Understanding Back Pain

What Causes Chronic Back Pain?

Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and the majority of cases stem from soft tissue dysfunction — not structural damage. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia develop adhesions that restrict movement and compress nerves.

Whether your pain is in the upper, middle, or lower back, the pattern is similar: overuse, poor posture, or injury creates scar tissue that binds tissues together, limiting mobility and creating chronic pain cycles.

Active Release Techniques breaks apart these adhesions with precision, restoring full range of motion and eliminating pain at its source — not just masking symptoms with medication.

Recognizing the Signs

Common Back Pain Symptoms

Back pain caused by soft tissue dysfunction presents in patterns that ART is specifically designed to treat.

Constant Dull Ache

A persistent, deep ache in the lower or upper back that worsens throughout the day or after prolonged sitting.

Muscle Spasms

Sudden, involuntary tightening of back muscles — often triggered by movement, bending, or twisting.

Stiffness on Waking

Difficulty moving or bending when you first get out of bed, gradually improving with movement.

Radiating Pain

Pain that extends from the back into the hips, buttocks, or legs — often indicating nerve involvement.

Limited Range of Motion

Inability to bend, twist, or stand upright fully without pain or restriction.

Pain After Sitting

Symptoms that worsen with prolonged desk work, driving, or any sustained static posture.

The ART Approach

How ART Treats Back Pain

Active Release Techniques targets the specific muscles, fascia, and nerve entrapments causing your back pain.

Locate the Dysfunction

Cory evaluates the muscles, fascia, and ligaments of the back — feeling for texture changes, tightness, and adhesions that indicate the source of pain.

Release Scar Tissue

Using precisely directed tension with specific patient movements, ART breaks apart the adhesions binding tissues together and compressing nerves.

Restore Mobility

As scar tissue releases, muscles regain their proper length and function. Pain decreases, mobility returns, and the chronic pain cycle is broken.

Your Visit

What to Expect During Treatment

Consultation & Assessment

Cory begins with a thorough evaluation — testing range of motion, identifying trigger points, and locating the exact soft tissue structures involved.

Targeted ART Treatment

Using one of 500+ specific protocols, Cory applies precise tension while you perform directed movements. Sessions typically last 15–30 minutes.

Progressive Improvement

Most patients notice improvement after the first session. A typical treatment plan of 3–5 visits resolves the condition. No drugs, no surgery, no downtime.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ART effective for lower back pain?+

Absolutely. Lower back pain is one of the most common conditions we treat. ART targets the specific muscles — including the QL, erector spinae, psoas, and piriformis — that are responsible for the majority of lower back pain cases.

What if I have a herniated disc?+

Many patients with disc herniations benefit significantly from ART. While ART doesn't treat the disc itself, it resolves the muscular compensation patterns and nerve entrapments that often cause the majority of symptoms.

How is ART different from chiropractic?+

Chiropractic focuses on joint alignment. ART focuses exclusively on soft tissue — the muscles, tendons, and fascia. The two approaches complement each other well, but ART addresses issues that adjustments alone cannot resolve.

How many sessions will I need?+

Most back pain patients see significant improvement in 3–5 sessions. Chronic cases may require additional visits. Cory will give you an honest assessment after your first visit.

Can I still exercise during treatment?+

In most cases, yes. Cory will advise you on what activities to modify or avoid during your treatment plan. Staying active often supports the healing process.

ART for Back Pain