The intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous structure found between the bodies of adjacent vertebra. There is a disc between each pair of vertebra in the spine except at the first and second cervical level.
It has a series of outer fibrous rings surrounding a softer center. The disc functions as a cushion, allows for movement and serves as a cartilaginous joint between adjacent vertebrae.
When you think and try to picture this disc, think of a jelly doughnut. There are 4 parts: the soft, “nucleus pulposus” in the middle, a series of outer fibrous rings called the “annulus fibrosis” surrounding the nucleus, and 2 end plates that are attached to the adjacent vertebral bodies. These discs serve as a cushion or force dissipater, transmitting compressive loads throughout a range of motion. The disc also allows movement while serving as a cartilaginous joint between the vertebrae. The disks are thicker anteriorly and therefore contribute to normal cervical and lumbar lordosis.
With age or injury, the wall of the spinal discs can wear-out, or be damaged. This condition is called degenerative disc disease. Also, the walls of the discs can weaken bulge out or tear occasionally – enough to cause a herniated disc. When the disc itself causes pain, the pain is usually felt as a deep, aching pain in the neck or back. Neck discs may sometimes lead to pain felt in the arms and upper back. Back discs may sometimes cause pain into the buttocks and into the thighs. However, pain from other structures in and around the spine may cause pain in the same locations and feel the same.
Discography is currently used to determine whether a vertebral disc is the source of pain in patients back or neck. A disco-gram can be done at several levels and is a diagnostic tool not a treatment.
Working for Redefine Healthcare for the past 5 years has shown me what treating each patient individually actually means. Dr. Freeman is a pleasure to work for and has gained my utmost respect. I have several family members who are patients of Dr. Freeman’s and are extremely satisfied. I highly recommend Redefine Healthcare!
I have been a patient of Dr. Ceraulo for over 7 years and after decades of doctors who brushed me off, Dr C was the first to not only listen but actually help me effectively learn how to manage my pain. The staff is always friendly and welcoming. Although I now live an hour away from the office I still travel there and refuse to change pain management doctors. It’s worth the visit!
At Redefine Healthcare, our specialists are board-certified, highly educated, and rigorously trained in various fields, including pain management, neurosurgery, orthopedic spine surgery, chiropractic care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychiatry, and podiatry. Many of our doctors have earned the prestigious Castle Connolly Top Doctors recognition from their peers. We prioritize listening to your concerns, identifying the root cause of your pain, and determining the most effective treatment plan to provide quick relief and prevent future conditions. With advanced non-surgical pain rehabilitation, our New Jersey centers in Union, Edison, and Paterson offer top-tier care for severe and chronic pain.
1400 Route 70 East
Cherry Hill, NJ 08034
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50 Mount Prospect Ave, Ste 104
Clifton, NJ 07013-1900
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10 Parsonage Road, Suite 208
Edison, NJ 08837
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1907 Oak Tree Road, Suite 201
Edison, NJ 08820
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3100 Hingston Ave, Suite 104
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
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143 Anderson Avenue
Fairview, NJ 07022
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1000 W Main Street, Suite 201
Freehold, NJ 07728
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408 Chris Guapp Drive, Suite 250
Galloway, NJ 08205
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415 Chris Gaupp Drive
Galloway, NJ 08205
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146 NJ-17, Suite 2
Hackensack, NJ 07601
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2 University Plaza Drive, Suite 500
Hackensack, NJ 07601
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807 N Haddon Avenue, Suite 1
Haddonfield, NJ 08033
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2271 Highway 33, Suite 103
Hamilton, NJ 08690
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3535 Quakerbridge Rd, Suite 200
Hamilton, NJ 08619
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3540 JFK Blvd
Jersey City, NJ 07307
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1801 New Road
Linwood, NJ 08221
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1 Bay Avenue, 2nd Floor, Suite 1
Montclair, NJ 07042
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4000 Church Road
Mount Laurel, NJ 08054
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15000 Midlantic Drive, Suite 102
Mount Laurel, NJ 08052
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266-272 Chestnut Street
Newark, NJ 07105
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157 High St.
Newton, NJ 07860
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922 Main Street, Suite 201
Paterson, NJ 07503
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390 N Broadway, Suite 500
Pennsville, NJ 08070
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1814 E 2nd Street
Scotch Plains, NJ 07076
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102 Heritage Valley Drive, Suite C
Sewell, NJ 08080
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111 Dean Drive, Suite 1
Tenafly, NJ 07670
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860 Route 168, Ste 104
Turnersville, NJ 08012
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2500 Morris Avenue, Suite 220
Union, NJ 07083
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2004 Bayshore Road
Villas, NJ 08251
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415 W Landis Ave Suite 101-B
Vineland, NJ 08360
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2466 Chestnut Avenue, Suite 2
Vineland, NJ 08361
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1001 Laurel Oak Road, Suite A2
Voorhees, NJ 08043
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1985 State Highway 34, Suite 6A
Wall, NJ 07719
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329 Greentree Road
Sewell, NJ 08080
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204 Grove Avenue, Suite G
West Deptford, NJ 08086
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445 Pleasant Valley Way
West Orange, NJ 07052
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979 N Black Horse Pike
Williamstown, NJ 08094
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70 Hatfield Lane, Suite 201
Goshen, NY 10924
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