Understanding Back Pain

Your spine is a central axis of support and motion—but it’s vulnerable. Between vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, the back is a complex system. Minor dysfunction in one area can ripple into pain, stiffness, or limited mobility.

Back pain can manifest in two main ways:

• Acute: Sudden onset from an injury, strain, or stress
• Chronic: Longer-term issues that persist due to underlying dysfunction

Early intervention is key to preventing temporary pain from becoming a long-term issue.

Common Causes of Spinal Pain

Several factors may contribute to back issues, including:

• Muscle or ligament strains from poor posture or sudden stress
• Bulging or herniated discs placing pressure on nerves
• Arthritis and degenerative changes, possibly leading to spinal stenosis
• Skeletal misalignment or deformity (e.g. scoliosis)
  

Lifestyle also plays a major role. Weight, activity levels, ergonomics, footwear, and even sleep surface can influence spinal health. From athletes to professionals, everyone can benefit from a structured chiropractic care plan in RSF.

Symptoms to Watch For

Your spine is a central axis of support and motion—but it’s vulnerable. Between vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, the back is a complex system. Minor dysfunction in one area can ripple into pain, stiffness, or limited mobility.

Common red flags for spinal issues include:

• Persistent or sharp back pain
• Pain that radiates into the legs (sciatica) or feet
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities
• Stiffness, limited range of motion
• Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or certain movements

If these symptoms persist, they warrant expert evaluation rather than ignoring or masking them.

How We Treat Back Pain at True Performance RSF

We believe in more than just symptom relief. Our Rancho Santa Fe chiropractic programs combine core techniques with advanced modalities to ensure long-term healing.

Treatments may include:

• Spinal and extremity adjustments to restore alignment
• Class IV laser therapy to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair
• Near-infrared light therapy to stimulate circulation and healing
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to support recovery
  
• Neurofeedback and brain-based training to optimize neural control of movement
  
• Supportive exercise, mobility training, and posture rehab
  

Each plan is tailored to your goals—whether you’re overcoming injury, optimizing performance, or maintaining spinal health.