Back Pain Treatment in NJ

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting 80% of adults at some point in their lives. If chronic or severe back pain is limiting your daily activities, Dr. Alok Sharan, MD, MHCDS at Awake Spinal Fusion in Edison, NJ provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment — from conservative care to revolutionary minimally invasive spine surgery.

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain can originate from many structures in and around the spine, including muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, and nerves. It can be acute (lasting less than 6 weeks), subacute (6-12 weeks), or chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks).

While most episodes of back pain resolve on their own, chronic or recurrent back pain requires proper medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Spinal Conditions

Herniated disc: When disc material presses on spinal nerves
Degenerative disc disease: Age-related disc breakdown
Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing nerves
Scoliosis: Abnormal curvature of the spine
Spondylolisthesis: A vertebra slipping forward over the one below it
Compression fractures: Often related to osteoporosis

Muscle and Ligament Issues

Muscle strains: From overuse, improper lifting, or sudden movements
Ligament sprains: Stretching or tearing of spinal ligaments
Myofascial pain: Chronic muscle tension and trigger points

Joint Problems

Facet joint arthritis: Degeneration of the small joints connecting vertebrae
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction: Pain from the joint connecting the spine to the pelvis

Symptoms That Require Medical Attention

See Dr. Sharan if your back pain:

Lasts longer than 4-6 weeks despite home treatment
Is severe and doesn’t improve with rest
Spreads down one or both legs, especially below the knee (sciatica)
Causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss
Occurs with fever
Follows a fall, blow to the back, or other injury
Causes bladder or bowel problems (seek emergency care)

Diagnosis

Dr. Sharan takes a thorough approach to finding the source of your back pain:

Comprehensive history: Understanding your pain patterns, triggers, and impact on daily life
Physical examination: Testing range of motion, strength, reflexes, and identifying pain generators
MRI: Gold standard for visualizing discs, nerves, and soft tissues
X-rays: Evaluating bone structure, alignment, and joint spaces
CT scan: Detailed bone imaging when needed
Diagnostic injections: To pinpoint the exact pain source

You can upload your MRI for Dr. Sharan to review before your appointment.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Dr. Sharan always starts with the most conservative approach appropriate for your condition:

Physical Therapy

A structured program focusing on core strengthening, flexibility, posture correction, and pain management techniques. Physical therapy is the foundation of back pain treatment.

Medications

Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Muscle relaxants for acute spasms
Nerve pain medications (gabapentin, pregabalin)
Topical treatments (lidocaine patches, anti-inflammatory creams)

Injection Therapies

Epidural steroid injections: For disc-related and nerve pain
Facet joint injections: For arthritis-related back pain
Medial branch blocks and radiofrequency ablation: For chronic facet joint pain
SI joint injections: For sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Trigger point injections: For myofascial pain

Lifestyle Modifications

Regular low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, yoga)
Weight management
Ergonomic workspace setup
Proper lifting techniques
Stress management and adequate sleep
Smoking cessation

Surgical Treatment

When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, Dr. Sharan offers advanced minimally invasive surgical options:

Microdiscectomy

For back pain caused by a herniated disc compressing a nerve. Performed through a small incision with same-day discharge.

Laminectomy

For back pain caused by spinal stenosis. Removes bone compressing the spinal nerves to provide relief.

Spinal Fusion

For instability, spondylolisthesis, or severe degenerative disc disease. Lumbar fusion stabilizes the affected segment.

Awake Spine Surgery

Dr. Sharan’s pioneering awake spine surgery technique performs these procedures with the patient awake under local anesthesia. Benefits include no general anesthesia risks, same-day discharge, and faster recovery.

Why Choose Dr. Sharan for Back Pain Treatment?

Accurate diagnosis: Finding the true source of your pain is the first step to effective treatment
Conservative-first approach: Surgery only when clearly necessary
Minimally invasive expertise: When surgery is needed, smaller incisions mean faster recovery
Awake spine surgery pioneer: Safer procedures with better outcomes
Comprehensive care: From diagnosis through treatment and rehabilitation
Convenient Edison, NJ location: Serving patients across New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a doctor for back pain?

See a doctor if your back pain lasts more than 4-6 weeks, is severe, radiates into your legs, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or bowel/bladder changes. Don’t wait to be evaluated — early intervention leads to better outcomes.

What is the most common cause of chronic back pain?

Degenerative disc disease and facet joint arthritis are the most common causes of chronic back pain in adults. Herniated discs and spinal stenosis are also frequent contributors.

Can back pain be a sign of something serious?

While most back pain is mechanical and not dangerous, back pain can occasionally indicate serious conditions such as cauda equina syndrome, spinal infections, fractures, or tumors. Red flags include bowel/bladder changes, progressive weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain that wakes you from sleep.

Is surgery necessary for back pain?

Most back pain improves with conservative treatment. Surgery is recommended only when a specific structural cause is identified and non-surgical treatments have failed. Dr. Sharan thoroughly evaluates each patient before considering surgery.

How can I prevent back pain?

Stay active with regular exercise, maintain a healthy weight, practice good posture, use proper lifting mechanics, set up an ergonomic workspace, manage stress, and don’t smoke. Core strengthening exercises are particularly protective.