Expert Chiropractic Care for Back Pain in Fairfax VA
If you're struggling with back pain and want to avoid drugs and surgery, spinal manipulation and physical therapy provide safe, proven relief. Research shows that spinal adjustments and targeted exercises can reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent future issues.
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that these treatments can be as effective as medication—without the risks.
Chiropractic care realigns the spine, while physical therapy strengthens muscles and improves posture, addressing the root cause of pain. Take control of your health naturally and experience lasting relief through these non-invasive, research-backed treatments.
Dr. Robert J. Zapf, M.S., D.C., Chiropractic Physician
40 Years of Practice Experience
Former Associate Professor - Palmer College of Chiropractic
What Causes Back Pain
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:
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Overuse from repetitive movements
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Improper lifting techniques
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Sudden twisting or bending motions
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Poor posture or prolonged sitting
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Sports injuries or accidents
Symptoms:
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Localized pain and tenderness in the affected area
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Stiffness and reduced range of motion
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Muscle spasms or cramping
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Increased pain with movement or certain positions
2. Herniated or Bulging Discs
The spine is made up of vertebrae separated by soft, gel-like discs that provide cushioning. A herniated or bulging disc occurs when the outer layer of a disc weakens, allowing its inner material to protrude and press against nearby nerves. This can cause significant pain and discomfort, often radiating down the arms or legs. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of disc displacement and nerve involvement.
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Common Causes:
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Aging and natural wear and tear
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Repetitive stress or heavy lifting
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Sudden trauma or injury
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Poor posture and spinal misalignment
Symptoms:
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Localized pain in the lower back or neck
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Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs or arms
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Sciatic pain radiating down one leg (if the sciatic nerve is affected)
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Increased pain with sitting, bending, or sneezing
3. Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)
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
4. Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the base of the spine to the pelvis and plays a key role in weight distribution and movement. When the joint becomes inflamed or misaligned, it can cause pain in the lower back and hips. SI joint dysfunction can be mistaken for sciatica, as it sometimes causes pain radiating down the leg.
Common Causes:
• Inflammation or misalignment of the sacroiliac joint
• Pregnancy-related hormonal and postural changes
• Leg length discrepancies or altered walking patterns
• Trauma from falls or sudden impacts
Symptoms:
• Sharp or aching pain in the lower back, hips, or buttocks
• Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, walking, or climbing stairs
• Discomfort when shifting weight from one side to another
• Occasional radiating pain down the leg
5. 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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.