Back pain is the number one reason patients seek chiropractic care, and for good reason. Whether it is a dull ache in the lower back that has been building for months, sharp mid-back pain that came on suddenly, or chronic upper back tension that never fully goes away, chiropractic care addresses the structural causes of back pain in a way that medication and rest simply cannot.
Dr. Frank Stiso at Stiso Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Massage Therapy in Manasquan, NJ has been helping patients find lasting relief from back pain for nearly two decades.
Understanding Back Pain
The spine is divided into three regions: the cervical spine in the neck, the thoracic spine in the mid and upper back, and the lumbar spine in the lower back. Back pain can originate in any of these regions and the causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches vary depending on where the problem is and what is driving it.
Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and one of the most common reasons people miss work. Despite how common it is, back pain is frequently undertreated, mismanaged, or simply endured when effective conservative treatment options are available.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is by far the most common type of back pain and the condition Dr. Stiso sees most frequently in practice. The lumbar spine bears the majority of the body's weight and is subject to significant mechanical stress from daily activities like sitting, lifting, bending, and twisting.
Common causes of lower back pain include muscle strains and sprains, disc herniations, sciatica, spinal misalignment, degenerative disc disease, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Lower back pain can range from a mild nuisance to a debilitating condition that makes it impossible to perform basic daily tasks.
Mid Back Pain
The thoracic spine, which runs from the base of the neck to the bottom of the rib cage, is less flexible than the lumbar and cervical spine and as a result is less commonly injured. However mid back pain is a real and often overlooked condition that can significantly affect quality of life.
Common causes of mid back pain include muscle tension from prolonged sitting or poor posture, rib joint dysfunction, vertebral misalignment, and referred pain from other areas of the spine. Patients who spend long hours at a desk or looking at screens are increasingly prone to thoracic pain and stiffness.
Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain typically involves the area between the shoulder blades and the base of the neck. It is often associated with postural problems, muscle imbalances, and the chronic tension that builds up from forward head posture and prolonged screen use. Upper back pain can also contribute to headaches, neck pain, and shoulder problems when left unaddressed.
Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain presents differently from patient to patient but commonly includes:
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Dull, aching, or sharp pain anywhere along the spine
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Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or bending
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Stiffness and reduced range of motion
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Muscle tightness or spasms
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Pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, or legs
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Difficulty standing upright after sitting for extended periods
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Pain that improves with movement but returns with rest
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic care is one of the most well-researched and effective conservative treatments for back pain across all regions of the spine. By restoring proper alignment and movement to restricted or misaligned spinal joints, chiropractic care reduces mechanical stress on the surrounding muscles, discs, and nerves, allowing the body to function and heal the way it was designed to.
Dr. Stiso conducts a thorough evaluation to identify the specific cause and location of each patient's back pain before beginning treatment. Care is tailored to the individual and may include diversified spinal manipulation, Activator Method adjustments, drop table technique, and supportive physical therapies. No two cases of back pain are the same and no two treatment plans should be either.
Why Choose Dr. Stiso for Back Pain
Dr. Stiso has treated back pain of every type and severity throughout his career. He also has personal experience managing lumbar disc herniations since age 21, giving him a level of empathy and clinical insight that is difficult to teach. His approach is honest, thorough, and focused on finding the source of the problem rather than simply managing symptoms.
If your back pain is something chiropractic cannot address, he will tell you and make sure you get pointed in the right direction.
Ready to Get Started?
If back pain is affecting your daily life in Manasquan, Wall Township, or the surrounding Monmouth County area, Dr. Stiso and the team at Stiso Chiropractic, Acupuncture & Massage Therapy are ready to help.
Call us at (732) 528-7746 or click the button below to get started. Most major insurance accepted. New patients are always welcome.