Consisting of 33 stacked bones (called vertebrae), the spinal column provides the main support for the body. It allows you to stand upright, bend, and twist, while protecting your spinal cord from injury. Strong bones and muscles, flexible tendons and ligaments, and sensitive nerves contribute to a healthy spine. However, if any spinal structures are affected by strain, injury, or disease, you feel pain.
Cervical Region – Includes seven vertebrae (C1 to C7). The first two vertebrae form the joint that connects the spine to the skull, allowing the head to swivel and nod.
Thoracic Region – Located in the mid-back, these 12 vertebrae (T1 to T12) are attachment points for the ribcage.
Lumbar Region – These five vertebrae (L1 to L5), known as the lower back, are the main weight-bearing section of the spinal column.
Sacral region – Five fused vertebrae (S1 to S5), that form a solid mass of bone called the sacrum – the attachment point for your pelvis.
Coccygeal Region – Commonly called the tailbone, these four small vertebrae might be fused or separate. Together they form the coccyx, which helps support the body when you’re sitting. The coccyx is also an attachment point for various muscles, tendons and ligaments.
Here are some of the common neck, back and spinal conditions we treat at NJ Pain Care Specialists:
Because nerve roots in the cervical spine travel into and through the shoulders, an irritation or injury in the cervical spine can cause symptoms in the shoulders, arms and hands.
Conditions can arise from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the cervical spinal column:
If you are experiencing symptoms of neck, back or spine pain, contact us at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists to discuss your concerns and any treatments you may have already tried. Dr. Bram will give you the time and attention that is necessary to properly understand and accurately diagnose your condition, and to recommend the most advanced, non-invasive, effective and efficient treatment to eliminate or relieve your pain.
Facet joints are lined with cartilage and surrounded by a lubricating capsule that enables the vertebrae to twist and bend. Facet Joint Syndrome is a deterioration that can occur two ways:
The pain varies depending on which region of the spine is damaged. Pain related to the cervical, or upper spine, is felt in the neck, shoulders, and upper or middle back; plus possible headaches.
Lumbar, or lower spine, pain affects the lower back, buttocks and back side of the thigh.
Initially, conservative care can include rest, ice, heat, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. If pain persists, facet joint blocks can be administered by a professional to diagnose facet joint pain, and to treat it as well.
If you are experiencing symptoms of facet joint syndrome, contact us at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists to discuss your concerns and any treatments you may have already tried. Dr. Bram will give you the time and attention that is necessary to properly understand and accurately diagnose your condition, and to recommend the most advanced, non-invasive, effective and efficient treatment to eliminate or relieve your pain.
This common injury can affect any part of the spine, causing severe pain and other problems in the arms or legs. Each flexible vertebral disc has a soft inner nucleus surrounded by a fibrous outer wall. A herniated disc occurs when the nucleus pushes through the outer wall and a large bulge presses against adjacent nerve roots.
This age-related degeneration of the spinal disc can come from normal wear and tear on the spine, or from a traumatic injury, or lifting something heavy.
Some herniated discs cause no symptoms, and you might not realize the disc is damaged. But a severely herniated disc can cause intense pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness. Most occur in the lower back, causing symptoms in the buttocks, legs and feet. Some herniated discs occur in the neck, causing symptoms in the shoulders, arms and hands.
A herniated disc can be treated with a minimally-invasive Epidural Steroid Injection – a 10-15-minute procedure that bathes the irritated nerve roots in a steroid/anesthetic medication that provides significant relief from inflammation and pain.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a herniated disc, contact us at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists to discuss your concerns and any treatments you may have already tried. Dr. Bram will give you the time and attention that is necessary to properly understand and accurately diagnose your condition, and to recommend the most advanced, non-invasive, effective and efficient treatment to eliminate or relieve your pain.
Irritation or compression of one or more nerve roots in the lumbar spine can cause associated leg pain called lumbar radiculopathy, or sciatica.
Sciatica can arise from a variety of problems with the bones and tissues of the cervical spinal column:
Nerve root injury may occur at any of the five vertebrae in the lumbar spine, or at the upper level of the sacrum. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, symptoms can include pain in the thigh, knee, calf or foot, weakness, numbness and tingling.
Lumbar Radiculopathy/Sciatica can be treated with a minimally-invasive Epidural Steroid Injection – a 10-15-minute procedure that bathes the irritated nerve roots in a steroid/anesthetic medication that provides significant relief from inflammation and pain.
If you are experiencing symptoms of sciatica, contact us at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists to discuss your concerns and any treatments you may have already tried. Dr. Bram will give you the time and attention that is necessary to properly understand and accurately diagnose your condition, and to recommend the most advanced, non-invasive, effective and efficient treatment to eliminate or relieve your pain.
Open spaces in the spinal column act as passageways for the spinal cord and spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of these openings, or an intrusion into them. This can create a compression of the nerves, interfering with nerve function and causing pain in the spine or in other parts of the body.
Usually by an excess growth of bone around the spinal nerves, often resulting from osteoarthritis. It can also result from a fracture or dislocation of the vertebral bone. Stenosis can also be caused by soft tissue intruding into the spine’s open spaces. And in some cases, a person is born with a small spinal canal with insufficient room for the spinal nerves.
Depending on the location and severity of the problem, spinal stenosis can cause pain, weakness, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. If located in the lower back, it often causes sciatica, a sensation of burning pain that can travel through the buttocks, down the legs and into the feet. In some cases, spinal stenosis can cause problems with bladder and bowel control.
Spinal stenosis condition can be treated with a minimally-invasive Epidural Steroid Injection – a 10-15-minute procedure that bathes the irritated nerve roots in a steroid/anesthetic medication that provides significant relief from inflammation and pain.
If you are experiencing symptoms of spinal stenosis, contact us at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists to discuss your concerns and any treatments you may have already tried. Dr. Bram will give you the time and attention that is necessary to properly understand and accurately diagnose your condition, and to recommend the most advanced, non-invasive, effective and efficient treatment to eliminate or relieve your pain.
When a lumbar vertebra slips out of place, it slides forward, distorting the shape of your spine, and compressing the nerves in the spinal canal. The nerves that exit the open spaces on the sides of your vertebrae may also be compressed. This compression can cause pain and other problems.
In children, spondylolisthesis is often due to a spinal birth defect. In adults, arthritis and the loss of disc elasticity with age are the most common causes. Some people develop spondylolysis from overuse – a stress fracture of the vertebral bone. Or, less commonly, a sudden broken vertebra. Spondylolisthesis can also result from diseases or tumors that weaken the spine.
Symptoms vary. Many people have none. Others may experience pain in the lower back, hamstring spasms, or pain that spreads down the leg to the foot. This can be accompanied by foot numbness and tingling.
Depending on the severity of your condition. You may benefit from rest, pain-relieving medications, a back brace, and physical therapy. If those methods are not successful, you may benefit from minimally-invasive Epidural Steroid Injection – a 10-15-minute procedure that bathes the irritated nerve roots in a steroid/anesthetic medication that provides significant relief from inflammation and pain
If you are experiencing symptoms of spondylolisthesis, contact us at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists to discuss your concerns and any treatments you may have already tried. Dr. Bram will give you the time and attention that is necessary to properly understand and accurately diagnose your condition, and to recommend the most advanced, non-invasive, effective and efficient treatment to eliminate or relieve your pain.
A common neck injury that occurs when your neck jerks back and forth quickly and violently, and your spine bends past its normal range of motion. This can injure the vertebrae of your cervical spine and damage the supporting ligaments and muscles in your neck.
Whiplash can be caused by any sudden, herky-jerky movement of your head. A rear-end automobile collision, a rollercoaster ride, or hard contact sports like football or hockey. As the spine is thrown forward and back, or side to side, the tendons and muscles around the spine become torn and damaged. It can also be caused by physical abuse, such as violent shaking by the shoulders.
You may feel pain and stiffness in your neck right after your injury, or it may not flare up for days. You may also feel soreness in your shoulders, back and arms. You may experience headaches and dizziness, or difficulties with hearing, vision or memory. Be aware that any of these symptoms can become chronic problems, so seek medical care as quickly as possible.
Treatment options may include rest, pain-relieving medications, a soft cervical collar, and injections – a minimally-invasive Epidural Steroid Injection bathes the irritated nerve roots in a steroid/anesthetic medication that provides significant relief.
If you are experiencing symptoms of whiplash, contact us at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists to discuss your concerns and any treatments you may have already tried. Dr. Bram will give you the time and attention that is necessary to properly understand and accurately diagnose your condition, and to recommend the most advanced, non-invasive, effective and efficient treatment to eliminate or relieve your pain.
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1806 Highway 35,
Oakhurst, NJ 07755
1901 Hooper Ave,
Suite A
Toms River, NJ 08753
69 Brunswick Woods Drive,
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
