Back, Neck & Spine
Neck or back pain can range from being uncomfortable to so severe that a person is unable to get out of bed. However, orthopaedic specialists, including neck doctors, spine surgeons, and doctors who specialize in the back, know many different treatment options, both minimally invasive and surgical, that can help reduce or eliminate this pain and restore patients to a better quality of life.
Back Doctors: These specialty doctors can treat back pain that is chronic, meaning the discomfort is ongoing, as well as acute, or temporary. Many of the back injuries these doctors treat are caused by a slip or fall, but overuse or a strain can also cause problems. Other times, there are conditions that worsen over time due to age, like arthritis or osteoporosis. Regardless of the cause, a back doctor can work with a patient experiencing back pain and help reduce or eliminate that pain.
Spine Doctors: The spine is a critical and highly complex part of the human body. It surrounds and protects the spinal cord and offers structure, flexibility, and strength. The spine’s ability to simultaneously provide support and mobility also makes it susceptible to certain injuries. Spine doctors can diagnose and treat the full range of these spine problems. Sometimes, spine doctors are able to relieve pain using nonsurgical treatments. However, if a condition is severe, the spine doctor might recommend spine surgery as the best option.
Neck Doctors: Specialty-trained neck doctors have a deep knowledge of the causes of neck pain, such as degenerative disk disease. Neck doctors also know how to deal with neck injuries that are caused by wear and tear as well as neck pain from diseases associated with inflammation that gradually increases over time, such as osteoarthritis. A specialty-trained neck doctor can help patients experiencing any of these types of neck pain find a treatment option that is right for them.
Know When It’s Time to Get Help
If you are experiencing any of the types of pain described below—especially if you have been experiencing it for more than a few days—schedule an appointment with a neck specialist or doctor who specializes in treating back- or spine-related pain:
- Achiness or stiffness in the lower back after sitting
- Back or neck pain that keeps you awake at night
- Back pain that causes you to hunch over
- Loss of balance when walking
- Neck pain caused by swelling
- Neck pain you would describe as stiff
- Numbness in the affected area
- Sudden, sharp pain in a localized area of the back
A specialty-trained back, neck, or spine doctor may diagnose you with one of these back, spine, or neck conditions or injuries:
- Cervical myelopathy
- Cervical radiculopathy
- Compression fracture
- Herniated disk
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (sacroiliitis)
- Sciatica
- Scoliosis
- Spinal cord injury
- Spinal stenosis
- Sports-related spinal injury
Online Guide to Back, Neck, and Spine Care
You’re in control of your spine-related care. To better help you move without limits, our Online Guide to Back, Neck, and Spine Care was developed to provide you with helpful information about a wide range of spinal conditions and treatments available to you.
To access our guide, please use the button below.
Professional Orthopaedic Associates: Get Back to a Life Without Limits
Since 1985, we have been offering excellence in orthopaedic and sports medicine care. Our fellowship-trained spine surgeons, Dr. Jason Cohen and Dr. Benjamin Giliberti, have years of expertise in diagnosing and treating complex back, neck, and spine injuries and conditions. Together, they draw from this combined knowledge base to bring the very best to our spine patients.
Additionally, our surgeons value and are committed to ongoing professional education. They attend courses and proactively learn the latest procedures and surgical techniques. Our back, neck, and spine doctors also serve as thought leaders, lecturing and writing about orthopaedic treatment and care. Our surgeons are some of the most highly respected in our region.
To consult with one of our spine surgeons, please call (732) 530-4949. We have offices conveniently located in Tinton Falls, Toms River, and Freehold.