Chiropractic Care for Back Pain, Stiffness, and Restricted Movement
Back pain can make it difficult to work, exercise, sleep, lift, sit comfortably, and enjoy everyday activities.
Symptoms may begin suddenly after a lifting injury, fall, sports activity, or auto accident, or develop gradually from prolonged sitting, repetitive activity, muscle tension, posture-related strain, or age-related changes in the spine.
At Newbold Chiropractic in Half Moon Bay, Dr. Sidhartha Jandial, DC, an experienced and highly rated Half Moon Bay chiropractor, provides individualized chiropractic care for patients experiencing:
- Lower back pain
- Mid-back pain
- Upper-back pain
- Back stiffness
- Restricted movement
- Sciatica
- Disc-related symptoms
- Muscle tension
- Posture-related discomfort
- Work-related back pain
- Sports and exercise-related back pain
Treatment is personalized according to each patient's symptoms, examination findings, health history, activity level, lifestyle, and treatment goals.
Newbold Chiropractic serves patients from Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, Montara, and surrounding Coastside communities.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can develop for many reasons.
Some symptoms begin suddenly after an injury, while others develop gradually from repetitive stress or changes in the spine and surrounding muscles.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Muscle strains
- Ligament sprains
- Prolonged sitting
- Repetitive lifting
- Physically demanding work
- Sports injuries
- Exercise-related strain
- Restricted spinal joint movement
- Muscle tension
- Sciatica
- Nerve irritation
- Bulging or herniated discs
- Age-related joint and disc changes
- Auto accidents
- Falls
- Pregnancy-related changes
- Repetitive bending and twisting
A chiropractic examination can help identify which spinal, muscular, and movement-related factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care.
Symptoms may develop from:
- Muscle strain
- Lifting injuries
- Prolonged sitting
- Repetitive bending
- Joint restrictions
- Disc-related conditions
- Sports
- Exercise
- Work demands
- Previous injuries
Lower back pain may remain localized or extend into the:
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Thighs
- Legs
Treatment can focus on restoring comfortable movement, addressing restricted joints, reducing muscle tension, and helping the patient return to normal activities.
Mid-Back and Upper-Back Pain
Upper and mid-back discomfort can be associated with:
- Prolonged computer use
- Desk work
- Smartphone use
- Repetitive activity
- Muscle tension
- Limited spinal movement
- Sports
- Exercise
- Lifting
- Driving
Patients may experience:
- Aching
- Tightness
- Muscle fatigue
- Stiffness
- Pain between the shoulder blades
- Discomfort with sitting
- Difficulty twisting comfortably
Chiropractic care may address joint mobility, muscle tension, posture-related strain, and movement restrictions.
Back Pain From Prolonged Sitting
Many people spend much of the day sitting at a desk, working from home, commuting, or driving.
Long periods of sitting can contribute to:
- Lower back stiffness
- Muscle fatigue
- Hip tightness
- Upper-back discomfort
- Reduced movement
Treatment may be combined with recommendations involving:
- Workstation setup
- Movement breaks
- Sitting position
- Stretching
- Mobility exercises
- Home exercises
These changes can help reduce unnecessary physical stress throughout the day.
Sciatica and Back Pain
Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it.
Symptoms may include:
- Lower back pain
- Buttock pain
- Pain traveling down the leg
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Burning discomfort
- Weakness
Because different conditions can produce similar symptoms, a physical and neurological examination can help identify the likely source.
For selected patients, chiropractic care may include spinal treatment, flexion-distraction, manual therapy, exercise, and ergonomic recommendations.
Bulging and Herniated Discs
The discs between the vertebrae help absorb forces placed on the spine.
When a lumbar disc bulges or herniates, it may contribute to:
- Localized back pain
- Buttock discomfort
- Leg pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Restricted movement
Depending on the examination findings, treatment may include:
- Chiropractic care
- Flexion-distraction
- Manual therapy
- Mobility exercises
- Home-care recommendations
The goal is to improve comfortable movement and help the patient return to normal activities.
Back Pain From Lifting and Physical Work
Lifting, bending, carrying, twisting, pushing, and pulling place normal demands on the spine.
Back pain can develop when those demands become excessive or after an unexpected movement.
Common examples include:
- Moving furniture
- Yard work
- Construction work
- Trades
- Warehouse work
- Repetitive lifting
- Gym workouts
- Carrying heavy objects
Treatment may address:
- Spinal mobility
- Muscle tension
- Movement patterns
- Lifting mechanics
- Functional movement
- Activity modification
Back Pain From Sports and Exercise
Sports and exercise place a variety of demands on the spine.
Activities common on the Coastside include:
- Surfing
- Running
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Golf
- Swimming
- Strength training
- Gym workouts
Back pain may develop from:
- Repetitive movement
- Training changes
- Muscle strain
- Falls
- Rotational stress
- Lifting
- Previous injuries
- Mobility restrictions
Chiropractic care can help address the musculoskeletal findings that interfere with comfortable training and recreation.
When Should You See a Chiropractor for Back Pain?
Consider scheduling a chiropractic evaluation if you experience:
- Back pain lasting more than a few days
- Recurring episodes of back pain
- Lower back stiffness
- Upper or mid-back discomfort
- Difficulty bending
- Difficulty twisting
- Pain after prolonged sitting
- Pain after standing for extended periods
- Pain following lifting
- Back pain after a fall
- Back pain following a car accident
- Symptoms extending into the hips, buttocks, or legs
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain interfering with exercise
- Difficulty sleeping comfortably
- Back pain affecting work or everyday activities
An evaluation can help identify the physical factors involved and provide a clearer direction for treatment.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Back Pain?
Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including the:
- Spine
- Joints
- Muscles
- Movement patterns
- Surrounding soft tissues
Treatment may focus on:
- Improving spinal mobility
- Addressing restricted joint movement
- Reducing muscle tension
- Restoring comfortable movement
- Improving flexibility
- Supporting functional movement
- Reducing posture-related strain
- Helping patients return to normal activities
Research supports spinal manipulation and chiropractic care as conservative treatment options for many patients with low back pain.[1-3]
At Newbold Chiropractic, treatment is individualized according to each patient's condition.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments may be used to address restricted spinal joint movement and improve mobility.
Treatment techniques and force are adapted according to the patient's:
- Symptoms
- Examination findings
- Age
- Health history
- Comfort
- Treatment goals
The objective is to improve comfortable spinal movement and support normal musculoskeletal function.
Flexion-Distraction Therapy
Flexion-distraction is a gentle chiropractic technique that uses a specialized table to provide controlled movement and distraction of the lumbar spine.
It may be incorporated for selected patients experiencing:
- Lower back pain
- Sciatica
- Disc-related symptoms
- Restricted lumbar movement
This technique can be combined with chiropractic adjustments, manual therapy, and exercise.
Manual and Soft-Tissue Therapy
Muscle tension commonly accompanies back pain.
Tightness may involve the:
- Lower back
- Upper back
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Surrounding muscles
Manual and soft-tissue techniques can help address muscular restrictions and improve comfortable movement.
Neuromuscular Reeducation
Neuromuscular exercises may be used to improve:
- Movement
- Coordination
- Postural control
- Muscular control
- Functional movement patterns
These exercises can complement hands-on chiropractic care.
Stretching, Exercise, and Home Care
Exercise and movement recommendations may include:
- Lumbar mobility exercises
- Hip mobility
- Stretching
- Core strengthening
- Functional movement
- Walking
- Postural exercises
- Home-care strategies
Recommendations are selected according to the patient's condition and stage of recovery.
Posture and Ergonomic Recommendations
Work and lifestyle habits can contribute to recurring back discomfort.
Dr. Jandial may provide recommendations involving:
- Workstation setup
- Sitting position
- Monitor placement
- Standing
- Lifting mechanics
- Driving position
- Movement breaks
- Sleep positioning
Small changes can help reduce repetitive stress on the spine throughout the day.
Chiropractic Care for Office Workers and Remote Professionals
Long periods of sitting and computer use can contribute to lower-back and upper-back discomfort.
Care may include:
- Chiropractic treatment
- Mobility work
- Ergonomic recommendations
- Movement breaks
- Stretching
- Exercise
The goal is to help patients remain comfortable and productive throughout the workday.
Chiropractic Care for Active Adults and Athletes
Active patients may experience back pain related to:
- Running
- Surfing
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Golf
- Weight training
- Gym workouts
Chiropractic care can focus on restoring comfortable spinal movement, addressing muscle tension, and helping patients return to activity.
Chiropractic Care for Seniors With Back Pain
Age-related changes involving the joints and discs can contribute to:
- Stiffness
- Reduced mobility
- Back discomfort
- Difficulty with everyday movement
Care can be adapted according to:
- Age
- Health history
- Physical condition
- Mobility
- Examination findings
- Comfort
- Individual goals
Gentle chiropractic techniques, manual therapy, and exercise recommendations may be incorporated when appropriate.
Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy
Pregnancy changes posture, weight distribution, and the physical demands placed on the lower back and pelvis.
Pregnant women may experience:
- Lower back pain
- Pelvic discomfort
- Hip tension
- Muscle soreness
- Difficulty getting comfortable
Chiropractic techniques can be adapted according to the patient's stage of pregnancy, symptoms, examination findings, and comfort.
Chiropractic Care for Children and Teenagers
Children and teenagers may experience back discomfort associated with:
- Sports
- Backpacks
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Computer use
- Gaming
- Falls
- Repetitive activity
Treatment is adapted according to the patient's age, size, symptoms, examination findings, and comfort.
What Does the Research Say About Chiropractic Care for Back Pain?
Spinal manipulation and chiropractic care have been evaluated extensively for lower back pain.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA evaluated 26 randomized clinical trials involving spinal manipulative therapy for acute low back pain. The researchers found that spinal manipulation was associated with improvements in pain and function.[1]
For chronic low back pain, a systematic review and meta-analysis published in The BMJ found that spinal manipulative therapy produced outcomes similar to other recommended therapies for pain and function.[2]
A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open studied 750 active-duty U.S. military personnel with low back pain. Patients receiving chiropractic care in addition to usual medical care experienced greater short-term improvements in pain intensity and disability than patients receiving usual medical care alone.[3]
These findings support chiropractic care as a conservative treatment option for many patients with lower back pain.
At Newbold Chiropractic, Dr. Jandial combines research findings with each patient's symptoms, physical examination, lifestyle, activity level, and goals.
Helping You Get Back to Normal Activities
Back pain can affect nearly every part of daily life.
It may make it difficult to:
- Work
- Sit comfortably
- Drive
- Sleep
- Exercise
- Lift
- Bend
- Walk
- Surf
- Run
- Hike
- Golf
- Spend time with family
The goal of care is to help you move more comfortably, improve spinal mobility, reduce muscle tension, and get back to the activities you enjoy.
What to Expect at Your First Chiropractic Visit for Back Pain
Your first visit begins with a consultation and health history.
Dr. Jandial will discuss:
- When your back pain began
- Where the pain is located
- Whether symptoms travel
- Activities that aggravate symptoms
- Activities that relieve symptoms
- Previous injuries
- Work demands
- Exercise
- Sports and recreational activities
- Sitting and driving
- Sleep
- Your treatment goals
A physical examination may evaluate:
- Spinal range of motion
- Joint mobility
- Muscle tension
- Posture
- Orthopedic findings
- Neurological findings when appropriate
- Functional movement
Dr. Jandial will explain the findings and develop an individualized treatment plan.
When appropriate, treatment may begin during the initial visit.
Why Choose Dr. Sidhartha Jandial, DC, for Back Pain Care?
Dr. Sidhartha Jandial, DC, is an experienced and highly rated chiropractor serving Half Moon Bay and the Coastside.
At Newbold Chiropractic, back pain care is individualized according to each patient's:
- Symptoms
- Examination findings
- Health history
- Age
- Occupation
- Lifestyle
- Activity level
- Previous injuries
- Treatment goals
Care focuses on helping patients:
- Improve spinal mobility
- Reduce muscle tension
- Address joint restrictions
- Move more comfortably
- Return to work
- Exercise more comfortably
- Sleep more comfortably
- Resume recreational activities
Newbold Chiropractic has served the Coastside community since 1983 and welcomes patients from Half Moon Bay, El Granada, Moss Beach, Montara, and surrounding communities.