Non-Surgical Spine Specialist in Toms River, NJ

Not every spine problem needs a surgeon. Many people with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, arthritis or pain after a previous back surgery want to know what can be done without an operation first. That is the focus of our pain management physicians at the Toms River office on Hooper Avenue.

Our approach starts with a careful diagnosis: history, exam and a review of your MRI or CT. Diagnostic blocks, small injections of numbing medicine, can confirm which level or joint is causing the pain before any longer-lasting treatment is chosen.

Depending on the cause, options include epidural steroid injections, facet and sacroiliac joint procedures, radiofrequency ablation, the MILD procedure for some types of lumbar stenosis, kyphoplasty for painful compression fractures, basivertebral nerve ablation (Intracept) for selected vertebrogenic low back pain, and spinal cord stimulation for long-standing nerve pain or pain after spine surgery.

GSMC physicians do not perform open spine surgery. If your exam or imaging shows that a surgical opinion is worth having, we will explain why and help you find a referral. We'll be clear about the risks and realistic results of each option. Results vary from person to person.