44 / 68
www.theconnectionsnj.com
PAGE 44
run golf dance garden play walk enjoy SO YOU CAN WE’RE HERE Life’s simple pleasures are not so simple when you suffer from neck or back pain. At Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS), we make them easier for you to enjoy. The largest neurosurgical prac- tice in New Jersey and one of the most advanced in the country, we treat spinal issues with innovative therapies that don’t necessarily involve surgery. And, when it’s needed – and possible – we use pioneering minimally invasive treat- ment strategies. Get back to what you love doing the most. Contact us at ansdocs.com or call 973.285.7800 . Morristown | Jefferson | Neptune | Summit | Teaneck DON’T LET NECK PAIN AND PICKING THE RIGHT DOCTOR BE A PAIN IN THE NECK By: Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists I f you suffer from neck pain, under- standing its causes and how to treat it is critical. “The neck – cervical spine – houses the spinal cord which sends messages from the brain to all parts of the body,” explains Dr. Jay Chun a neurosurgeon at Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS). “Because of its delicate nature, treating cervical spine issues correctly is critical to well-being. Neck pain can signal an underlying medical issue, especially if it persists,” Chun, who specializes in cervical spine, explains. “So it’s best to see a doctor sooner than later to avoid larger prob- lems down the road.” What kind of doctor should you see? “There are two types of doctors who typically treat neck pain: neurosur- geons and orthopedic surgeons,” Chun elaborates. “Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat disorders affecting the nervous system – the delicate and complex command, control and com- munication network in the body that’s made up of the brain, spine and neu- rovascular system. Orthopedic sur- geons specialize in the musculoskeletal system comprising the bones of the skeleton, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints and other connective tissue. Both can specialize in spine sur- gery; however, orthopedic surgeons do not deal with the neurovascular sys- tem. They often call in neurosurgeons when they encounter complications in surgery.” Ask these questions when determining the best doctor to treat your specific issue: • What kinds of minimally invasive procedures do you offer? • How many neck surgeries have you performed? • What is the range of cervical care you provide? • What do you do if there is a neu- rovascular issue? • Do you use the latest technologies such as image guidance, computer modeling and navigation? • Do you treat the spinal cord itself? • Do you collect data on patient out- comes and participate in the nation- al registry that tracks results by pro- cedure? “Choosing the right doctor for you and your neck pain shouldn’t be a pain in the neck,” Chun concludes. “But, be sure to do your due diligence. You – and your neck – are way too important.” For more information on cervical spine issues and treatments, contact ANS at 973.285.7800 and visit ansdocs.com Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists (ANS) is New Jersey’s largest neurosurgical practice and one of the most advanced in the country. Since its founding in 1958, ANS has specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the nerv- ous system. Its Spine Center is known for evaluating spine disorders and treating them with innovative non-surgical and sur- gical treatments. ANS is changing the way patients are treated by actively participating in an outcomes database that measures the quality and efficacy of common spinal and neurosurgical procedures. Atlantic NeuroSurgical Specialists’ Dr. Jay Chun, a nationally renowned neurosurgeon and cervical spine expert, reviews a patient’s films before a team consult.