Moving less freely than you used to
Stiff from desk work, driving, or age. Moving less freely than you used to, at any age.
You're in the right place if…
- Your lower back is tight every time you get out of the car or up from your desk.
- You can't check your blind spot without turning your whole body.
- The ache sits between your shoulder blades after a long day at a screen.
- Your shoulder feels stiff and you've lost some range without a clear injury.
- You're coming back from a layoff and everything feels stiff and slow.
2-minute pain & movement self-check
A few questions, a plain-English page about what’s commonly going on and what to try this week. Not a diagnosis.
When to get it looked at — and when to go straight to a physician
See a physician or urgent care first if you have any of these: new bowel or bladder changes, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, progressive leg weakness, fever with back pain, unexplained weight loss, history of cancer, significant trauma, chest pain or shortness of breath.
Many episodes of back or neck pain ease within a few weeks with normal activity. It’s worth getting evaluated if pain is limiting what you can do, keeps coming back, has lasted more than two or three weeks, or came with tingling, numbness, or weakness.
What an evaluation at FIT Clinic looks like
A conversation about what’s bothering you, an evaluation of how you move and what hurts, an explanation of what Dr. Brandon found, your options, and your decision about what happens next. Plan on about 60 minutes.
No treatment plan to sign on day one.
What we evaluate — and when we refer
We evaluate and care for musculoskeletal problems — back, neck, sciatica, shoulder, hip, headaches that come from the neck, sports injuries, and stiffness. For anything outside that scope, or if the evaluation suggests you need a different kind of care, we’ll tell you and point you to the right provider.
- Arthritis. We can’t reverse it; we can often help how a joint moves and how much it limits you, alongside your physician’s plan.
- Carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, tendinitis. We can evaluate and provide manual care and load guidance for many overuse problems; true carpal tunnel syndrome with numbness or weakness needs testing and sometimes a hand specialist.
Questions
Will the adjustment hurt?
Most people don't find adjustments painful. You may hear a pop, which is gas releasing inside the joint. Some people feel mild soreness afterward, like after a workout. Dr. Brandon explains each step first, nothing happens without your OK, and there are gentler techniques if you'd rather not have a traditional adjustment.
Is chiropractic care safe?
For most people, side effects are mild and short-lived — soreness, stiffness, or tiredness for a day or two. Serious complications are rare. Tell us about any history of stroke, blood-clotting disorders, osteoporosis, cancer, or spinal surgery, and about any medications, so care can be adapted. Neck adjustments in particular are always discussed first and never done without your OK.
What if I'm nervous?
Say so. It's common, and it changes how the visit goes: more explanation, slower pace, gentler options, and no pressure to do anything you're not comfortable with.
Do I need X-rays?
Usually not on the first visit. Imaging is ordered when the exam suggests it would change what we do, or when there's a history of injury or other specific concerns. If Dr. Brandon recommends imaging, he'll explain why first.
Cost
First visit: $0 consultation and exam for new self-pay patients. Free benefits check by text: 848-301-1515.
The no-charge consultation and exam is for new self-pay patients. If you have Medicare, NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid, or another federal or state health program, your visit is billed under that program’s rules, and you’ll know your cost before anything happens. If you have private insurance, the exam is billed to your plan and normal copays apply — text us a photo of your card with the word BENEFITS for a free benefits check first.
Ready to talk about what's bothering you?
Book online in about a minute, or call or text and a real person will help you find a time.