Back pain is a common cause of disability. Extending all the way from the neck to the pelvis, the back and spine are subjected to considerable strains all day long. Dr. William V. Salvatore provides patients in Oceanside, New York, with comprehensive care for all types of back pain, including lower back pain and pain in the upper back and shoulders. Spinal adjustments, manual therapy, therapeutic exercises and other techniques ensure each patient receives the most appropriate care for long-term, meaningful relief of pain and related symptoms. It’s important to Dr. Salvatore that patients get affordable, customized, effective treatment. He is always available to answer questions from patients to improve their therapy and understanding of chiropractic care.

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What are the most common causes of back pain?

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints among both men and women, especially lower back pain. Often, back pain is caused by overuse or repetitive use, like bending and lifting or long periods of standing or sitting, especially when posture is poor. Other types of back pain can be caused by traumatic injury or by problems with the spine itself, including the vertebrae and connective ligaments, the cushioning discs between the vertebrae and the nerves that travel through the spine. Some diseases like spinal stenosis and arthritis can also cause back pain. The first step in relieving symptoms is determining the underlying cause of pain.

How is back pain treated?

Back pain treatment begins with a patient history and a hands-on evaluation of the spine and surrounding tissues, as well as passive and active exercises to isolate the source of pain. In some cases, x-rays or other diagnostic imaging studies may be ordered. Often, back pain and related symptoms can be relieved with a spinal adjustment to optimize the position of the vertebrae and relieve nerve compression along the spine. Heat and cold therapy and therapeutic exercises can also help in stimulating circulation and lymphatic drainage and in promoting healing, and many patients benefit from electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) to help reduce pain and speed healing. Patients may also be provided with lifestyle guidance and advice to help them prevent back pain from recurring. Dr. Salvatore’s goal is to get patients in and out of the office quickly, with lasting results.

How long does treatment last?

The duration of back pain treatment depends on the condition that’s causing painful symptoms, as well as the patient’s overall medical history. Many patients with chronic back pain benefit from ongoing spinal adjustments and routine chiropractic visits to prevent symptoms from recurring. Patients with symptoms arising from a specific acute cause like a pulled muscle may need only a few treatments in order to achieve long-term relief. Typically, treatment duration will be discussed during the initial evaluation and again during treatment, based on how well the patient responds to care.

What can I do to prevent back pain from coming back?

In addition to having routine chiropractic care, it’s important to lose excess weight, get regular exercise and practice good posture. Taking breaks from long periods of sitting and standing can also help.