A Back Pain Doctor Near You, Close to Home
Pain Management
When your back hurts, even a short drive can be hard. Sitting in the car, climbing out and walking into a waiting room can all make pain worse. That's one reason Garden State Medical Center has seven offices across Ocean and Monmouth County.
GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.
Our team helps people with back pain find the cause and get back to daily life, without open surgery whenever that's possible.
When to see a doctor for back pain
Most back pain gets better within a few weeks with rest, gentle movement and over-the-counter medicine. It may be time to see a back pain doctor if:
- Your pain has lasted more than four to six weeks.
- It keeps coming back.
- Pain runs down your leg, or your leg feels numb or tingly.
- Walking or standing for a short time makes your legs ache or feel heavy.
- Pain keeps you from sleeping or working.
Go to the emergency room if you have new leg weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, a high fever with back pain, or pain after a serious fall or crash.
A non-surgical path, one step at a time
Most people with back pain never need surgery. Here's how we usually move forward:
- Exam and diagnosis. We find out what's causing the pain. Learn about common causes of low back pain and sciatica.
- Conservative care. Physical therapy, home exercise, activity changes and medicines.
- Image-guided treatment. If needed, options like epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation.
- Advanced options. For pain that lasts, choices may include spinal cord stimulation, the MILD procedure, Basivertebral Nerve Ablation or minimally invasive SI joint fusion.
Not everyone moves through every step. Some people feel better after step two. We'll be honest about what each step can and can't do.
Told you need back surgery?
Some people come to us after being told they need surgery. Surgery is the right choice for some. But it's fair to want to understand every option first. In a second opinion visit, we review your history and imaging and explain your choices. GSMC does not perform open spine surgery. If a surgical opinion makes sense, we'll tell you plainly and help with a referral.
Insurance
GSMC participates with all Aetna plans, including Aetna HMO. For other plans, our staff will check your benefits. We can't promise coverage, and we verify benefits before any procedure.
Back pain care near you: our offices
All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. If you've already had an MRI or X-ray, bring the report or tell us where it was done. That can help avoid repeat tests.
Toms River (Hooper Ave)
1314 Hooper Ave, 1st Floor, Toms River, NJ 08753. Our central Ocean County office is easy to reach from Route 37, the Parkway and the barrier island. Many back pain patients start their care here. Visit the Toms River office page.
Manahawkin
1109 Beacon Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Our office sits right behind HMH Southern Ocean Medical Center. If you had back imaging there, we can work from those results. Visit the Manahawkin office page.
Whiting
1100 NJ-70, Entrance B, Whiting, NJ 08759. For back pain in Manchester, Lakehurst and Lacey, Whiting saves you a drive to the shore. We coordinate with your primary care doctor and other specialists. Visit the Whiting office page.
Freehold
322 Professional View Dr, 300 Building, 2nd Floor, Freehold, NJ 07728. We're near CentraState Medical Center. If you have imaging from CentraState or another Monmouth County facility, bring the report. Visit the Freehold office page.
West Long Branch
100 NJ-36, Suite 1K, West Long Branch, NJ 07764. If you've had imaging at Monmouth Medical Center or another nearby facility, let us know. We can often use it to plan your care. Visit the West Long Branch office page.
Brick
1608 NJ-88, Suite 102, Brick Township, NJ 08724. The GSMC team covers our Brick office, just north of HMH Ocean University Medical Center. If imaging is needed, the team will explain why before ordering it. Visit the Brick office page.
Barnegat
249 S Main St, Suite 5, Barnegat Township, NJ 08005. The GSMC team covers our Barnegat office on Route 9. For back pain in Waretown, Forked River and Barnegat, it can save a longer trip north or south. Visit the Barnegat office page.
Book a visit
You don't have to live around your back pain. Request a visit online at the GSMC office closest to you. We'll find out what's going on and talk through your options together.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my back pain needs a doctor?
See a doctor if pain lasts more than four to six weeks, keeps coming back, runs down your leg or keeps you from sleeping or working. Get emergency care for leg weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Can I get a second opinion if I was told I need back surgery?
Yes. We review your history and imaging and explain all your options. If a surgical opinion makes sense, we'll tell you that honestly and help with a referral.
What non-surgical back pain treatments do you offer?
Options include physical therapy guidance, medicines, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, spinal cord stimulation, the MILD procedure, Basivertebral Nerve Ablation and minimally invasive SI joint fusion.
Should I bring my MRI to my visit?
Yes, if you have one. Bring the report, or tell us where it was done. It helps us plan your care and may help you avoid repeat tests.
Does GSMC accept Aetna?
Yes. GSMC participates with all Aetna plans, including Aetna HMO. HMO plans may need a referral. For other plans, our staff will check your benefits before your visit.