Author Archives: Joe Hilbert

1. Shore Physicians Group Welcomes Neurosurgeon Dr. Robert A. Sabo

   May 20, 2026 2:23 pm Comments Off on Shore Physicians Group Welcomes Neurosurgeon Dr. Robert A. Sabo

   Shore Physicians Group is pleased to welcome neurosurgeon Robert A. Sabo, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified neurosurgeon with more than 30 years of experience in complex spine and neurological care. Dr. Sabo will begin seeing patients ages 18 and older on Monday, June 1 at Shore Physicians Group Neurosurgery, located at 155 Medical Center Way, 3rd Floor in Somers Point, directly across from Shore Medical Center.

   Dr. Sabo brings extensive expertise in the treatment of complex spine conditions, with advanced training in minimally invasive and complex spinal surgery of the cervical and lumbar spine, 3-D navigation–guided spinal fusion, spinal cord stimulator implantation for chronic neck and back pain, and minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion. His clinical focus spans degenerative spine disease, injury-related conditions, and chronic pain syndromes that can significantly impact a patient’s ability to function and enjoy daily life.

   Dr. Sabo’s approach centers on a simple, patient-first philosophy: helping people return to what matters most in their lives. He begins each patient visit with two guiding questions: “What do you physically need to do? And what do you physically want to do?” From there, he works closely with patients to build individualized treatment plans focused on restoring function, reducing pain, and improving quality of life in practical, meaningful ways.

   Board-certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, Dr. Sabo has dedicated his career to advancing neurosurgical care in our region while keeping patients at the center of every decision. He earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University. He completed his surgical internship at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia and his neurosurgery residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria.

   Dr. Sabo’s interest in medicine began early, inspired by his father, a thoracic surgeon, and a lifelong curiosity about how the brain and spine control movement and function. That foundation shaped a career focused on helping patients regain independence through both surgical and minimally invasive approaches.

   In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Sabo has contributed to research and published extensively on neurosurgical topics, including advancements in spinal cord stimulation technology and spine surgery techniques.

   To schedule an appointment, please call (609) 609-365-6239.

2. Alzheimer’s and Napping: When Changes in Sleep Patterns May Signal Something More

   11:59 am Comments Off on Alzheimer’s and Napping: When Changes in Sleep Patterns May Signal Something More

   Napping is a normal part of life for many people, especially as they age. In fact, research shows that older adults often nap more frequently, and in many cases, this is considered typical. However, recent discussions around sleep and Alzheimer’s disease have raised important questions: can napping signal something more serious?

   According to Medical News Today in an article published August 16, 2023, the relationship between napping and Alzheimer’s disease is complex and “bidirectional.” This means the connection works in two directions at once: Alzheimer’s-related changes in the brain can increase daytime sleepiness, while increased or prolonged napping is also linked with worsening cognitive function over time. In other words, each can influence the other, creating a reinforcing cycle rather than a simple cause-and-effect relationship.

   Reeva Salkin, DNP, APN-BC, ANP-BC, a provider with Shore Physicians Group’s Neurology Division in Somers Point, emphasizes this distinction. “Napping does not cause Alzheimer’s, and it does not prevent it,” she explains. “What matters most is a change in a person’s normal sleep pattern. That’s where we start to pay attention.”

   Sleep plays a critical role in brain health. During deep sleep, the brain activates what is known as the glymphatic system—a process that helps clear waste products, including amyloid-beta proteins, which are linked to Alzheimer’s disease. While naps can offer short-term restorative benefits, they do not replace the deeper, more comprehensive sleep cycles that occur at night.

   Short naps, generally around 20 to 30 minutes, may be beneficial. However, longer daytime naps, particularly those lasting more than an hour, have been associated in some studies with a higher risk of cognitive decline. One reason may be that extended daytime sleep can disrupt nighttime rest, reducing the brain’s ability to perform its essential “cleanup” processes.

   Still, Salkin cautions against alarm. “It’s not the nap itself that’s concerning, it’s the change in sleeping pattern,” she says. “If someone who typically doesn’t nap suddenly begins sleeping more during the day, or if their naps become longer and more frequent, that could be a signal that something else is going on.”

   In other words, excessive or changing sleep patterns can act as a window into brain health. They may be an early clinical sign worth discussing with a healthcare provider, especially if accompanied by memory issues, confusion, or noticeable changes in daily functioning and routines.

   The takeaway is reassuring but important: sleep is not the enemy. In fact, it is essential. But like many aspects of health, changes in baseline behavior deserve attention.

   For individuals or families with concerns about memory, sleep changes, or cognitive health, professional guidance can provide clarity and peace of mind.

   To schedule an appointment with Reeva Salkin at Shore Physicians Group’s Neurology Division, located at 700 Shore Road in Somers Point, call 609-365-6202.

3. Can’t Lay Your Hand Flat? It Could Be Dupuytren’s Contracture

   11:56 am Comments Off on Can’t Lay Your Hand Flat? It Could Be Dupuytren’s Contracture

   For many people, changes in their hands happen so gradually that they are easy to overlook until everyday tasks become more difficult. That is often the case with Dupuytren’s contracture, a condition that affects the tissue beneath the skin of the palm. To better understand the condition, Dr. Jasmine Bauknight, a hand surgeon with Shore Physicians Group Orthopaedic Surgery Division located at 710 Center Street in Somers Point, explains that Dupuytren’s contracture affects the tissue beneath the skin of the palm and can gradually change how the hand functions over time.

   Dupuytren’s contracture is a progressive condition in which the fascia, the thick connective tissue in the palm, begins to abnormally thicken. Over time, this can form firm nodules and rope like cords beneath the skin. “Patients often first notice a small bump or puckering in the palm,” Dr. Bauknight explains. “As the condition progresses, those cords can thicken and start pulling the fingers down toward the palm.”

   In Dupuytren’s disease, the ring and small fingers are most commonly affected. While the condition is typically not painful, it can significantly impact hand function. As the fingers become more bent, simple activities like putting on gloves, reaching into a pocket, or even washing your face can become challenging and frustrating.

   Dupuytren’s contracture is believed to have a genetic component and is more common in individuals of Northern European descent. It also tends to appear later in life, often in men in their fifties and women in their sixties. However, Dr. Bauknight notes that earlier onset can indicate a more aggressive form of the disease that progresses more quickly.

   One of the most important things for patients to understand is that not every case requires immediate treatment. “If you just have a small nodule or mild cord and your hand is still functioning well, we typically monitor it,” she says. “Intervention is usually recommended when the fingers can no longer fully straighten and it starts interfering with daily activities.”

   When treatment is needed, there are a few options. Surgical removal of the diseased tissue is one approach, carefully separating the diseased cords from nearby nerves and blood vessels. Another option is a minimally invasive injection using an enzyme that breaks down the collagen in the cord, allowing the finger to be straightened and improving mobility and function.

   It is also important to know that Dupuytren’s contracture is a chronic condition. “No matter what treatment you choose, it can come back over time,” Dr. Bauknight says. “The goal is to improve function and quality of life.”

   If you notice changes in your hands such as lumps, tightening, or difficulty straightening your fingers, it is worth having it evaluated. Early awareness can help you better understand your options and plan ahead with confidence.

   To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bauknight, call 609 365 6280.

4. Medication Overuse Headaches: Can taking too much Tylenol or Ibuprofen cause daily head pain?

   April 21, 2026 3:07 pm Comments Off on Medication Overuse Headaches: Can taking too much Tylenol or Ibuprofen cause daily head pain?

   Many people rely on over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) to manage headaches. While occasional use is generally safe, taking these medications too frequently can actually lead to a condition known as a medication overuse headache, also called a rebound headache. For some patients, this cycle can result in chronic or daily headaches that seem difficult to break.

   A recent article in Medical News Today highlighted how overusing headache medications may contribute to persistent head pain. According to Christina Camp, MSN, FNP-C, BSN, PCCN, of Shore Physicians Group’s Neurology Division, this is a pattern providers commonly see in patients who struggle with recurring migraines or tension headaches.

   “A medication overuse headache occurs when pain relief medications are taken too often,” Camp explains. “Patients may not realize that the medication they’re using to treat their headache could actually be contributing to more frequent headaches.”

   The cycle often begins with a primary headache disorder, such as migraines or chronic tension headaches. A patient experiences pain and takes acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or another headache medication. The headache improves temporarily. But when the medication wears off, the pain may return—leading to another dose.

   “You have a headache, you take medication, it improves,” Camp says. “When the medication wears off and the headache returns, you take more. Over time, the body becomes accustomed to that cycle.”

   Eventually, patients may notice they are experiencing daily headaches, headaches upon waking, or pain that seems less responsive to medication. In some cases, the medication provides only brief relief before symptoms return.

   Common medications associated with rebound headaches include over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol and NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Prescription migraine medications, including triptans, can also contribute to medication overuse headaches when used too frequently.

   “The concern is that you’re not allowing your body to regulate naturally,” Camp explains. “Occasional use of pain relievers is appropriate, but consistent daily use can perpetuate the headache cycle.”

   Breaking the cycle typically requires reducing or discontinuing the overused medication. “In many cases, the most effective treatment for a medication overuse headache is to stop the medication,” she says. “Some patients taper gradually, while others stop completely. Symptoms may temporarily worsen for a short period, but that often allows the body to reset.”

   If headaches persist after stopping over-the-counter medications, it may indicate an underlying migraine disorder that requires preventive treatment rather than repeated symptom management.

   “If someone finds they’re relying on Tylenol or ibuprofen regularly and it’s no longer providing meaningful relief, that’s a sign to seek medical evaluation,” Camp says. “A provider can assess the situation and determine whether a preventive treatment plan would be more appropriate.”

   Because headache disorders are highly individualized, proper evaluation is essential. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough assessment and develop a personalized treatment strategy to help reduce both headache frequency and reliance on daily pain medication.

   Christina Camp, MSN, FNP-C, BSN, PCCN, treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Neurology Division located at 700 Shore Road in Somers Point, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Christina, call 609-365-6202.

5. Colonoscopies: A General Surgeon Weighs In on this Lifesaving Cancer Screening

   March 17, 2026 4:52 pm Comments Off on Colonoscopies: A General Surgeon Weighs In on this Lifesaving Cancer Screening

   It’s 2 a.m., and Shore Physicians Group General Surgeon Dr. John Millili rushes to the OR to treat a patient who came to Shore Medical Center with a sudden bowel obstruction caused by an undiagnosed colorectal tumor. These are the cases that upset Dr. Millili the most – the ones that could have been prevented with a routine screening.

   March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a reminder that one of the most preventable cancers still affects far too many people.

   “Unfortunately, too often I meet patients who haven’t kept up with their colorectal cancer screenings and are now facing serious complications,” says Dr. Millili. “They may arrive with a bowel obstruction from a tumor and need urgent, life-saving surgery, or we find the cancer has already spread. In many cases, these situations could have been prevented with routine screening.”

   Why Screening Matters

   Colorectal cancer usually begins as small growths in the colon called polyps. A colonoscopy allows doctors to detect and remove these polyps before they turn into cancer.

   “Colonoscopy is unique because it doesn’t just detect cancer—it can actually prevent it,” Dr. Millili explains. “Removing precancerous polyps stops the disease before it starts.”

   At-Home Tests Are Not Enough

   Tests like Cologuard or newer blood-based screenings can sometimes detect cancer early, but they cannot remove polyps.

   “Even if an at-home test is positive, a colonoscopy is still needed to identify and remove any growths,” Dr. Millili says. “Colonoscopies are the gold standard and I always recommend them over anything else.”

   Who Should Get Screened?

   Most adults should begin colorectal cancer screening at age 45, or earlier if they have risk factors such as a family history of colorectal cancer or certain gastrointestinal conditions like ulcerative colitis.

   “Patients are often surprised by how straightforward the procedure is,” Dr. Millili notes. “The peace of mind it provides is invaluable.”

   How to Get Started

   1. Talk to your primary care provider (PCP). Your PCP will review your health history, assess your risk factors, and provide a referral for a colonoscopy if needed.
   2. Schedule a gastroenterology (GI) consultation. Depending on your insurance, you may be able to book directly with a gastroenterologist. During this visit, the doctor will evaluate your needs and schedule your screening.
   3. Prepare for and complete your colonoscopy. Colonoscopies are outpatient procedures, usually quick and done under sedation. During the exam, doctors can detect and remove polyps, helping prevent colorectal cancer before it develops.

   Screening doesn’t just detect cancer early—it prevents cancer from developing in the first place.

   If you’re due for a screening, talk with your primary care provider and find a gastroenterologist at Shore Medical Center here.

6. Go Green for Your Health: Simple Ways to Sneak More Greens into Your Diet

   12:31 pm Comments Off on Go Green for Your Health: Simple Ways to Sneak More Greens into Your Diet

   March is National Nutrition Month, making it a great time to take a closer look at one of the most powerful foods you can include in your diet: leafy greens. While St. Patrick’s Day may have passed, the “green” theme is still worth celebrating—especially when it comes to improving your health.

   According to Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE, with the Shore Physicians Group Endocrinology Division, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, arugula, and broccoli are among the most nutrient-dense foods available and can make a meaningful difference in overall health.

   “Greens are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet,” Rios says. “They provide fiber, essential micronutrients, and compounds that support long-term health.”

   These vegetables are rich in vitamin K, folate, magnesium, potassium, iron, and antioxidants, which play important roles in the body. Vitamin K supports bone health and blood clotting, while folate helps produce healthy red blood cells and supports DNA synthesis. Magnesium helps regulate blood sugar and maintain healthy blood pressure.

   Adding just one extra serving of greens each day can support digestion, improve nutrient intake, and help protect long-term health.

   One simple way to boost nutrition is by adding greens to sauces you already cook with. Spinach, kale, or finely diced zucchini can be blended into red pasta sauce, making it more nutrient-dense without dramatically changing the flavor.

   Greens can also be incorporated into pesto. Traditional pesto includes basil, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and pine nuts, but adding spinach, kale, or arugula provides additional vitamins and minerals.

   Rios recommends sautéing or roasting vegetables before adding them to sauces. Cooking them with a little olive oil enhances flavor and helps the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin K.

   Smoothies are another easy way to increase your daily greens intake.

   Rios suggests a quick smoothie that includes spinach, frozen zucchini, frozen berries, almond milk, and protein powder or Greek yogurt.

   “Spinach blends well and almost disappears in a smoothie,” she says. “You’re getting nutrients like folate and magnesium without really noticing it.”

   Another creative option is mixing vegetables directly into proteins like burgers or omelets. Rios recommends grating zucchini and mixing it into a chicken, turkey, or beef burger along with spinach, egg, breadcrumbs, onion, and bell pepper.

   The shredded zucchini helps the burger retain moisture, creating a juicy patty while adding extra nutrients.

   “Small changes—like blending greens into smoothies or adding them to sauces—can make it easier to include vegetables regularly,” Rios says. “Over time, those small changes can make a meaningful difference in your overall nutrition.”

   Recipe: Spinach Chicken Burgers

   These flavorful burgers are a great way to combine lean protein with nutrient-rich greens.
   Ingredients

   • 1–1.2 lbs ground chicken
   • 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained
   • ½ cup breadcrumbs
   • 1 egg
   • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
   • 1 shallot, finely diced
   • 1 tsp garlic powder
   • ½ tsp salt
   • ½ tsp black pepper
   • Olive oil

   
   Directions

   1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   2. In a bowl, combine ground chicken, breadcrumbs, egg, mustard, shallot, spinach, and seasonings. Mix until combined.
   3. Form into 6 patties and place on the baking sheet.
   4. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and bake for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
   5. Broil for 2 minutes to brown before serving.
      

   Tiffany Rios, RD, CDE, is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator with Shore Physicians Group’s Endocrinology Division at 18 West New York Avenue, Somers Point, NJ. She offers nutrition counseling for people with a wide range of conditions and needs, including celiac disease, diabetes, and more. To schedule an appointment, call 609-365-5300.

7. What Is Alpha-gal Syndrome? Understanding the Allergy Linked to Tick Bites

   12:17 pm Comments Off on What Is Alpha-gal Syndrome? Understanding the Allergy Linked to Tick Bites

   Many people in New Jersey are familiar with Lyme disease and other illnesses that can be spread by ticks. But there is another condition connected to tick bites that many people have never heard of. Instead of causing a bacterial infection, this condition can trigger a food allergy that affects how a person eats and lives every day.

   The condition is called alpha gal syndrome. It is an allergy that can develop after a bite from a lone star tick and causes the body to react to a sugar molecule called galactose alpha one three galactose, commonly known as alpha gal. This molecule is found in most mammals, including cows, pigs, lamb and deer. Humans do not naturally produce it, so when the immune system becomes sensitized to it, the body may treat it as a threat.

   One South Jersey resident who experienced this firsthand is Andrew Willson of Atco. An avid outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time in wooded areas, Wilson had been dealing with persistent joint pain and physical discomfort for years. At first, he believed the aches were simply the result of an active life that included years of physically demanding work in law enforcement and the fire service.

   When the discomfort began affecting his daily activities, Willson sought care from Dr. Marlene Rodriguez, a primary care physician with Shore Physicians Group. After reviewing his symptoms and medical history, Dr. Rodriguez ordered a series of tests that included screening for alpha gal syndrome. The results showed that Wilson had developed the allergy. Once he adjusted his diet and began avoiding red meat and other mammal derived foods, many of the symptoms that had been bothering him improved significantly.

   Alpha gal syndrome begins when a lone star tick feeds on mammals that contain the alpha gal molecule and then bites a human. During the bite, traces of the molecule can enter the bloodstream. In some individuals the immune system responds by creating antibodies to alpha gal. Once those antibodies are present, eating foods that contain the molecule can trigger an allergic reaction.

   One of the unusual aspects of alpha gal syndrome is that symptoms often appear hours after eating, rather than immediately as with most food allergies. Reactions commonly occur three to six hours after consuming red meat or other mammal derived products. Because of this delay, people may not realize their symptoms are connected to something they ate earlier in the day.

   Symptoms can vary widely from person to person. Some individuals experience digestive problems such as stomach pain, nausea or diarrhea. Others may develop hives, itching or swelling. Some patients report fatigue or joint pain. In more serious cases the reaction can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening allergic response that affects breathing and blood pressure.

   Foods that commonly trigger symptoms include beef, pork, lamb and venison. Products made from mammals, such as gelatin, broths or certain medications that contain animal-based ingredients, may also cause reactions in some people. For that reason, patients with alpha gal syndrome often learn to carefully read labels and ask questions about ingredients.

   Fortunately, many foods remain safe. Poultry, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods do not contain the alpha gal molecule and are generally well tolerated. Managing the condition typically involves avoiding mammal-based foods and being aware of hidden ingredients that could trigger a reaction.

   In some cases, doctors recommend that patients carry an epinephrine auto injector, commonly known as an EpiPen, in case a severe allergic reaction occurs. Although Willson has never needed to use his EpiPen, carrying it offers peace of mind for both him and his wife, Diane Casey, knowing that treatment is available if an emergency were ever to happen.

   Because alpha gal syndrome is still relatively unfamiliar to many people, it is often underdiagnosed. Awareness of the condition is increasing as more physicians recognize the link between tick bites and the unusual allergy. For individuals who spend time outdoors where ticks are common, understanding the symptoms and seeking medical evaluation when unexplained reactions occur can help lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

   The contents of this article have been reviewed by Dr. Marlene Rodriguez, primary care physician, who treats patients at Shore Physicians Group office located at 2605 Shore Road in Northfield, NJ.

8. When the Shoulder Slips: A Common Injury Weekend Warriors Shouldn’t Try to Fix Themselves

   February 25, 2026 6:57 pm Comments Off on When the Shoulder Slips: A Common Injury Weekend Warriors Shouldn’t Try to Fix Themselves

   You don’t have to be a professional or Olympic athlete to suffer a dislocated shoulder. In fact, many of these injuries happen to “weekend warriors” and during everyday activities—playing pickup sports, slipping on ice, bracing a fall, or even walking a strong dog that suddenly pulls in the wrong direction.

   According to Dr. Tuan “Mickey” Bui, Orthopaedic Surgeon with Shore Physicians Group, the shoulder is particularly vulnerable because of how it’s designed. “The shoulder has more motion than any other joint in the body,” he explains. “It’s a ball-and-socket joint, but the socket is very shallow, which makes it less stable.”

   That incredible range of motion allows us to lift, reach, and rotate our arms freely—but it also means the shoulder is easier to dislocate. A dislocated shoulder occurs when the upper arm bone pops out of the socket, most often when the arm is forced away from the body. Dr. Bui says this commonly happens when people brace themselves during a fall or when the arm is suddenly pulled backward or to the side. This can be during sports, or even just falling down, especially down the stairs when a handrail is grabbed.

   These injuries aren’t subtle. “It hurts—a lot,” Dr. Bui says. “Your arm feels dead. You can’t move it, and visually, the shoulder doesn’t look the same on both sides.” Often, the affected shoulder appears flattened, and the person instinctively holds their arm still because movement causes intense pain.

   Two important structures help keep the shoulder in place: the labrum and the rotator cuff. The labrum is a ring of soft tissue that surrounds the socket. Dr. Bui uses an easy analogy to explain its role. “Think of the labrum like the rim of a dinner plate,” he says. “Without that rim, everything just slides right off.” When a shoulder dislocates, the labrum often tears, making the joint less stable and increasing the risk of future dislocations.

   Despite how painful shoulder dislocations are, one common mistake people make is trying to “pop” the shoulder back in themselves. While trained medical professionals can safely perform a controlled maneuver called a reduction, attempting this without proper training can do harm than good.

   “If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can damage the shoulder further,” Dr. Bui warns. Improper attempts can worsen labrum tears, injure nerves or blood vessels, or make an undetected fracture much worse. That’s why reductions should be left to professionals in emergency or sports medicine settings.

   Treatment doesn’t end once the shoulder is back in place. Recovery typically involves a sling, rest, and physical therapy. Younger patients may recover with rehab alone, while older adults are more likely to suffer rotator cuff tears during a dislocation—injuries that often require surgery.

   The bottom line: dislocated shoulders are common, painful, and serious. Whether the injury happens on a court, in the yard, or during a simple fall, resisting the urge to fix it yourself and seeking expert care is the safest way to protect your shoulder for the long run.

   Dr. Tuan “Mickey” Bui treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Orthopaedic Division offices located at 710 Centre Street, 2nd Floor in Somers Point, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Bui, call 609-365-6280.

9. What May Be Causing Your One-Sided Headache

   February 24, 2026 2:29 pm Comments Off on What May Be Causing Your One-Sided Headache

   A headache on one side of the head can be frustrating—and sometimes concerning. While many headaches are related to stress, dehydration, or lack of sleep, persistent one-sided head pain may point to something more specific. A recent article in Medical News Today explored medical causes of unilateral headaches, including several neurological and vascular conditions.

   To better understand what may be behind one-sided head pain, Christina Camp, MSN, FNP-C, BSN, PCCN, of Shore Physicians Group’s Neurology Division, shared insight into several neurological and vascular conditions that can cause pain on one side of the head. “One-sided headaches can sometimes be linked to irritation of specific nerves or inflammation of blood vessels,” Camp explains. “The key is understanding where the pain starts, how it feels, and what triggers it.”

   One possible cause is occipital neuralgia, a nerve-related condition affecting the occipital nerves. These nerves run from the base of the neck up over the scalp.

   “The occipital nerves start at the base of the skull and travel upward over the head,” says Camp. “If they become irritated, patients often describe sharp, shooting, or electric-like pain in the back of the head, usually on one side.”

   She notes that many patients instinctively cup the back of their head in their palm when describing the pain. “It’s typically right where the skull meets the neck,” she says. Triggers can include muscle tension, poor posture, whiplash, head trauma, or compression of the nerve. “Sometimes we can identify the cause, and sometimes it just happens,” Camp adds.

   Another condition that can cause one-sided head pain is temporal arteritis, also known as giant cell arteritis. Unlike occipital neuralgia, this condition is vascular rather than nerve-related.

   “Temporal arteritis involves inflammation of the temporal artery, which runs along the temple area,” Camp explains. “Patients may notice tenderness in the temple along with persistent pain on one side of the head.”

   She emphasizes that this condition most commonly affects adults over age 50. “It’s something we take very seriously because, in addition to headache, patients can experience jaw pain when chewing or even vision changes. That’s why it’s important to rule it out.” Prompt evaluation is critical, as untreated inflammation can lead to complications.

   A third potential cause of one-sided pain is trigeminal neuralgia, which affects the trigeminal nerve—the main sensory nerve of the face.

   “The trigeminal nerve runs from the temple area down toward the cheek and branches toward the nose and jaw,” Camp says. “When it’s irritated, it can cause sudden, severe, electric shock-like pain on one side of the face or head.”

   She notes that even simple activities such as brushing teeth, chewing, washing the face, or exposure to cold air can trigger symptoms. “The pain is often brief but extremely intense,” she says.

   Because one-sided headaches can have multiple causes, Camp encourages patients not to ignore persistent or severe symptoms. “If you’re experiencing ongoing pain on one side of your head, it’s important to see a provider,” she says. “We can perform an assessment, determine whether testing is needed, and develop a treatment plan based on the underlying cause.”

   Christina Camp, MSN, FNP-C, BSN, PCCN, treats patients at Shore Physicians Group’s Neurology Division offices located at 700 Shore Road in Somers Point, NJ. To schedule an appointment with Christina, call 609-365-6202.

10. It’s Not Too Late: Why Getting a Flu shot Still Matters this Season

    January 13, 2026 3:43 pm Comments Off on It’s Not Too Late: Why Getting a Flu shot Still Matters this Season

    Flu activity has increased steadily this season, with more people seeking care for influenza-like illness compared with some recent years. Healthcare providers across the region are reporting higher-than-expected case counts for this point in the season, reinforcing concerns that influenza remains a serious and ongoing threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity often peaks between December and February but can continue into spring, making vaccination important well beyond the fall months. Learn more about seasonal influenza at cdc.gov/flu.

    This year’s increase in flu cases is being felt in primary care offices, urgent care centers, and hospitals. Dr. Gregory Herman, a primary care physician with Shore Physicians Group, says one contributing factor may be lower vaccination rates.

    “I’m seeing about 40 percent of my patients who have not received a flu shot this year,” Dr. Herman said. “In past years, that number was closer to 25 percent. That’s a significant increase, and it puts more people at risk for severe illness.”

    Dr. Herman strongly recommends annual flu vaccination for nearly everyone six months of age and older. He emphasizes that it is not too late to get vaccinated, even as the season progresses.

    “People often think they’ve missed their chance, but that’s simply not true,” he said. “Flu activity can continue for months, and getting vaccinated now can still offer meaningful protection.”

    It’s also important for people to understand that the flu shot does not provide immediate immunity. Dr. Herman explains that it typically takes about seven days after receiving a flu shot for the body to build enough antibodies to become fully inoculated.

    “That window is exactly why I encourage people to act sooner rather than later,” he said. “Waiting increases the risk of getting sick before your immune system has time to respond.”

    Beyond personal protection, vaccination plays a critical role in protecting the broader community. Getting a flu shot helps reduce the spread of the virus, particularly to vulnerable populations such as older adults, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems.

    “When you get vaccinated, you’re not just protecting yourself,” Dr. Herman said. “You’re helping protect your family members, coworkers, patients, and neighbors. It’s a shared responsibility.”

    As part of ongoing efforts to safeguard patients and staff during peak flu and RSV season, Shore Medical Center has updated its visitor policy. Keeping everyone safe remains the hospital’s top priority. During this time, children age 16 and younger are restricted throughout the hospital, except when they are patients or in extenuating circumstances approved by hospital leadership.

    In addition, through April 1, visitation in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is limited to individuals whose identification matches the newborn. These temporary measures are designed to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses and protect the hospital’s most vulnerable patients.

    Dr. Herman encourages anyone with questions about flu vaccination or seasonal illness prevention to speak with their primary care provider.

    “The flu shot is safe, effective, and one of the simplest steps you can take to stay healthy,” he said. “I highly recommend it.”