Sports Medicine

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 in New Jersey and is often called upon to treat professional and amateur athletes who have suffered a spine injury.

Sports injury spine conditions

Sports injuries are the fourth most common cause of spinal fractures. The impact on the body can lead to a range of painful or debilitating conditions, including:

Lower back pain
Neck pain
Herniated disc
Sprains
Strains
Ruptured disc
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Scoliosis
Spinal fractures
Spinal cord concussion
Temporary paralysis
Cervical spinal cord injury

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, minimally invasive spine surgery: Sports medicine in New Jersey

Dr. Joshua Rovner is an acclaimed spine surgeon who is ahead of the curve in the latest developments in medical science. He specializes in performing minimally invasive spine surgery due to the many benefits advanced techniques bring to the patient, which include:

Faster recovery
Smaller scars
Lower risk of complications
Improved outcomes

Why choose Dr. Rovner for a sports-related spine injury?

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.

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.

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.