Chiropractic Care
Back Pain: Pain of any kind is a signal that something’s amiss. Some people silence their symptoms with a pain reliever and ignore the message. But that would be like removing the battery to quiet a smoke detector!
Two Common Causes: The nerve-rich facet joints on the back side of each spinal bone are a common cause of back pain. The pain can be a sign these interlocking “fingers” aren’t moving right.
The discs between spinal bones can be involved, too. Trauma can cause the soft, pulpy material in the middle to bulge, putting pressure on nearby nerves.
The Chiropractic Approach
Specific chiropractic adjustments can help improve spinal function. By restoring the way your spine works, discs and soft tissues may heal, nerve involvement may be reduced, pain can ease and better stability can return.
Skilled joint manipulation and mobilization techniques, when applied to the spine as well as to peripheral joints, can restore normal arthrokinematics and improve overall biomechanical function. By enhancing joint mobility, reducing capsular or myofascial restrictions, and optimizing neuromuscular control, these interventions support the healing of surrounding soft tissues, diminish mechanical stress on neural structures, and promote better movement efficiency and postural stability.
The result is often a reduction in pain, improved range of motion, and enhanced functional performance across multiple regions of the body.
If you don’t have a chiropractor, we’d like to be yours. Schedule a consultation today by contacting us at 973.779.2466.
Your Choices
We’ve helped many people with safe and natural chiropractic care. However, other choices include:
Ignore It
Spinal problems may worsen.
Therapy
Stresses malfunctioning joints.
Surgery
The most serious last resort.
Bed Rest
May prolong the problem.
Medicine
Numbs the body.
Understanding Back Pain from a Biomechanical Perspective
Pain serves as a critical protective mechanism—it’s the body’s way of signaling that something within the neuromusculoskeletal system is functioning abnormally. While over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief, masking the symptom without addressing the underlying cause can allow dysfunction to progress, much like disabling a smoke alarm without extinguishing the fire.
Primary Mechanical Contributors to Back Pain
1. Facet Joint Dysfunction
One of the most frequent mechanical sources of back pain involves the zygapophyseal (facet) joints, which are paired synovial joints located on the posterior aspect of each vertebra. These joints are richly innervated by the medial branches of the dorsal rami, making them particularly sensitive to mechanical irritation or inflammation.
When these joints are subjected to altered loading patterns—due to poor posture, repetitive stress, or trauma—they may undergo hypomobility (restricted motion), joint effusion, or articular surface irritation. This dysfunction can result in segmental instability or nociceptive signaling, contributing to both localized and referred pain patterns.
2. Intervertebral Disc Pathology
The intervertebral discs function as fibrocartilaginous shock absorbers between adjacent vertebral bodies. Each disc contains a gelatinous inner core called the nucleus pulposus, surrounded by a tough fibrous ring known as the annulus fibrosus.
In response to axial compression, repetitive strain, or acute trauma, the nucleus may migrate posteriorly or laterally, leading to disc bulging or herniation. If the displaced disc material impinges on adjacent spinal nerve roots or the thecal sac, patients may experience radicular symptoms, including shooting pain, paresthesia, or motor weakness along the affected dermatome or myotome.
By addressing the biomechanical dysfunction—whether through manual therapy, rehabilitative exercise, or postural re-education—clinicians can restore functional movement, reduce pain, and improve the structural integrity of the spine. Early intervention focused on movement quality and tissue loading strategies is key to preventing chronicity and promoting long-term recovery.
F.A.Q.s
Isn’t some back pain normal?
Pain of any kind, at any age, is a sign that something is amiss. Pain is the way your body signals that a limit has been reached or a problem has developed. Since we can adapt, minor aches and pains are often shrugged off. While they may go away, if the underlying problem remains unattended, the problem may slowly worsen until it becomes more difficult and expensive to resolve.
What about muscle relaxers?
First, chiropractors don’t dispense drugs. We rely on natural methods. When properly applied, ice can have an analgesic effect without the unwanted effects associated with some pain medications.
How does chiropractic work?
Manual therapy works by improving the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system, specifically targeting the spine and peripheral joints. Proper joint motion is essential for maintaining optimal range of motion and reducing abnormal stress on surrounding tissues, including muscles, ligaments, and tendons. When the joints of the spine or extremities experience restricted movement, it can result in localized discomfort, muscle tension, and reduced mobility.
Specific spinal adjustments or joint mobilizations are designed to restore normal movement patterns, reduce joint stiffness, and alleviate mechanical stress on the surrounding structures. This can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance overall functional performance, promoting recovery and preventing further musculoskeletal dysfunction.
Alternative Chiropractic
Location
1011 Clifton Avenue, First Floor, Clifton, NJ
About Us
Located in Passaic County, New Jersey. Alternative Chiropractic specializes in chiropractic care, spinal decompression, sports-specific rehabilitation, massage therapy, and much more to all Northern New Jersey areas.