Orthopedic doctors answer your most common questions
Chronic pain affects millions of people worldwide. With so many successful pain relief options for joint and back pain, why do people live for months, even years, in nagging discomfort?
Atlantic Health System orthopedists share some of the most common questions they hear from their patients. If these concerns are keeping you from seeking orthopedic care, talking with an orthopedic expert is a great place to start. You just may realize there’s a solution for you, and no need to live in chronic pain. Here’s how to get back to the activities you enjoy.
Jason Smith, MD
Physiatrist, Pain Management and Rehabilitation
Cedar Knolls, Bridgewater
I have terrible back pain and I think it’s from a herniated disk. Is there a treatment for this?
A herniated or bulging disk is one of the most common back problems I see. It can be accompanied by arthritis in the sacroiliac (SI) joint that connects the spine and pelvis. Or, the pain may be caused by hip problems, which often surprises people. The first order of business is to get a proper diagnosis, typically an MRI. Then we would start conservative treatment: physical therapy or chiropractic care. Maybe we’ll consider an injection to calm inflammation and allow your body to naturally heal.
Jonathan Roth, MD
Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery
Wayne
Do I need to be an athlete to see a sports medicine doctor?
Anyone with a bone, joint, ligament, or tendon problem can benefit from seeing a sports medicine doctor. Our approach is typically to start non-surgically, which means we often use injections and medications to relieve pain. We also rely on physical therapy to improve your mobility, muscle imbalances, weakness, and flexibility. Sports medicine physicians treat every body part and issue, from knee arthritis, tennis elbow, ankle sprains, dislocated shoulders, and rotator cuff tears. And if there is an indication, we can discuss surgical options for the issues as well.
James Ryan, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon (Shoulder, Hip, Knee), Sports Medicine
Paramus
How can I reverse my arthritis?
Once arthritis begins in a joint, the degeneration is irreversible. The only thing to do is manage the inflammation, pain and stiffness. Several types of injections can also help reduce inflammation and pain, although nothing has proven to reverse the process. As an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine, I focus on joint preservation rather than replacements. We repair soft tissue, cartilage, and ligament injuries to get teens and adults back in action. These procedures work to provide stability, relieve pain, and restore the joint with a long-term goal of preventing arthritis down the road.
Jeffrey Leary, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon (Total Hip and Knee Replacement)
New Providence
How am I going to cope with the pain from a joint replacement?
As an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in joint replacement surgery, I know that pain control is high on people’s list of concerns. A cocktail of medications, along with nerve blocks and nerve ablation prior to surgery, allows us to control pain and mobilize the joint quickly. You’re barely in the hospital for a day. You’re up and walking four hours after surgery — and you’re not miserable. I’m not saying it’s pain-free, but, for the vast majority, pain control is so good that they’re up, moving, and ready to work hard towards recovery.