Condition guide
Back pain chiropractic care in Sparta, NJ
Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit Dr. Gregory Martin. A chiropractor practicing since 1996 in Sparta, New Jersey, Dr. Greg evaluates the spine and joints and provides personalized, non-surgical care designed to help people move and feel better.
This page explains what back pain can involve, what may be causing it, and how chiropractic care fits into the picture. It is educational, not a diagnosis. Results vary from person to person, and care always begins with an evaluation.
The basics
What is back pain?
Back pain is a symptom, not a disease. It ranges from a dull ache to sharp, sudden discomfort, and it can involve the lower back, mid-back or upper back. It's experienced differently by everyone, and its causes are varied.
In many cases, back discomfort is described as mechanical in nature, meaning it relates to how the spine, muscles, joints and connective tissues move and hold up under load. Mechanical back pain is often aggravated by certain positions or movements and eased by others, which is part of why a movement-based evaluation can be so useful.
Common symptoms
- Aches or stiffness in the lower, mid or upper back
- Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, lifting or twisting
- Muscle tightness or spasm around the spine
- Discomfort that radiates into the buttock or leg (often related to sciatica)
- Reduced flexibility, such as trouble bending or turning
Common causes and contributors
- Heavy or awkward lifting, including moving day-style strain
- Prolonged sitting at a desk, in a car or on a couch
- Sports injuries, falls and work-related strain
- Auto accident injuries and whiplash-type forces
- Posture habits and deconditioning over time
- Older injuries that never fully resolved
Care options
How chiropractic care may help back pain
Spinal evaluation
Dr. Greg assesses how your spine and pelvis move, where motion is restricted and what positions or movements aggravate your symptoms.
Hands-on adjustment
Gentle, controlled adjustments aim to restore movement in restricted spinal segments, which may ease strain and improve function.
Movement guidance
Practical suggestions for posture, lifting, sitting and returning to activity, tailored to your work and hobbies.
Progress monitoring
Care plans are reviewed and adjusted based on how you respond, with no obligation to continue if care isn't helping.
Research on chiropractic care for back pain shows variable results; some people find it helpful, others don't. No provider can guarantee an outcome.
About your doctor
Dr. Greg's approach to back pain
Dr. Gregory Martin has cared for patients with back pain since 1996. His approach is the same for everyone: listen carefully, evaluate honestly and treat conservatively. He is known for explaining findings in plain English and for never pushing treatment a patient doesn't need.
As the official chiropractor of Parisi's Speed School of Morris Plains, he also has deep experience with active patients recovering from the kinds of strains sports and training produce.
More about Dr. GregWhat to expect
Your first visit for back pain
- 1
A conversation about your pain, its history and how it affects your days
- 2
A focused evaluation of your spine, movement and posture
- 3
A clear explanation of findings and whether chiropractic care fits
- 4
If you agree, a first adjustment and simple at-home guidance
Safety first
When to seek medical attention instead
Do not delay medical care for back pain if you experience:
- Pain that is severe, sudden or steadily getting worse
- Numbness, tingling or weakness spreading down a leg
- Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
- Pain with a fever, unexplained weight loss or other signs of general illness
- Back pain following a serious accident, fall or direct injury before being evaluated
If any of these apply, contact your medical doctor or head to urgent care or the emergency room. Chiropractic care can wait; a proper medical evaluation of red-flag symptoms should not.
Back pain FAQ
Questions about back pain
Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?
Chiropractic care may help some people with lower back discomfort, depending on the cause. Dr. Greg starts with an evaluation to determine whether chiropractic is a good fit for your particular situation.
What causes lower back pain?
Common contributors include heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, poor posture, sports or work strain, prior injuries and the natural effects of aging. A spine evaluation can help identify what's most relevant for you.
How many visits will I need for back pain?
There's no standard answer. Some patients feel meaningful improvement in a few visits; others need longer, consistent care. Dr. Greg will review your response to care as you go and adjust the plan.
Should I see a chiropractor or a medical doctor for back pain?
That depends on your symptoms. For red-flag symptoms like severe or worsening pain, numbness spreading down a limb, or weakness, start with a medical evaluation. For typical mechanical back discomfort, a chiropractor is a reasonable first stop.
Do you treat back pain in Sparta, NJ?
Yes. Dr. Greg treats back pain at his Sparta office at 283 S Sparta Ave in Sparta, NJ 07871.
Care where you live
Back pain care is available at Dr. Greg's Sparta office. Call or text (973) 699-4100 to find an appointment that fits your schedule.
Book an appointment
Living with back pain doesn't have to be the plan. Dr. Greg can help you move better
Conveniently located in Sparta, in the heart of Sussex County, New Jersey. Call or text today to find a time that works with your schedule.