Back pain is the most common reason people see a chiropractor, and most of it is mechanical: joints that are not moving properly, discs under uneven load, or muscles compensating for both. Painkillers quiet the signal. They do not change the mechanics. Chiropractic care works on the mechanics, which is why relief tends to last longer.
Lower Back vs. Upper Back
Lower back pain is usually load-related — lifting, sitting, a job that keeps you bent over, or an old injury that never fully resolved. It can be a dull constant ache or a sudden catch that stops you mid-movement.
Upper back and mid-back pain is more often posture-related. Desk work, phones, and driving pull the shoulders forward and load the thoracic spine in a way it was not built for. It frequently shows up alongside neck pain and headaches.
What Usually Causes It
- Joints in the spine that have lost normal motion
- Disc irritation, bulging, or degeneration
- Muscle strain, often compensating for a joint that is not working
- Poor posture held for years rather than a single bad moment
- Old injuries — car accidents and sports injuries that healed crooked
- Pelvic or foot mechanics forcing the spine to compensate
How Dr. Hansen Treats It
Care starts with finding out why. Dr. Hansen examines how your spine actually moves, checks posture and alignment, and takes x-rays when the structure needs to be seen. You will get his findings explained plainly, with the x-rays on screen, before any treatment starts.
Treatment is hands-on. Full spine chiropractic adjustments restore motion to the joints that are stuck. Depending on what he finds, that may be paired with mechanical traction, therapeutic exercise, vibration platform work, or SoftWave therapy for inflamed soft tissue. If your feet are part of the problem, custom orthotics may be part of the answer.
Back Pain After a Car Accident
Back pain that starts after a collision follows different rules, both clinically and for insurance. If that is your situation, start on the auto accident injury page — New York no-fault has deadlines worth knowing about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use ice or heat for back pain?
As a general rule, ice for a fresh injury or an inflamed flare-up, heat for stiffness and chronic tightness. If you are not sure which you are dealing with, that is worth a phone call rather than a guess.
Is it normal for back pain to come and go?
It is common, but it is not a good sign. Pain that recurs usually means the underlying mechanical problem was never corrected — the episode resolved, the cause did not. Those cycles tend to get closer together over time.
Do I need x-rays for back pain?
Not always. Dr. Hansen takes them when he needs to see the structure to make a safe, accurate decision — not routinely. If he takes them, he will show you what he found on screen.
How soon can I be seen?
Call (631) 321-5400. Phones are answered 24/7/365 and the front desk will find you the soonest opening that works.
Last reviewed 2026-09-10 by Hansen Chiropractic. This page is general information, not medical advice. Individual results vary.
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