Back Pain Doctor: Finding the Real Source of Your Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor. It can feel like a dull ache, a sharp stab or a burning pain that shoots down your leg. But "back pain" is not one problem. It is a symptom with many possible causes.

GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.

At Garden State Medical Center, we believe the most important thing a back pain doctor can do is find the source. When we know where the pain comes from, we can choose a treatment that actually fits.

Common sources of back pain

Here are some of the most common sources we see, and how each one may be treated:

• Pinched or irritated nerve (sciatica). A bulging or herniated disc can press on a nerve. This often causes pain down the leg. An epidural steroid injection may calm the swelling around the nerve. Learn more about sciatica.
• Worn facet joints. These small joints in the back of the spine can become arthritic. A nerve block can test whether they are the cause. If it is, radiofrequency ablation can quiet the nerves for longer.
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain. This joint links the spine to the pelvis. It can cause pain low in the back or in the buttock. Options include an SI joint injection and, for some people, minimally invasive SI joint fusion with the CornerLoc system.
• Vertebrogenic pain. Some chronic low back pain comes from the endplates of the spine bones. It can often be seen on an MRI. For the right patient, Basivertebral Nerve Ablation targets the nerve inside the bone.
• Spinal stenosis. A narrowed spinal canal can cause leg pain or heaviness when you stand or walk. The MILD procedure is an outpatient option for some people with lumbar stenosis.
• Long-lasting nerve pain. If pain continues after other treatments, or after back surgery, spinal cord stimulation may help. You try it first with a short trial.

Many people have more than one source. That's normal, and it's why a careful exam matters.

How we figure out what's wrong

Your story tells us a lot. Where does it hurt? Does it go down your leg? Is it worse when you sit, stand or bend? What have you tried?

Next, we examine you. We check your strength, reflexes and how you move. We review your MRI or X-rays, if you have them. Sometimes a test injection helps confirm the source. If the pain goes away for a while after the injection, we learn where it is coming from.

Starting with the simplest steps

Most back pain improves with time, movement and physical therapy. We don't jump to procedures. When simpler care isn't enough, we'll explain each option, its risks and a realistic result. Some people get strong relief. Others get partial relief or none. We'll tell you what we honestly expect for you.

GSMC participates with all Aetna plans, including Aetna HMO. For other plans, our staff will check your benefits first. We can't promise coverage.

Back pain care at our 7 offices

All offices are open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Some procedures are scheduled at a different GSMC office.

Toms River (Hooper Ave)

1314 Hooper Ave, 1st Floor, Toms River, NJ 08753. Here we often see sciatica and work-related back pain, and pain that lingers after a car accident. Many patients first meet our team at this office. Visit the Toms River office page.

Manahawkin

1109 Beacon Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. Years of boating, fishing and construction work take a toll on the back. Manahawkin patients often come in with disc and facet joint pain that flares in the busy summer months. Visit the Manahawkin office page.

Whiting

1100 NJ-70, Entrance B, Whiting, NJ 08759. In Whiting we see a lot of spinal stenosis that makes walking hard. We also see compression fractures linked to bone loss. Our goal is to help you walk farther and stand longer. Visit the Whiting office page.

Freehold

322 Professional View Dr, 300 Building, 2nd Floor, Freehold, NJ 07728. Freehold patients often have herniated discs, sciatica and SI joint pain. Many are commuters and parents who need care that fits around work and school. Visit the Freehold office page.

West Long Branch

100 NJ-36, Suite 1K, West Long Branch, NJ 07764. Here we see low back pain from desk work and long drives, sports injuries and pain that continues after spine surgery. Visit the West Long Branch office page.

Brick

1608 NJ-88, Suite 102, Brick Township, NJ 08724. The GSMC team covers our Brick office. They often treat low back pain and sciatica in active adults who want to keep surfing, golfing and gardening. Rheumatology is in the same office, which helps with back pain that may be inflammatory. Visit the Brick office page.

Barnegat

249 S Main St, Suite 5, Barnegat Township, NJ 08005. The GSMC team covers our Barnegat office. They see back pain in people who work outdoors on the bay, in landscaping or in construction. If a procedure is needed, it may be scheduled at a nearby GSMC office. Visit the Barnegat office page.

Book a visit

If back pain is keeping you from work, sleep or family time, let's find out why. Request a visit online at the GSMC office closest to you. Bring your imaging reports and a list of what you've tried. We'll make a plan together.

Related pages

• Pain Management Doctor Near Me: Your First Visit
• Pain Clinic Near Me
• Back Pain Doctor Near Me