Chronic Back Pain Treatment in New York City
Back pain that won't quit wears you down. It follows you to your desk, onto the subway, and into bed. When back pain lasts longer than about 12 weeks, it's called chronic. At that point, rest alone usually isn't enough. That's where chronic back pain treatment comes in.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C., treats long-standing back pain at his office in Murray Hill. He combines gentle chiropractic care with craniosacral therapy. There's no cracking and no twisting. He has been a licensed chiropractor since 2000, and he is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist.
What keeps back pain going
Long-lasting back trouble rarely has just one cause. A few things often work together:
- Long hours sitting at a desk, or poor posture
- Heavy or repeated lifting
- An old injury, strain, or sprain that never fully settled
- A curve in the spine, such as scoliosis
- Stress, which can make pain flare
There's also a cycle that keeps pain going. When an area hurts, the body tightens around it to protect it. That tightness limits movement, and limited movement keeps the pain going. Gentle care aims to calm that cycle.
How chronic back pain can feel
- A dull, burning, or sharp ache in one spot or across a wider area
- Stiffness along the spine
- Pain that runs from the low back into the buttocks, thighs, or calves, sometimes called sciatica
- Aching after you sit or stand for a long time
- Pain that comes and goes, or never fully leaves
How Dr. Kaminsky treats chronic back pain
Care is built around your history and your comfort. It often combines these methods in the same visit:
- Gentle chiropractic care: slow, light pressure to help the spine and joints move more easily.
- Craniosacral therapy: light, still contact along the spine, sacrum, and head to help the nervous system settle and ease muscle guarding.
- Myofascial release: gentle, sustained pressure on the fascia, the connective tissue that wraps the muscles.
- Home care: breathing exercises and self-care ideas to use between visits.
If a scoliosis curve is part of the picture, Dr. Kaminsky may add the Schroth Method. It's an exercise and positioning approach built for each curve.
Home care between visits
What you do between visits matters too. Dr. Kaminsky teaches simple breathing techniques you can use at home. Slow breathing from the diaphragm can help the body let go of the guarding that keeps a sore back tight. He also gives self-care recommendations to use between visits.
Why a gentle approach
Some people put off care because they don't want their spine cracked. Others have had forceful adjustments before and would rather not again. Dr. Kaminsky's care is slow and quiet from start to finish. The pressure is light, and nothing is forced. That makes it a comfortable option for people who are sore, nervous, or simply prefer a softer touch.
Back pain and scoliosis
Scoliosis is a special focus for Dr. Kaminsky. A curve in the spine can pull muscles unevenly, and over the years that can lead to ongoing aches. He works with adult scoliosis using craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and movement guidance such as the Schroth Method. If you know or suspect you have a curve, mention it when you book.
Your first visit
Your first visit includes a hands-on exam and treatment in the same appointment. Plan for about 60 minutes. Dr. Kaminsky will talk with you about your history and goals, then check your posture and how your spine moves.
What follow-up visits look like
Follow-up visits are about 40 minutes. Each one starts with how you've been since the last visit: what felt easier, what flared up, and how the home care went. Then Dr. Kaminsky adjusts the hands-on work to match. Over time, the plan changes as your body does.
X-rays are not taken in the office. If Dr. Kaminsky thinks you need imaging, he will refer you for it. If you already have imaging reports, bring them along.
Fitting care into a Midtown workday
Many people with long-standing back trouble spend their days at a desk, then stand on a crowded train home. The office is at 36 East 36th Street, between Park and Madison Avenues, a short walk from Grand Central. Evening hours mean you can come after work instead of taking time off.
When to see a doctor first
Some pain needs a medical exam before any hands-on care. Get checked by a physician right away if you have:
- Pain that started after a serious fall or accident
- Fever or unexplained weight loss with your back pain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness or weakness in your legs that is getting worse
- Pain that is severe and keeps getting worse
This care is complementary. It works alongside your medical care, not in place of it, and results vary from person to person.
Frequently asked questions
Do you crack the back?
No. Dr. Kaminsky uses slow, light pressure. There is no cracking and no twisting at any visit.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI first?
Not usually. X-rays are not taken in the office. If Dr. Kaminsky thinks imaging is needed, he will refer you for it. Bring any reports you already have.
Can I come in if my MRI shows a disc problem?
Yes. Bring your reports to your first visit. Care is gentle and shaped around your history. It works alongside your medical care and does not replace diagnosis or treatment from your physician.
My back has hurt for years. Can you still help?
Yes. Dr. Kaminsky treats pain that has lasted months or years. Results vary from person to person.
How many visits will I need?
Everyone is different. Dr. Kaminsky will have a better idea after your first session. It depends on your health history, your age, how long you've had the pain, and how your body responds.
How do I know if I'm a good fit?
Dr. Kaminsky only accepts patients he is confident he can help. Your first visit includes a full exam, and he will tell you honestly whether his care fits your situation.
What should I tell Dr. Kaminsky at my first visit?
Share when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any past accidents, injuries, or surgeries. Bring any imaging reports you have. The more he knows, the better he can shape your care.
Can I come after work?
Yes. The office is open until 9 pm Monday through Thursday and until 6 pm on Friday.
Where is the office?
36 East 36th Street, Suite 201, between Park and Madison Avenues in Murray Hill. It's a short walk from Grand Central. All visits are by appointment.
Do you take insurance?
No. You'll get an itemized superbill you can submit to your insurance plan. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.
Book a visit
Call or text 212-328-1180 to book at the Murray Hill office, 36 East 36th Street, Suite 201.