Seeing a Pain Management Doctor Near You: What to Expect
Pain Management
Many people wait a long time before they see a pain management doctor. Some aren't sure their pain is "bad enough." Others worry about what will happen at the visit. We understand. Our goal is to make your first visit simple, clear and comfortable.
GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.
Here is what you can expect when you come to see us.
Signs it may be time to see a pain management doctor
You don't need to wait until pain takes over your life. It may be time to see a pain management doctor if:
- Your pain has lasted more than about three months.
- Rest, physical therapy or over-the-counter medicine hasn't helped enough.
- Pain wakes you up at night or keeps you from work.
- Pain shoots down your arm or leg, or you feel numbness or tingling.
- You were told you need surgery and want to know all your options. Our second opinion visits are made for this.
- You still have pain after a past surgery.
If you have sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or pain with a high fever, go to the emergency room.
What to bring to your first visit
Bringing the right things helps us make the most of your time:
- Photo ID and insurance card
- A list of your medicines, including blood thinners and supplements
- Reports from any MRI, CT or X-ray
- Notes on treatments you've tried, such as therapy, injections or surgery
- Your new patient forms, filled out ahead of time if you can
What happens during the visit
First, we talk. We'll ask where it hurts, when it started and what makes it better or worse. We'll also ask what you most want to get back to, such as walking, sleeping or playing with your grandkids. Those goals guide your plan.
Next, we examine you. We check how you move, your strength and your reflexes. We review your imaging.
Then we explain what we think is causing your pain, in plain words. We talk about options. These may include physical therapy, medicines or image-guided treatments such as epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation. We'll explain the risks and what a realistic result looks like. You don't have to decide anything on the spot.
After your first visit
If we agree on a procedure, our staff will schedule it. We verify your benefits first. Some procedures are done at a different GSMC office, and we will tell you where. We also coordinate with your other doctors, especially if you take blood thinners or have diabetes.
GSMC participates with all Aetna plans, including Aetna HMO. For other plans, we will check your benefits. We can't promise any plan will cover a certain treatment.
Getting to your first visit: office tips
Every office is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm.
Toms River (Hooper Ave)
1314 Hooper Ave, 1st Floor, Toms River, NJ 08753. Look for us on Hooper Avenue across from Chili's Grill, just before Red Lobster. The office is on the first floor. Visit the Toms River office page.
Manahawkin
1109 Beacon Ave, Manahawkin, NJ 08050. We're at the corner of Nautilus Drive and Beacon Avenue, right behind HMH Southern Ocean Medical Center. If you've had imaging at the hospital, let us know so we can get the report. Visit the Manahawkin office page.
Whiting
1100 NJ-70, Entrance B, Whiting, NJ 08759. Use Entrance B when you arrive. The building is on Route 70, about three-quarters of a mile east of the Wawa at Lacey Road. Visit the Whiting office page.
Freehold
322 Professional View Dr, 300 Building, 2nd Floor, Freehold, NJ 07728. Head to the 300 Building and go up to the second floor. The office is just off Monmouth Road, near CentraState Medical Center. Visit the Freehold office page.
West Long Branch
100 NJ-36, Suite 1K, West Long Branch, NJ 07764. Look for Suite 1K at the corner of Route 36 and Broadway/Eatontown Boulevard, across from the La Quinta Inn. Visit the West Long Branch office page.
Brick
1608 NJ-88, Suite 102, Brick Township, NJ 08724. Our Brick office, Suite 102, is on Route 88 just north of HMH Ocean University Medical Center. The GSMC team covers this office and will welcome you at your first visit. Visit the Brick office page.
Barnegat
249 S Main St, Suite 5, Barnegat Township, NJ 08005. Find Suite 5 on Route 9, across from Wells Fargo Bank and about half a mile south of Bay Avenue. The GSMC team covers this office. Visit the Barnegat office page.
Book a visit
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Request a visit online and choose the office that's easiest to reach. We'll help you get ready, and we'll make sure you leave with a clear plan.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a first visit with a pain management doctor?
A first visit takes longer than a follow-up, because we review your history, examine you and talk through options. Arrive a little early for check-in. Filling out your new patient forms ahead of time can save time.
Will I get a procedure at my first visit?
Usually not. The first visit is for talking, an exam and a plan. If a procedure makes sense, we schedule it for another day after we verify your benefits.
Do I need a referral?
Many plans don't need one. Some, including many HMO plans, need a referral from your primary care doctor. Our staff can check what your plan requires.
Should I stop my medicines before my visit?
No. Keep taking your medicines as prescribed unless a doctor tells you otherwise. Bring a full list, including blood thinners and supplements.
What if I've already had injections somewhere else?
That's helpful to know. Bring any records you have, or tell us where you were treated. What worked and what didn't helps us plan your next step.