Back Pain Relief in Santa Cruz, CA

Gentle, Evidence-Based Chiropractic Care at Doc Sawyer Chiropractic

Back pain can affect nearly every part of daily life—from sitting at work to enjoying time outdoors in Santa Cruz. Whether discomfort develops gradually or appears after an injury, back pain may limit movement, disrupt sleep, and make everyday activities more difficult. At Doc Sawyer Chiropractic, we provide supportive, evidence-based chiropractic care focused on helping patients understand the root causes of their back pain and explore natural options for relief.

Our approach is informed by clinical experience and current research, including guidance from the
National Institutes of Health on back pain and musculoskeletal conditions. Rather than simply masking symptoms, we focus on improving spinal function and movement—because every person’s experience with back pain is unique.

If you are experiencing back pain and would like to learn more about your options, call (831) 457-2000 to schedule a back pain consultation in Santa Cruz.

Understanding Back Pain and How It Develops

Back pain may occur when the spine, joints, muscles, ligaments, or tendons experience ongoing stress or imbalance. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, improper lifting, and physical strain can gradually affect spinal function. In many cases, back pain is mechanical, meaning symptoms may change with movement or position.

Through chiropractic care for back pain in Santa Cruz, we take time to understand how your spine is moving and how daily habits may be contributing to discomfort.

Common Types of Back Pain

Back pain can present differently depending on the underlying cause. Common types include:

• Acute back pain, which may come on suddenly
• Chronic back pain, lasting several months or longer
• Lower back pain, often associated with posture and daily activity
• Mid-back (thoracic) pain, commonly linked to repetitive strain
• Mechanical back pain, which varies with movement

Identifying the type of back pain helps guide a more personalized care approach.

Common Contributors to Back Pain

The Role of Tendonitis in Back Pain

Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, often due to repetitive stress or inefficient movement patterns. When tendonitis affects the muscles supporting the spine, it may contribute to stiffness, tenderness, and ongoing back discomfort.

According to the
Mayo Clinic’s overview of tendonitis, tendon irritation often develops gradually and may benefit from care that addresses underlying biomechanics—not just symptoms.

Types of Tendonitis That May Affect the Back

Several forms of tendonitis may influence spinal comfort and mobility, including:

• Lumbar tendonitis, which may contribute to lower back stiffness
• Thoracic tendonitis, affecting posture and mid-back movement
• Paraspinal tendonitis, involving tendons that run alongside the spine
• Gluteal tendonitis, which may refer discomfort into the lower back and hips

Understanding tendon involvement allows chiropractic care to be more focused and supportive.

Signs Your Back Pain May Be Tendon-Related

Back pain involving tendon irritation may include:

• Localized tenderness
• Discomfort with activity
• Stiffness after rest
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion

A chiropractic evaluation can help determine whether tendon involvement may be contributing to symptoms.

Subluxations

Subluxations are misalignments in the vertebrae. They can be caused by physical stress, trauma, the presence of toxins in the body, and more. They're frequently painful and can cause disruption of normal movement. They are often one of the most overlooked contributors to back pain.

Stress

Chronic stress can lead to constant tension and chronic back pain. When stress hormones are released by the body, they can trigger muscle tension and spasms. Tension can accumulate within locations called trigger points, which can be extremely painful and often require professional care to resolve.

Disc Bulges and Herniations

Disc bulges and herniations occur when the outer edge of discs located between the vertebrae of the spine are damaged. This causes the jelly-like center of the disc to be pushed out or bulge. The intensity of the pain is dependent on the type of herniation, but it can be especially severe if the damaged disc irritates a surrounding nerve. In order to prevent additional damage to the body, it is important that disc bulges and herniations be dealt with quickly.  

Back Pain, Disc Issues, and Tendonitis: Understanding the Differences

Back pain can involve joints, discs, muscles, or tendons.  Some conditions are primarily mechanical, while others involve inflammation or soft tissue irritation. Understanding which structures may be involved allows for more thoughtful, individualized care.

Other Issues

Back pain can also be caused by conditions like obesity, arthritis, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. These are all serious health problems that demand immediate care.  Our Chiropractors are trained to identify these issues, and can help you obtain appropriate care you need.

Why Addressing Back Pain Early Can Be Helpful

Addressing back pain early may help prevent stiffness and compensation patterns from developing over time. Gentle chiropractic care may support improved movement, reduced strain, and better overall comfort.

This can be especially helpful for people who commute along Highway 1, work at desks, or enjoy Santa Cruz’s many outdoor activities.

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain Relief

Chiropractic care focuses on improving how the spine moves and functions. Chiropractic adjustments may help:

• Improve joint mobility
• Reduce muscle and tendon tension
• Support balanced posture
• Encourage natural healing processes

Care is always tailored to your individual needs and comfort level.

Learn more about our philosophy and approach to
Santa Cruz chiropractic care.

Soft-Tissue Approaches for Back Pain and Tendonitis

In addition to spinal care, addressing soft tissues may play an important role in back pain relief. Supportive techniques may include:

• Myofascial release
• Gentle stretching
• Movement and stabilization exercises

These approaches may help promote circulation, flexibility, and improved mobility.

Our Chiropractic Solutions for Back Pain

Using advanced techniques, Dr. Sawyer provides effective care for all sorts of back pain relief.  Chiropractors at the Sawyer Chiropractic Group are qualified to diagnose root causes of back pain, and our interventions are noninvasive and natural. Our Chiropractors will thoroughly assess the state of your back to determine the extent of damage and the appropriate care needed. Our services include spinal adjustments, therapeutic exercises, and lifestyle advice tailored to alleviate your pain and improve spinal health.

A Holistic Approach to Healing

Beyond immediate pain relief, Dr. Sawyer focuses on holistic healing. Our goal is not just to treat symptoms but to ensure long-term spinal health and well-being. We offer preventive care tips and wellness strategies to keep your back strong and healthy. Don’t let back pain control your life.

Supporting Active Santa Cruz Lifestyles

Santa Cruz offers countless opportunities to stay active—from walking West Cliff Drive to surfing at Steamer Lane or hiking at Wilder Ranch. Chiropractic care may help support spinal health for individuals who enjoy an active lifestyle or perform physically demanding work.

Serving Santa Cruz and Nearby Communities

We proudly serve individuals and families throughout Santa Cruz, including:

• Downtown Santa Cruz
• Westside & UCSC area
• Seabright
• Pleasure Point
• Surrounding neighborhoods accessed via Mission Street, Ocean Street, and Soquel Avenue

What to Expect During a Back Pain Consultation

During your consultation, we take time to listen to your concerns, review your health history, and perform a focused examination. If appropriate, we discuss findings and explain potential care options so you can make informed decisions.

Chiropractic care is provided on a consultation-only basis, and each person’s response to care may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain

What causes back pain?
Back pain may develop from posture habits, repetitive stress, injuries, or movement imbalances.

Can chiropractic care help with tendonitis?
In many cases, chiropractic care may help reduce mechanical stress that contributes to tendon irritation.

How long does it take to notice changes?
Some people notice improvement early, while others may experience gradual changes over time.

When to Consider Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

If back pain is persistent, uncomfortable, or interfering with daily activities, a chiropractic consultation may help clarify what is happening and explore supportive care options.

Schedule a Back Pain Consultation in Santa Cruz

If you are experiencing back pain and would like to learn more about gentle, conservative care options, Doc Sawyer Chiropractic welcomes you.

Call (831) 457-2000 to schedule a consultation
You may also request an appointment online here:
 Schedule a back pain consultation in Santa Cruz