Back Pain

Most back pain isn't a back problem. We find what's overloading your spine and fix that, so you stop managing flare-ups and get your life back.

WHY IT KEEPS COMING BACK

YOUR BACK PAIN ISN'T ONLY A BACK PROBLEM

Back pain changes how you sit, stand, move, sleep, and train. For some people it starts suddenly after an injury. For most, it builds quietly. Repetitive stress, poor movement patterns, or limitations somewhere else in the body that the spine ends up absorbing.

By the time people come to us, symptoms usually keep returning, movement feels restricted, and everyday things, like bending, lifting, sitting through a meeting, are harder than they should be. The problem is rarely the spine on its own. It’s the hips, core, and surrounding structures failing to share the load.

Sharp or dull, constant or intermittent — we look past the site of pain and address how the whole system is working.

1-ON-1, EVERY SESSION
Your full appointment is with a licensed physical therapist — never split between patients or handed to an aide.

SOUND FAMILIAR?

HOW YOUR BACK PAIN SHOWS UP

Back pain rarely presents the same way twice. Find the pattern that sounds like yours. It will tell us a lot about where to start.

PAIN THAT TRAVELS

Aching, burning, or numbness running into the glute, hamstring, or calf — often a nerve being irritated by how you load and bend.

WORSE WHEN SITTING

Fine when you're moving, miserable after a desk day or a long drive. Usually a tolerance problem, not a damage problem.

STIFF EVERY MORNING

Twenty minutes to loosen up before you feel human. Stiffness that returns daily points to control and mobility, not age.

IT KEEPS FLARING

You calm it down, get back to normal, and it returns weeks later. The driver was never addressed — only the symptom.

THE ROOT CAUSE

WHAT WE LOOK FOR BEFORE WE TREAT

01

HOW YOUR HIPS SHARE THE LOAD

When the hips don't rotate or extend well, the lower back makes up the difference on every step, squat, and lift.

02

WHETHER YOUR CORE ACTUALLY CONTROLS

Strength isn't the same as control. We test whether your trunk can hold position under real load, not just hold a plank.

03

HOW MUCH YOUR BACK CAN TOLERATE

Flare-ups are often a capacity gap: the demands of your day exceed what your spine is currently built to handle.

04

WHAT YOU'VE STOPPED DOING

Avoiding bending, lifting, or training makes the back more sensitive over time. Rebuilding confidence is part of the plan.

CONDITIONS TREATED

BACK CONDITIONS WE TREAT

A diagnosis tells you what's irritated. It doesn't tell you why. We treat the condition and the movement problem behind it.

DISC & NERVE-RELATED
Herniated Disc Bulging Disc Degenerative Disc Disease Sciatica Pinched Nerve Spinal Stenosis
JOINT & STRUCTURAL
SI Joint Dysfunction Facet Joint Syndrome Spondylolisthesis Scoliosis Arthritis & Joint Pain Extension-Based Lower Back Pain
MUSCLE, MOVEMENT & POST-SURGICAL
Muscle Strain & Sprain Muscle Pain & Tightness Lower Back Pain Upper Back Pain Thoracic Back Pain Post-Surgical Back Pain Recurrent Back Pain Overuse Back Injuries

THE ROOT CAUSE

YOUR BACK PAIN GAME PLAN

Four phases, in order. Skip a step and the pain finds its way back.

PHASE 01

CALM IT DOWN

Hands-on treatment and targeted movement to reduce irritation fast — so we can actually work on the cause.

PHASE 02

RESTORE MOTION

Give the hips, spine, and thoracic region back the range they've lost, so your back stops absorbing the difference.

PHASE 03

BUILD CONTROL

Retrain how you bend, brace, hinge, and lift, so good mechanics happen automatically — not just in the clinic.

PHASE 04

BUILD CAPACITY

Load the system until your back handles more than your life demands. That margin is what keeps pain from returning.

GET RID OF YOUR BACK PAIN FOR GOOD

Ready to get to the root cause? Take the first step toward a pain-free life. Request your appointment below.

COMMON QUESTIONS

BACK PAIN QUESTIONS, ANSWERED

Do I need an MRI before starting physical therapy for back pain? +
Usually not. Imaging shows structure, not function — plenty of people with disc changes on an MRI have no pain at all, and plenty with clean images hurt badly. A thorough movement evaluation tells us far more about what's driving your symptoms and what to do about it. If we see signs that imaging or a physician's input is warranted, we'll tell you directly.
Should I rest or keep moving when my back flares up? +
A day or two of relative rest can help an acute flare, but extended rest makes most back pain worse — the spine becomes more sensitive and less tolerant. We'll show you which movements calm things down and which to modify temporarily, so you keep moving without provoking it.
Can physical therapy help a herniated disc or sciatica? +
Yes, and it's often the most effective first-line option. Treatment focuses on reducing nerve irritation, restoring pain-free movement direction, and rebuilding the hip and trunk control that keeps pressure off the disc. Most people improve substantially without injections or surgery.
I've had back pain for years. Is it too late? +
No. Long-standing back pain usually means the underlying driver was never addressed, not that the back is beyond help. We regularly work with people who've been through PT, chiropractic, injections, or surgery and still hurt — and the difference is finding what everyone else skipped.
How long until I feel a difference? +
Many people notice meaningful change within the first two or three visits, especially in how they move and how confident they feel. Lasting change — the kind that holds when you go back to lifting, running, or sitting through a workday — takes longer, and we'll give you an honest timeline after your evaluation.
Do I need a referral, and do you take insurance? +
In New Jersey and Pennsylvania you can see a physical therapist directly in most cases. We work with many major insurance plans and offer straightforward self-pay options — send us your details and we'll verify your benefits before you commit to anything.

FREE DOWNLOADS

START WITH THE BACK PAIN GUIDE

Pain-Free Secrets Guide 2.0

Explore our free guide to learn more about the Next Level System and discover practical strategies to reduce pain, move with confidence, and create lasting improvements.

GET FREE ACCESS NOW

Athlete's Guide

Take your performance to the next level with our free athlete's guide. Learn how to move efficiently, reduce injury risk, and stay active with the proven Next Level System.

GET FREE ACCESS NOW
End Back Pain Guide

End Back Pain Guide

Learn the proven approach to overcoming back pain for the long term. This free guide explains why pain persists and how to build strength, restore movement, and stay pain-free.

GET FREE ACCESS NOW

Reviews

5.0
Rated 5.0 across 1,012+ Reviews
Steven S.
google
Steven S.
October 4, 2026

I’ve experienced low back pain for years and have tried everything from traditional physical therapy to taking a year off of exercise with no success. I was pretty close to hopeless that I would ever be able to train again when I decided to try Next Level, in what essentially amounted to a Hail Mary. Dr. Jose was able to get me from not being able to pick up my daughter from the floor or being able to sleep without pain, to almost a full return to the gym in about four months. I no longer have pain when I sleep, can play with my daughter on the floor, and can exercise intensely without having to spend the rest of the day lying on the couch. I am not fully recovered but my quality of life has improved tremendously over the last few months. Dr. Jose is the only physical therapist I’ve worked with who focused on my hips as opposed to just assigning me core exercises. He is extremely thorough in his assessment and makes sure you understand where you are each visit in regard to your progress and limitations. There was no pressure to use all my sessions quickly nor any pressure to purchase more sessions. Coming here is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and was well worth the money. I wouldn’t hesitate at all to return if I ever needed physical therapy again.

Erika O.
google
Erika O.
October 1, 2026

This place is amazing!! Especially Dr. Erin! I have had about 6 sessions with her so far and it has been game changing. Came in with back pain, completely eliminated after the first week. Would definitely recommend Erin!!

Emanuel Q.
google
Emanuel Q.
September 18, 2026

Had a great experience at Next Level Physical Therapy. After 6 months of sessions with Dr. Jose I'm feeling the better than I've felt in years! I've been struggling with chronic low back pain and sciatica for over 10 years and doing everyday activities and the things I enjoyed were becoming increasingly difficult due to the pain. Over the years I tried traditional PT and chiropractors without much success. The approach at Next Level was different from the start. Dr. Jose began by asking questions and testing different aspects of my movement and limitations in order to understand and pin point the root cause of the pain. He then came up with a plan to address the issues and explained the reasoning behind the plan every step of the way. Progress was slow at first but session by session I began to see positive changes in my movements and I could feel I was building resilience. Flare ups became less frequent and when they did happen, I was able to work through them and recover faster. After our the last session Dr. Jose prepared a custom plan for me so that I could continue working towards my goals. I feel confident that I now have the tools and knowledge continue making progress on my own. The work is not done but I have regained the ability to move without fear and enjoy a more pain free, active life style.

J. W.
google
J. W.
August 1, 2026

I started working with Next Level where Elyse is my PT. I am a desk jockey and had residual pain in my lower back from what I thought was a nagging back injury. She narrowed it down to root cause and put me on a program to realign my lower extremities (hips, SI, pelvic tilt). The symptom was lower back pain, but it wasn’t the real problem. 9 weeks later, and my ability to be active without pain has returned. I trusted the process and am grateful that I can be active without pain again.

Jackson H.
google
Jackson H.
July 31, 2026

I came in at the beginning of this summer needing to rehab my Achilles for the football season this upcoming fall. They set me up with Erin, who not only helped me gain my confidence and strength back in my calf and foot. But also cleared up my lingering back and knee pain. I was always walking out of there feeling better than I did the last session, and I can't thank Erin enough for the knee and back pain that have been around for YEARS. So blessed to have a place like this near me. 5 Stars.

Mary G.
google
Mary G.
July 29, 2026

After close to 2 years of lower back pain that sometimes spread to my groin or traveled to my mid back I have finally found some lasting relief. I had worked with 4 other PTs before finding Dr. Joe Risoli at Next Level in Hamilton. I have been called a complicated case but Dr. Joe put in a lot of thought and effort into figuring out how to best treat me. He was always willing to adjust his plan and sent me detailed instructions so that I could be sure to complete home exercises correctly. It has been a month since I have been in therapy and I can safely say that my progress has been stable and I manage little set backs with ease. Dr. Joe gave me his full attention for the entire hour. His encouragement and diligence are the reasons why I can get back to a normal routine without fear of relapsing. I highly recommend Dr. Joe.

Jim K.
google
Jim K.
July 21, 2026

I had been struggling off and on with low back pain for almost 5 years. My family doctor said I was just getting older. I worked with physical therapy, pain management, massage therapists, chiropractors and acupuncturists. None of the above were able to alleviate my pain. I was completely frustrated. I found Next Level Physical Therapy through social media and set up an appointment with Dr. Matt. We went through my history and he put me through a series of exercises and explained the cause of my pain as he examined my movements. He explained that my issue was fixable and offered several different levels of treatment for me. I selected the 16 visit package and I am now through week 12. My pain has diminished by about 90% and I am thrilled that I am able to resume a high level of physical activity. Dr. Matt works with me for a solid hour one on one and addresses all concerns and puts together an exercise program for the following week. It is an aggressive program that increases in difficulty each week so you progress in a controlled manner. You have to put in the work to get results!!!! Once you start seeing results, the motivation to continue the workouts increases as well. I am excited to finish the program and receive a maintenance program so that I can remain pain free moving forward. I highly recommend Next Level Physical Therapy if you are struggling with pain. The cost of the program is on the high side but it is so worth the price to have a game plan on how to fix the source of pain and get on with my life.

Nathaniel W.
google
Nathaniel W.
July 1, 2026

If you’re looking for a physical therapist who truly goes above and beyond, I cannot recommend Jose Rodriguez at Next Level Physical Therapy enough. I originally went in for low back pain, but what I received was so much more than treatment for a single issue. Jose has an incredible depth of knowledge, not just about movement, but about how the entire body works together as one system. He helped me understand how every area of the body affects the others, and for the first time, everything actually made sense. What impressed me most was how personalized every session was. He never used a one-size-fits-all approach. Every recommendation, exercise, and explanation was tailored specifically to my body, my experiences, and my goals. He took the time to explain everything in detail, making sure I truly understood not just what we were doing, but why we were doing it. Even more importantly, Jose teaches in a way that empowers you. Instead of simply treating you during your appointment, he gives you the knowledge and tools to continue improving long after you leave. His goal is clearly to help you become stronger, healthier, and more confident, not dependent on him. The appointments are somehow both educational and genuinely fun. You leave learning something new every single time, and you can tell he is passionate about helping people feel their best. One thing that really sets Jose apart is how available and invested he is. He makes himself accessible if questions come up, and you never feel like just another patient on his schedule. He listens carefully when you explain what’s going on, genuinely cares about what you’re experiencing, and wants to find the root cause, not just put a bandage on the symptoms. I also appreciate how realistic his approach is. He understands that people have jobs, families, and busy lives. He doesn’t expect perfection, he focuses on consistent progress, which makes the entire process feel achievable and sustainable. Jose has completely changed the way I think about my body, movement, and recovery. If you’re dealing with pain or simply want someone who is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and invested in your long-term health, you won’t find anyone better. I would recommend him to absolutely anyone without hesitation.

David R.
google
David R.
June 30, 2026

As a mechanic, I spend most of my day hunched over engine bays or working with my hands above my head while servicing vehicles on a lift. Years of that took a toll on my body, and I came to Next Level PT with chronic low back pain and herniated discs at L4-L5 and L5-S1. Dr. Erin took the time to thoroughly evaluate not only my injuries but also the underlying causes of my pain. She developed a personalized treatment plan with corrective exercises and strengthening routines focused on improving my stability, mobility, and long-term function rather than just treating the symptoms. I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my back pain, and I’ve also learned how to move and work in ways that help prevent future injuries. Dr. Erin is knowledgeable, attentive, and genuinely invested in her patients’ success. I highly recommend Next Level PT to anyone dealing with pain, especially those in physically demanding trades like automotive repair.

billy V.
google
billy V.
June 29, 2026

Came in there coukdnt stand straight. All kinds of hip and low back pain.. and functional scholosis. My spine was twisted like an S .. needless to say.. the therapy has really made a diffarence in my day to day. Like and has me pretty limit free im the Gym now THANL YOU Elyse!!

STOP MANAGING YOUR BACK PAIN

Request an appointment and we'll find what's actually driving your pain — then build the plan that keeps it gone.