Back pain relief often starts with finding out why your back hurts. At HealthSource of Roseland, Dr. Jenna Patel, D.C., looks at how your spine, muscles and joints move before she suggests any care. Long days at a desk, heavy lifting or a sudden twist can all strain the back. Here you can learn what tends to cause low and mid back pain, how we check it, and what care may help. We also list the warning signs that call for a medical doctor instead.
What causes everyday back pain?
Back pain is one of the most common health problems. It affects about 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives, according to MedlinePlus. This page focuses on mechanical back pain. That means pain that comes from how the joints, muscles and discs of your spine move and carry load.
Common triggers include:
- Long hours in a desk chair, often leaning toward a screen
- Lifting a box, a child or groceries with a rounded back
- A sudden twist during sports, yard work or a move
- Weak core and hip muscles, which can leave your spine doing more of the work
- Slouching over a phone or laptop, which can stiffen the mid back
If you work in an office along Eisenhower Parkway, you may feel it after a long day of sitting. Others notice it the morning after a weekend of lifting. Either way, it deserves a careful look.
How we look for the source of your pain
Your visit does not start with an adjustment. First, you fill out a health history form. Next, you sit down with Dr. Patel to talk about when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and your daily routine. Then she checks your posture, how you move and where it hurts. She has extra training in movement analysis, so she pays close attention to how you bend, twist and stand. We take X-rays on site only if clinically needed.
After the exam, Dr. Patel explains what she found in plain words. She also lays out a personalized care plan before any care starts. That way, you know what each step is for and can ask questions first. Some signs need a medical doctor instead, and we list them below.
Care options for back pain relief
Every plan depends on your exam, so not every option fits every person. Dr. Patel looks for the source of the problem, not only the symptoms. Depending on what she finds, your plan may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments that aim to improve how the joints of your spine move
- Soft tissue work for tight, tender muscles
- Progressive Rehab® and functional exercise to build strength and control
- Kinesiology taping
- Laser therapy or spinal decompression, when the exam suggests they fit
- Simple tips on your desk setup, lifting and daily habits
Nondrug care has a real place here. For example, a 2017 guideline from the American College of Physicians recommends nondrug treatments as a first step for chronic low back pain, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) reports. NCCIH also notes that spinal manipulation may bring modest gains in pain and function for acute low back pain. Even so, results vary from person to person, and no one can promise a set outcome.
Sometimes the pain travels down one leg, or you feel tingling or numbness in the leg or foot. In that case, a nerve may play a part. Our page on sciatica relief explains that problem in more detail.
Self-care for back pain relief at home
Small habits at home may also help ease back pain between visits. MedlinePlus notes that most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take a while. However, it also warns that staying in bed for more than one or two days can make back pain worse. So try to stay gently active within what feels okay.
- Get up and move around often during long stretches of sitting.
- Set your screen at eye level so you do not lean forward.
- Bend at the hips and knees, and hold loads close to your body when you lift.
- Try hot or cold packs, which MedlinePlus lists among common treatments.
- Keep up the exercises in your plan, even on days you feel fine.
Call your health care provider if your back pain is severe or does not improve after three days, MedlinePlus advises. You should also get medical attention after an injury, such as a fall.
When to see a medical doctor or go to the ER
Some back pain needs urgent medical care, not a chiropractor. Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you have any of these:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- New or worsening weakness in a leg
- Pain after a serious fall or car crash
See your medical doctor soon for back pain with a fever, weight loss you cannot explain, a history of cancer, or pain that wakes you at night. This page shares general information, not a diagnosis.
Start your back pain relief plan in Roseland
Your first visit includes a consultation, an exam and X-rays only if clinically needed. Dr. Patel then explains her findings and your plan before any care begins. You can read each step on our first visit page. We accept most major insurance plans, so please call to check yours. Dr. Patel speaks English, Hindi and Gujarati.
To see whether back pain relief through chiropractic care fits you, book online or call our Roseland office at (973) 200-2424.