What’s the Difference Between Upper and Lower Back Pain?

Upper back pain often involves posture, shoulder tension, or rib dysfunction. Lower back pain is more commonly linked to disc problems, spinal misalignment, or nerve compression.

Is Chiropractic Care Safe for People With Herniated Discs?

Yes. We use gentle, controlled techniques—including decompression therapy—that are safe and effective for people with disc injuries. We do not twist or crack areas that are unstable.

How long will treatment take?

Treatment length varies. Acute injuries might need just a few sessions, while chronic conditions could require weeks to months of care. We'll tailor a schedule based on your condition and progress.

How Long Will Treatment Take?

Some patients feel better within the first few visits, while others see gradual improvement over a few weeks. Your recovery will depend on the severity and duration of your condition.

Can You Help if I’ve Already Had Back Surgery?

In most cases, yes. Many of our patients come to us post-surgery when pain persists. We create careful, low-impact care plans for people with surgical hardware or scar tissue.

Back Pain Specialists in Surfside Beach, SC

If back pain is keeping you from working, sleeping, or moving comfortably, Spine Pain Center in Surfside Beach, SC, can help. Whether your pain is new or something you’ve lived with for years, our team is experienced in diagnosing and treating spinal problems without drugs or surgery.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. It can affect your ability to sit, stand, lift, walk, or even breathe deeply. At Spine Pain Center, we focus on identifying the underlying cause of your pain and building a care plan that helps restore alignment, reduce pressure, and support long-term healing.

What Causes Back Pain?

There are many different types of back pain, and each may have a different origin. Understanding where your pain starts—and what structures are involved—is the first step in proper treatment.

Here are some of the most common causes of back pain we treat at our Surfside Beach clinic:

Spinal Misalignment

Small shifts in the spine can lead to pressure on surrounding nerves, muscles, and discs. Even minor misalignments can lead to stiffness, tightness, and pain that worsen with time.

Herniated or Bulging Discs

When discs lose hydration or become damaged, they may bulge or rupture—compressing nearby nerves and creating sharp or shooting pain, especially in the lower back.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As we age, the discs between the vertebrae naturally wear down. This can reduce flexibility, narrow the space between bones, and lead to inflammation and nerve sensitivity.

Facet Joint Dysfunction

The small joints between vertebrae (called facet joints) may become inflamed or restricted, causing sharp pain with movement, twisting, or standing.

Muscle or Ligament Strains

Sudden movements, improper lifting, or poor posture can strain the muscles and ligaments that support the spine—leading to dull, aching pain that may last for weeks.

Spinal Stenosis

Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition often causes pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs, especially with walking or standing.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Back Pain Relief

Our goal is to reduce pain and improve spinal function using gentle, non-invasive techniques. We do not rely on painkillers or injections. Instead, we help your body heal naturally with targeted care.

Your customized plan may include:

Chiropractic Adjustments to Realign the Spine and Restore Proper Movement

Spinal Decompression Therapy Using the SpineMed Ultra Plus System to Relieve Disc Pressure

Class IV Laser Therapy to Reduce Inflammation and Support Soft Tissue Repair

Summus Vita Light Therapy Bed for Full-Body Healing and Circulation

Therapeutic Exercises to Strengthen Postural Muscles and Reduce Strain

Functional Medicine Support to Address Internal Inflammation That Contributes to Pain

Back Pain Doesn’t Need to Be Your Normal

Living with back pain can make even the smallest tasks feel impossible. You may have tried rest, medications, or even surgery in the past. But if you haven’t addressed the spinal mechanics and nerve involvement behind the pain, it’s likely to return—or get worse. At Spine Pain Center, we work to restore the spine’s natural position and motion. Once alignment improves, pain levels typically drop and the nervous system can function more freely.

Our treatments are suitable for people of all ages, including those with arthritis, scoliosis, disc injuries, or previous surgeries. Whether your pain is in the upper, middle, or lower back, we’ll create a plan to help you move forward.

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between Upper and Lower Back Pain?
Upper back pain often involves posture, shoulder tension, or rib dysfunction. Lower back pain is more commonly linked to disc problems, spinal misalignment, or nerve compression.
Is Chiropractic Care Safe for People With Herniated Discs?
Yes. We use gentle, controlled techniques—including decompression therapy—that are safe and effective for people with disc injuries. We do not twist or crack areas that are unstable.
How long will treatment take?
Treatment length varies. Acute injuries might need just a few sessions, while chronic conditions could require weeks to months of care. We'll tailor a schedule based on your condition and progress.
How Long Will Treatment Take?
Some patients feel better within the first few visits, while others see gradual improvement over a few weeks. Your recovery will depend on the severity and duration of your condition.
Can You Help if I’ve Already Had Back Surgery?
In most cases, yes. Many of our patients come to us post-surgery when pain persists. We create careful, low-impact care plans for people with surgical hardware or scar tissue.

If you’ve been living with back pain, we’re here to help you turn things around. Call 843-238-5900 to schedule your consultation today.