Back Pain: Osteopathic Evaluation and Treatment

Back pain is one of the most common reasons individuals seek medical care, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether acute or chronic, back pain can significantly interfere with mobility, sleep, work performance, and overall quality of life. At a practice specializing in Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, we provide a comprehensive, hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating back pain by identifying and addressing its structural and functional causes.

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain can originate from a wide variety of sources, including muscles, ligaments, joints, intervertebral discs, and nerves. It may occur suddenly following an injury or develop gradually from repetitive stress, postural imbalance, or degenerative changes. Some patients experience localized discomfort, while others may report radiating pain, stiffness, or limited range of motion. Osteopathic care focuses on understanding how these physical components interact and contribute to persistent or recurrent back pain.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

Back pain is multifactorial in nature, often involving mechanical, neurological, and lifestyle-related influences. Common causes include:

·       Muscle strain or spasm following overexertion, injury, or prolonged sedentary activity.

·       Joint restriction or imbalance in the spine or pelvis.

·       Disc irritation or degenerative disc disease.

·       Postural imbalances from prolonged sitting, lifting, or repetitive movements.

·       Chronic stress, poor ergonomics, or insufficient core stability.

When spinal and pelvic structures lose their natural balance and mobility, surrounding muscles may become tense, shortening or overcompensating, which perpetuates cycles of pain and dysfunction.

Who Is Affected

Back pain is one of the leading causes of work-related disability and affects individuals across all professions and lifestyles. Office workers who sit for long hours, manual laborers exposed to physical strain, athletes with repetitive movement patterns, and older adults experiencing degenerative changes are all susceptible. Regardless of age or occupation, back pain can quickly compromise daily function and physical well-being if not properly addressed.

The Role of Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine

Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine offers an integrative, evidence-based approach to diagnosing and managing back pain. An Osteopathic Physician (DO) trained in this specialty performs a detailed physical examination to assess joint motion, muscular balance, and neural function. Using a variety of gentle, hands-on techniques—such as soft tissue manipulation, muscle energy techniques, balanced ligamentous tension, and myofascial release—treatment aims to restore normal movement, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

By addressing the biomechanical and neurological contributors to back pain, Osteopathic treatment not only alleviates discomfort but also helps prevent recurrence. This approach supports the body’s inherent capacity to heal, promoting long-term stability and optimal function with the goal to reduce the need for medication or invasive procedures.

Seeking Care for Persistent Symptoms

When back pain persists beyond several weeks or recurs frequently, a thorough Osteopathic evaluation can help determine the cause and provide effective, personalized management. Early intervention allows for faster recovery, improved mobility, and avoidance of chronic pain patterns. Patients under consistent Osteopathic care often report decreased stiffness, improved posture, and enhanced overall physical health.

Our practice is dedicated to the precise diagnosis and treatment of back pain through a patient-centered, biomechanical approach. If you are experiencing ongoing or severe back pain, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Levi. Through careful assessment and hands-on treatment, we can help you regain comfort, movement, and lasting relief.