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Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & When to Seek Care

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care and miss work. It can affect anyone — from athletes and desk workers to older adults and pregnant individuals. While many cases resolve with time, others require professional treatment to prevent chronic pain or long-term dysfunction.

At The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey, we provide comprehensive, evidence-based care for back pain using an integrated approach that includes physical therapy, chiropractic care, specialty treatments, and rehabilitation services. Our team proudly serves patients throughout Montvale, Closter, and Park Ridge, NJ.

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What Is Back Pain?

Back pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or soreness anywhere along the spine — from the neck to the lower back. It may appear suddenly (acute) or develop over time (chronic), and symptoms can range from mild aches to sharp, disabling pain.

Back pain may be:

  • Localized, such as lower left or lower right back pain
  • Radiating, traveling into the hips or legs
  • Mechanical, worsened by movement or posture
  • Neurological, involving nerve compression or irritation

If pain persists or worsens, it’s important to understand the underlying cause before symptoms become long-term.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can stem from many sources, including:

  • Muscle or ligament strain
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Poor posture or prolonged sitting
  • Sports injuries or overuse
  • Workplace or auto accidents
  • Pregnancy-related spinal stress
  • Scoliosis or spinal alignment issues
Woman holding lower back in pain with highlighted spine and pelvis illustration overlay, symbolizing back pain and spinal issues.

Our clinicians evaluate how your spine, muscles, joints, and nervous system are working together to determine the true source of pain. You can explore additional conditions we address on our What We Treat page.

Lower Back Pain: A Common Problem Area

Lower back pain is one of the most searched and treated forms of back pain. It may present as:

  • Lower left back pain, often linked to muscle strain, joint dysfunction, or disc issues
  • Lower right back pain, which may involve spinal imbalance or movement restrictions
  • Central low back pain, commonly associated with posture or core instability

Targeted Physical Therapy focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and movement patterns, while Chiropractic Care helps improve spinal alignment and joint function.

For more focused relief options, visit our Back Pain Treatment & Relief page.

Back Pain During Pregnancy

Back pain during pregnancy is extremely common due to postural changes, ligament laxity, and added spinal stress. Safe, conservative care can significantly reduce discomfort.

Our team offers pregnancy-safe options, including Pregnancy Chiropractic Care and gentle therapeutic exercise to support both mother and baby.

When Is Back Pain Serious?

While many cases of back pain are not dangerous, some symptoms should not be ignored. Seek care promptly if you experience:

Seek care promptly if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness
  • Pain following an accident or injury
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Pain accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss

These “red flags” may indicate nerve involvement or underlying conditions that require professional evaluation.

Close-up of a healthcare provider examining an older adult's lower back during a clinical evaluation for back pain.

How We Treat Back Pain

Treating the Whole Person

 

Back pain rarely exists in isolation. Stress, movement habits, and lifestyle factors all play a role. Our care often integrates treatment for related concerns such as Anxiety and Stress, Sports Injuries, and Spinal Health to support long-term recovery.

At The Spine & Health Center of NJ, we use an integrated treatment model tailored to each patient. Treatment plans may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to restore spinal motion
  • Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve mobility
  • Neurologic PT for nerve-related symptoms (learn more)
  • Shockwave Therapy for chronic soft tissue pain (Shockwave Therapy)
  • Graston®, ART®, FAKTR®, and Fascial Manipulation for myofascial restrictions
  • Normatec Recovery Boots to enhance circulation and recovery (Normatec Benefits)

For post-surgical or injury-related pain, we also provide Post-Operative Treatment and Personal Injury Care.

Back Pain FAQs

The fastest way to relieve back pain depends on the cause, but many people experience relief with a combination of gentle movement, heat or ice therapy, and professional care such as physical therapy or chiropractic treatment. Avoid prolonged bed rest, as movement helps promote healing.

Lower back pain relief often includes targeted stretching, strengthening exercises, posture correction, and manual therapy. Physical therapy and chiropractic care can address muscle imbalances, joint restrictions, and spinal alignment to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

Short periods of rest may help, but sitting or lying down for too long can worsen stiffness. Changing positions frequently and maintaining proper posture is usually better than staying in one position for extended periods.

The most common causes of back pain include muscle strain, disc issues, poor posture, degenerative changes, and injuries from sports or accidents. Stress and repetitive movements can also contribute to ongoing discomfort.

Back pain may be serious if it is severe, worsening, or accompanied by numbness, weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or unexplained weight loss. In these cases, a medical evaluation is recommended.

Red flags include persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks, pain after trauma, night pain, neurological symptoms, or pain that does not improve with rest or conservative care.

Yes. Back pain during pregnancy is common due to changes in posture, weight distribution, and ligament flexibility. Pregnancy-safe chiropractic care and physical therapy can help relieve discomfort and support spinal health.

Emergency care may be necessary if back pain is associated with severe trauma, loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive weakness, or symptoms of infection. Otherwise, conservative care is often the best first step.

Back pain is commonly treated by physical therapists, chiropractors, and rehabilitation specialists. A multidisciplinary approach often leads to the best long-term outcomes.

Yes. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for back pain. It focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and movement patterns to reduce pain and prevent future injury.

Why Choose The Spine & Health Center of New Jersey?

  • Multidisciplinary team of experienced providers
  • Evidence-based, conservative treatment approach
  • Locations in Montvale, Closter, and Park Ridge, NJ
  • Advanced rehabilitation and specialty services

Meet our providers on the Our Team page.

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If back pain is limiting your daily life, you don’t have to push through it alone. Early, targeted care can prevent chronic issues and speed recovery.

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