon who employs next-generation techniques. Dr. Rovner is among the most talented spine surgeons practicing in the USA and offers his professional help to professional athletes and amateur players who are suffering a back injury.