Lumbar Disc Pain
September 30, 2025
Many people struggle with chronic lower back pain and want to know what’s really causing their discomfort. At Thrive Sports & Spine in South Jersey, our team uses advanced research-backed tests like the “Directional Preference” (DP) test to find out if your pain is coming from the discs in your spine – one of the most common causes of back pain.
The DP test is simple. Our chiropractor will guide you through specific guided movements. If certain directions feel better and your pain moves closer to the center of your spine, that’s a clue your pain might be coming from your spinal discs. This makes it easier for the doctor to plan treatment that will really help you recover.
Research shows that if you have a positive DP test, there’s a high chance the disc is the pain source – which helps us offer precisely targeted, evidence-based care. While the test is great for confirming disc-related pain, it’s just one of many tools we use to figure out the root of your back problem. When you get the right diagnosis, the chances of lasting pain relief are much better.
Our South Jersey clinic uses the latest chiropractic research, including special movement tests, hands-on adjustments, and custom rehab plans. Whether your pain is from discs or another cause, you’ll receive expert, individualized care to get you moving and feeling better, faster.
Ready to find out what’s really causing your low back pain? Book a diagnostic session at
www.thrivesportsandspine.info and get a clear plan for lasting pain relief.
Deneuville JP, Laslett M, Cervantes A, Peterlongo S, Ounajim A, Artico R. Concurrent validity of the directional preference phenomenon compared to controlled lumbar discography: A Supplementary Analysis of a Diagnostic Accuracy Study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2025 Sep 10:103413.
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As we get older, aches and pains often become part of everyday life. Back pain, neck pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness can make it harder to stay active and enjoy the things you love. Many older adults are interested in chiropractic care but wonder if it is safe for their age. A new systematic review published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies helps answer that important question.
Heel pain can make even simple activities like walking the dog, exercising, or standing through a work shift uncomfortable. One of the most common causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, a condition involving irritation of the thick band of connective tissue that supports the arch of your foot. While many people improve with stretching, supportive footwear, and activity modification, others continue to experience pain for months despite trying multiple treatments. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine examined how radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) affects patients with chronic plantar fasciitis that had not responded to conservative care.
Low back pain affects people of all ages and activity levels. Whether you enjoy working out, playing sports, gardening, or simply want to keep up with your family, back pain can make everyday activities more difficult. A recent study published in the Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation found that a structured whole-body strength training program significantly improved pain, strength, and function in people with chronic low back pain. The findings support an approach that combines proper movement with progressive strengthening to help people recover and stay active.
Positive Outcomes of spinal decompression for low back pain
A 2025 systematic review of 36 randomized controlled trials (~2000 patients) found PRP significantly reduced pain scores compared to controls at...
If you’ve ever felt pain on the inside of your elbow when gripping, lifting, or swinging a golf club — you might be dealing with medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow.
When people think about preventing falls, they usually focus on balance.
Neck pain is very common, but most people only think about the pain itself. New research shows that neck pain may also affect how your body controls movement and balance. A recent study published in PLOS One looked at how the neck works with the brain and nervous system. The neck plays an important role in helping your body understand position, movement, and balance. When the neck is not working properly, this system can become disrupted. What the Study Found Researchers studied people with chronic neck pain and measured how their neck muscles responded under different conditions. They looked at how the body uses vision and proprioception , which is your body’s ability to sense position and movement. They found that: Neck muscle activity changed depending on sensory input People with neck pain relied more on certain systems to stay balanced The body created compensations to deal with poor neck function This means that neck pain is not just about tight muscles. It can change how your brain and body work together. Study link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0340633 Why This Matters for Athletes and Everyday Life Your neck is a key part of your movement system. It helps guide posture, balance, coordination, and reaction time. When the neck is not working well, it can lead to: Poor balance Slower reaction time Increased risk of injury Muscle tightness and fatigue Ongoing neck pain and headaches This is important for: Athletes who rely on coordination and control Active adults who train or exercise People who sit for long hours or use screens often Even small changes in how the neck functions can affect how the entire body moves. How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care At Thrive Sports & Spine, we treat neck pain by looking at the full system, not just the area of pain. This study supports our approach to improving movement, balance, and nervous system function. Chiropractic care helps restore normal joint motion and improve how the neck communicates with the rest of the body Acupuncture helps reduce muscle tension and calm the nervous system Occupational therapy and rehabilitation improve posture, coordination, and stability Medical care , when needed, helps manage more complex or persistent conditions By combining these treatments, we help: Improve biomechanics Restore proper movement patterns Reduce pain and tension Enhance performance and daily function Helping You Move Better and Stay Balanced Neck pain is more than just discomfort. It can change how your body moves, balances, and responds to the world around you. If you feel unsteady, tight, or continue to have neck pain that does not go away, the issue may be deeper than just muscle tension. Improving how your neck functions can help your entire body work better. At Thrive Sports & Spine, we focus on finding the cause of the problem so you can move with confidence and feel your best. Reference Wei W, Li W, Wang Y, Zhang S, Fan G, Bai Y. Importance of visual and proprioceptive inputs for maintaining balance in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. PLOS One. 2026;21(3):e0340633.
Neck pain and headaches are two of the most common reasons people come into our office. Many people think headaches only come from stress or tight muscles. New research published in Spine shows there may be a deeper connection inside the neck that helps explain why neck problems and headaches often occur together. A recent study looked at important ligaments in the cervical spine, or neck. These ligaments connect parts of the spine to the protective covering around the spinal cord. This connection helps control movement and stability in the neck. Researchers found that when these tissues become irritated or restricted, tension may be transferred directly to sensitive nerve structures. This may help explain why neck stiffness or poor movement can lead to ongoing headaches. What the Study Found Researchers studied the anatomy of the neck and confirmed that certain spinal ligaments are directly connected to the covering of the spinal cord. Because of this connection, problems with joint motion or posture may place extra stress on nearby nerves. This means a person may experience headaches or neck pain even when imaging tests look normal. Limited movement, past injuries, sports activity, or long hours spent looking down at phones or computers can all increase stress in these tissues. Study link: https://www.ovid.com/jnls/spinejournal/abstract/10.1097/brs.0000000000005629 Why This Matters for Everyday Life and Sports Your neck plays an important role in balance, movement, and nervous system function. When the joints and supporting tissues do not move well, the body often responds with muscle tightness, stiffness, or headaches. This can affect: Athletes during training or competition Students carrying backpacks or using devices Desk workers sitting for long periods Anyone dealing with recurring neck tension or headaches Improving how the neck moves can reduce strain on these sensitive structures and help the body function more comfortably. How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care At Thrive Sports & Spine, we focus on treating the cause of neck pain, not just the symptoms. This research supports our team approach to improving movement, reducing pain, and restoring normal function. Chiropractic care helps restore healthy motion in the joints of the neck and reduces stress on surrounding tissues. Acupuncture helps relax tight muscles and supports natural pain relief. Occupational therapy and rehabilitation improve posture, strength, and movement habits so symptoms are less likely to return. Medical care , when needed, ensures patients receive a full evaluation for more complex conditions. Working together, these treatments help improve biomechanics, decrease pain, and support better performance in daily life and sports. Helping You Move and Feel Better Headaches and neck pain are often connected. When movement in the neck improves, many patients notice better comfort, improved mobility, and fewer recurring symptoms. If you experience frequent headaches or ongoing neck stiffness, an evaluation may help identify the source of the problem. Our team at Thrive Sports & Spine is here to help you move better, feel better, and stay active. Reference Iwanaga J, et al. The Cervical Ligamentum Flavum and Cervicodural Ligaments: Anatomical Insights with Potential Relevance to Cervicogenic Headache. Spine. 2026. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000005629
If you spend hours on your phone or computer, you may notice your head drifting forward and your neck starting to hurt. This is called forward head posture , and it’s becoming more common every year. But here’s something surprising: 👉 Your neck pain might not just be a neck problem. 👉 It could actually start from your core . What Did the Study Find? A recent randomized controlled trial looked at people with forward head posture and neck pain. Researchers compared two groups: One group did posture exercises only The other group did posture exercises + core strengthening Here’s what they found: Both groups improved their posture BUT the group that added core exercises had greater pain relief They also showed better spinal alignment on imaging 👉 In simple terms: Stronger core = better posture + less neck pain Why Does This Matter? Your body works as one connected system. When your core (abs, back, pelvis) is weak: Your spine loses support Your head shifts forward Your neck muscles work overtime Pain, stiffness, and even headaches can develop This study showed that treating just the neck isn’t always enough. You need to treat the whole system . How This Impacts Your Daily Life Forward head posture can affect: Sitting at a desk Driving Sleeping Working out Even your energy levels Over time, it can lead to: Chronic neck pain Headaches Poor movement patterns Decreased performance in daily activities How Our Team Can Help At our clinic, we don’t just chase symptoms — we look at why the problem is happening . Occupational Therapy (OT) We help you: Retrain posture during daily activities (work, driving, lifting) Improve movement patterns and body awareness Build functional strength that carries over into real life Chiropractic Care Improves joint mobility in the spine Reduces stiffness and mechanical stress Helps restore proper alignment Acupuncture Reduces muscle tension and pain Helps calm the nervous system Supports recovery and relaxation Medical Providers Help manage inflammation and pain when needed Ensure safe, coordinated care Why This Approach Works This study supports something we see every day: 👉 You get better results when you treat the whole body — not just the painful area. By combining: Core strengthening Postural correction Hands-on care Functional training We can improve: Pain Biomechanics (how your body moves) Performance in daily life and exercise Simple Takeaway If you’re dealing with neck pain or poor posture: ✔ Don’t just stretch your neck ✔ Don’t just sit up straighter 👉 Start building your core stability 👉 And get a plan that looks at your entire body Ready to Feel Better? If you’ve been dealing with: Neck pain Headaches Poor posture Pain with sitting or working Our team is here to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you enjoy. Study Reference Shabana AMM, Ashour RS, Yamany AS, Hanafy AF. Radiographic and clinical effects of core stabilization on cervical pain and sagittal balance in forward head posture: A randomized controlled trial. Korean Society of Spine Surgery, 2026. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2025.0297
