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Back Pain Treatment in Fairfax, VA:
Rediscover Life, Movement, and Hope

Imagine waking up ready for the day—energized, confident, and pain free.

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At our Fairfax clinic, every day brings powerful stories of hope and renewal. If back pain has been holding you back from living fully, we want you to know there’s a proven path forward. You don’t have to settle for “managing” your pain with endless pills, nor fear that surgery is your only road to relief.

Back Massage Therapy

You have safe, research-backed options—right here!

Today’s leading medical experts endorse what we put into practice every day:  The American College of Physicians and the World Health Organization now recommend gentle spinal manipulation and therapeutic exercise as the first and best line of treatment for most back pain. Why? Because this approach works to restore true mobility and lasting relief from back pain.

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A landmark 2024 study in Scientific Reports found that patients following our combined program of spinal manipulation and targeted exercise experienced a remarkable 87.7% improvement in function, a life-changing result compared to other methods.

Dr. Robert J. Zapf, M.S., D.C., Chiropractic Physician

40 Years of Practice Experience

Former Associate Professor - Palmer College of Chiropractic

Back Massage

What Causes Back Pain 

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1. Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains

Muscle strains and ligament sprains are among the most common causes of back pain. These injuries occur when muscles or ligaments are overstretched or torn due to excessive force or improper movement.

 

While strains affect muscles, sprains involve the ligaments that connect bones. These conditions are typically temporary but can cause significant discomfort and limit mobility if not properly managed.

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Common Causes:

  • Overuse from repetitive movements

  • Improper lifting techniques

  • Sudden twisting or bending motions

  • Poor posture or prolonged sitting

  • Sports injuries or accidents

Symptoms:

  • Localized pain and tenderness in the affected area

  • Stiffness and reduced range of motion

  • Muscle spasms or cramping

  • Increased pain with movement or certain positions

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2. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) Spinal Osteoarthritis

 


Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a condition in which the spinal discs gradually lose their ability to provide cushioning between vertebrae. As the discs deteriorate, they become thinner, reducing spinal flexibility and leading to pain and stiffness. Although this is a natural part of aging, it can be accelerated by poor posture, heavy lifting, or genetic factors.


Common Causes:
•    Aging-related disc degeneration
•    Loss of spinal disc hydration and elasticity
•    Prolonged poor posture or heavy lifting
•    Genetic predisposition to early disc wear
Symptoms:
•    Chronic, aching back pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
•    Stiffness and limited spinal flexibility
•    Occasional sharp pain with certain movements
•    Radiating pain into the buttocks or thighs
 

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3. Spinal Stenosis

 

 


Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition is most common in older adults and is often caused by arthritis-related changes in the spine. As the narrowing worsens, it can lead to pain, numbness, and weakness, especially when standing or walking for extended periods.


Common Causes:
•    Age-related narrowing of the spinal canal
•    Bone spurs or thickened ligaments pressing on nerves
•    Herniated discs contributing to nerve compression
•    Osteoarthritis-related spinal degeneration
Symptoms:
•    Pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, legs, or neck
•    Increased discomfort when standing or walking for long periods
•    Relief when sitting, bending forward, or leaning on a support
•    Possible loss of balance or coordination in severe cases
 

 Your Therapy - Your Pathway to Lasting Relief from Back Pain

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  1. Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy (Adjustments):  Chiropractic manipulation is a procedure used to gently move misaligned vertebrae (known as a subluxation) to relieve pressure spinal nerves. This process increases range of motion, improves function, reduces nerve irritability, and alleviates muscle spasm and pain.

  2. Computerized Spinal Decompression (Traction): A computer-controlled device decompresses the neck and back gently and precisely. The FDA has cleared this unit to relieve pressure on joints and discs of the spine. It relieves pain associated with herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome and nerve compression. It is especially effective in treating neck pain and low back pain.

  3. Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS): In our clinic this is used to reduce of pain, relax muscle spasms, increase local blood circulation, and maintain or increase of range of motion.

  4. Therapeutic Ultrasound: A passive therapy that uses high frequency sound waves to penetrate through the skin into the deep tissues of the body. Research shows that ultrasound waves significantly improve healing of tissues and relieves pain, stiffness.

  5. Therapeutic Exercise: In our clinic, therapeutic exercise and massage are used to improve joint mobility, posture, and recovery time. They are also beneficial for alleviating pain caused by soft tissue strains, inflammation, and muscle tension.

  6. Shortwave Diathermy: Shortwave diathermy is a deep-heating therapy that uses electromagnetic energy to generate therapeutic heat within your body's tissues. This treatment provides deeper penetration than surface heating methods.

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