Baltimore Back Pain Doctor

Experienced back pain doctor with over 14 years serving patients in Baltimore, MD.

Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic was founded in Baltimore in 2012. Our founder, Dr. Marc Gulitz, holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College and a B.S. in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University. He is licensed to practice chiropractic care and physical medicine rehabilitation in Maryland. Over 14 years of clinical work have been dedicated to diagnosing and treating spinal conditions, particularly those caused by auto accidents and workplace trauma. If you are searching for a Baltimore, MD back pain doctor, schedule an evaluation so we can determine what is causing your symptoms and put together a treatment plan that targets the actual problem.

Back Pain Doctor Baltimore, MD

If your pain doesn’t resolve within a few days, starts radiating into your hip or down your leg, or if you notice that your posture has changed because you’re unconsciously favoring one side, these may be signs that the problem is structural, and structural problems require a clinical diagnosis to treat effectively. At our Baltimore offices, we examine the spine segment by segment. We test nerve function. We evaluate disc integrity and joint mobility. We use imaging when the clinical picture warrants it, and we treat the issue.

Back Pain Treatment Services We Offer in Baltimore

Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic treats back pain across our Baltimore locations using an integrated approach. The spine is complex. A single episode of low back pain can involve the disc, the facet joint, the surrounding musculature, and the nerve root simultaneously. Effective treatment requires identifying which structures are involved and addressing each one. Here is what we offer:

• Chiropractic care. Spinal adjustments restore proper joint mechanics, reduce nerve interference, and improve mobility. We select from several adjustment techniques based on the patient’s condition, body type, and comfort level.
• Physical therapy. Rehabilitation programs address the muscular and functional deficits that accompany spinal conditions. Core stability, flexibility, and endurance are rebuilt through progressive, supervised exercise.
• Corrective exercises. Individualized exercise prescriptions correct the muscle imbalances and postural habits that contribute to recurring back pain. These programs are reassessed and progressed throughout the course of care.
• Spinal decompression. Mechanical traction gently separates compressed vertebral segments to relieve pressure on herniated or bulging discs and promote disc healing. Decompression is particularly useful for patients with lumbar radiculopathy.
• Whiplash treatment. Rear-end collisions frequently cause thoracic and lumbar injuries in addition to cervical whiplash. We evaluate the entire spine after a collision and address all involved regions.
• Car accident injury treatment. Auto accident injuries often produce back pain that doesn’t surface immediately. We see patients within days of a collision and document the full scope of injury for both clinical and insurance purposes.
• Neck pain treatment. Back pain and neck pain frequently coexist. Treating one without evaluating the other leaves part of the problem unaddressed. We assess the cervical and lumbar spine together when symptoms overlap.
• Spinal and postural screenings. Structural evaluations reveal postural imbalances, leg length discrepancies, and alignment issues that create uneven loading on the lumbar spine. Identifying these patterns is essential for preventing recurrence.

Why Choose Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic for a Back Pain Doctor in Baltimore, MD?

A Practice Rooted in Baltimore

Dr. Gulitz opened our first clinic in Baltimore in 2012 with a singular focus: rehabilitating patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries. He had already treated nearly 1,000 patients at a multidisciplinary clinic in Las Vegas, working shoulder to shoulder with physicians, physical therapists, neurologists, and orthopedic surgeons. That experience taught him something most solo chiropractors never see firsthand. Complex injuries recover faster when providers coordinate. When the adjustment, the rehab exercises, and the lifestyle modifications are all moving in the same direction.

Since then, the practice has expanded to multiple locations across Maryland. Hundreds of patients have recovered from low back pain following accidents, disc injuries, chronic spinal conditions, and workplace strains through our integrated rehabilitation programs.

Credentialed and Accountable

Dr. Gulitz serves as a Board Member of the Maryland Chiropractic Association and has presented at panels hosted by the Maryland Association for Justice on personal injury treatment. His education includes a B.S. in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University (2004) and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from New York Chiropractic College (2008). His license is publicly verifiable through the Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners.

Baltimore Back Pain Infographic

Understanding Back Pain Care

Conditions We Treat and Treatment Options

Back pain is not one condition. It is a symptom that can arise from dozens of different structural problems. The treatment that resolves a lumbar disc herniation will not help a sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and vice versa. Common conditions we treat at our Baltimore offices include:

• Herniated and bulging discs in the lumbar and thoracic spine
• Degenerative disc disease and facet arthropathy
• Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Muscle strains and ligament sprains from auto accidents and workplace injuries
• Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis
• Spinal stenosis

The National Institutes of Health supports conservative, multimodal treatment for back pain conditions, and the American College of Physicians recommended spinal manipulation as a first-line approach for chronic low-back pain in its 2017 clinical practice guideline. Our treatment model aligns with that evidence. We combine chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, and corrective exercise to address the diagnosis from multiple angles.

What to Expect from Back Pain Treatment

Your first visit is an evaluation. We take a detailed history covering the onset, location, and behavior of your symptoms. We ask about prior injuries, imaging, and treatments. The physical examination includes orthopedic tests, neurological screening, range-of-motion measurement, and postural assessment. If imaging is indicated, we discuss it before proceeding.

Once we have a working diagnosis, treatment sessions typically include:

• Spinal adjustments targeting involved segments
• Manual soft tissue therapy
• Progressive therapeutic exercises
• Electrical muscle stimulation or ultrasound during acute phases
• Home exercise instruction and ergonomic recommendations

Typical Treatment Timeline

Recovery depends on the diagnosis and severity of the condition. A straightforward muscle strain from an auto accident may resolve in four to six weeks. A multi-level disc injury with radiculopathy could take three months or longer.

• Weeks 1 to 2: Acute care. Frequent visits. Pain and inflammation are the primary targets. Gentle mobilization and modalities.
• Weeks 3 to 6: Active rehabilitation begins. Corrective exercises are introduced. Patients typically report meaningful improvement during this phase.
• Weeks 6 to 12: Stabilization and functional restoration. Visit frequency decreases. The focus shifts from pain management to endurance, strength, and prevention.
• Beyond 12 weeks: Patients with chronic or degenerative conditions may benefit from periodic maintenance visits. We reassess at regular intervals and adjust the plan based on measurable progress.

These are general ranges. We set realistic expectations at the outset and revise them based on how each patient responds.

What to Bring to Your First Visit

• Insurance card and photo ID
• Any existing imaging, including X-rays, MRI, or CT scan reports
• A list of current medications
• Auto insurance PIP information if the back pain resulted from a motor vehicle accident
• Notes on your symptoms: when they started, what aggravates them, what provides temporary relief

Plan for the initial visit to take approximately one hour. That time allows for a thorough evaluation, discussion of findings, and an outline of the proposed treatment approach.

Maryland Back Pain and Chiropractic Resources

These resources provide additional information on provider credentials and evidence-based treatment for back pain:

• The Maryland Board of Chiropractic Examiners maintains license verification and disciplinary records for all chiropractors practicing in the state.
• The NCCIH chiropractic overview from the National Institutes of Health provides a research-based summary of chiropractic treatment, safety, and effectiveness.
• NHTSA crash data offers publicly accessible motor vehicle collision and injury statistics relevant to patients whose back pain is accident-related.

These resources are for informational purposes and do not replace an in-person clinical evaluation.

Contact Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic

Back pain that sticks around for more than a few days is telling you something. Whether it started after a collision on the Baltimore Beltway, developed gradually at your desk, or showed up one morning without explanation, waiting for it to resolve on its own is a gamble that usually doesn’t pay off. Our Baltimore back pain doctor treats conditions ranging from acute strains to complex disc injuries to chronic degenerative disease.

We accept most major insurance plans and coordinate with auto insurance PIP coverage for accident-related care. Contact us to schedule your initial evaluation.

Back Pain Statistics in Baltimore

Back pain sends more people to the doctor than almost any other complaint, and the figures bear that out. A trusted Baltimore, MD back pain doctor sees the same pattern the national data shows. CDC figures put chronic pain at 24.3% of U.S. adults in 2023, with 8.5% limited in their daily activities by it.

The spine accounts for a large share of that figure; NIH back pain data indicates that roughly 80% of adults deal with low back pain at some point, and it ranks as the top cause of job-related disability. Maryland crash data counted 621 traffic deaths and tens of thousands of injuries in 2023, many of them the spine and soft tissue injuries that bring patients through our doors.

When to See a Doctor for Back Pain in Baltimore

Most back pain eases within a few weeks of rest and gentle movement. Some does not, and certain signs mean it is time to have a professional look at what is happening. These are the situations that should prompt a visit to a back pain doctor in Baltimore.

• Pain that lingers past a few weeks. Back pain that has not improved after two or three weeks of self-care is worth evaluating. Persistent pain often points to a mechanical problem that keeps returning until the underlying cause is addressed. We work to find that cause rather than chase the ache.
• Pain that followed a crash or fall. A collision or hard fall can injure the spine and surrounding soft tissue even when nothing feels broken. The stiffness and soreness often arrive a day or two later. Early evaluation gives back pain the best chance to settle before it becomes chronic.
• Pain that travels down a leg. When discomfort shoots from the lower back into the hip, thigh, or foot, an irritated nerve is usually to blame. Sciatica is a frequent cause, and it responds well to care aimed at the source of the pressure rather than the symptom.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness. These sensations can point to a compressed nerve rather than simple muscle strain. A pinched nerve in the neck or back deserves a proper exam, since leaving it alone tends to let the problem grow.
• Pain that disrupts sleep or daily life. When back pain wakes you at night or keeps you from work, exercise, or time with family, it has crossed from nuisance into something worth treating. Your quality of life is reason enough to seek care.
• Stiffness that will not loosen. A back that feels locked each morning, or a neck that resists turning, suggests joints and muscles that are not moving as they should. We often see neck pain and upper back stiffness travel together.
• Recurring headaches tied to your neck. Many tension headaches begin in the upper spine rather than the head itself. If your headaches track with neck tightness, treating the spine can bring relief that medication alone tends to chase without catching.

Baltimore Back Pain FAQs

What kind of doctor should I see for back pain?

It depends on the cause. For most mechanical back pain, a chiropractor or a physical medicine provider can evaluate and treat you without surgery or long-term medication. At our Baltimore practice, we combine chiropractic care and rehabilitation, so a single visit can address both the joint and the muscle side of the problem. If your case calls for a different specialist, we will tell you plainly.

When is back pain serious enough to see a doctor?

Pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks, follows an accident, or comes with numbness, weakness, or radiating leg pain deserves a professional look. The same holds if pain disrupts your sleep or daily routine. Most back pain is not dangerous, but a proper exam rules out the few causes that are and points you toward the care that fits.

Can a chiropractor treat back pain?

Yes, and for many people it is an effective, drug-free option. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate the spine, find what is driving the pain, and treat it through hands-on adjustments and supporting therapies. Federal health agencies recognize spinal manipulation as a reasonable approach for low back pain. We build each plan around your exam rather than a fixed template.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI for back pain?

Not always. Many cases of back pain can be diagnosed through a careful history and physical exam alone. We order imaging when your symptoms or exam suggest it would change the plan, not as a routine step. If you have had recent scans elsewhere, bring them so you are not repeating tests you do not need.

How is back pain treated without surgery?

Most back pain responds to conservative care. Spinal adjustments restore motion, soft tissue therapy releases tight muscles, and targeted physical therapy rebuilds the strength that protects your spine. We add guidance on posture and movement so the relief holds. Surgery is a last resort for a small share of cases, not a starting point.

Will my insurance cover back pain treatment?

Many plans include chiropractic and rehabilitation benefits, though coverage varies by policy. We accept a range of insurance and also work with auto accident claims. Our front desk verifies your benefits before treatment and explains any out-of-pocket cost, so you can decide with the full picture in front of you.

How long before my back pain improves?

That depends on the cause and how long it has been present. A recent strain may ease within a few visits, while a chronic problem takes longer and steadier work. After your evaluation, we give you an honest timeline rather than a vague promise, and we adjust it as your body responds to care.

Can back pain go away on its own?

Often, yes. Most short-term back pain improves with rest, movement, and time. The trouble is the pain that keeps coming back, or never fully leaves, because that pattern usually has a mechanical cause that will not resolve until it is treated. If your pain keeps returning, it is worth finding out why.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first visit starts with a conversation about your symptoms and history, followed by a hands-on exam. We explain what we find in plain terms and lay out a plan you agree to before any treatment begins. Many patients start care the same day. Plan for a little extra time at this appointment.

Local Information for Baltimore Back Pain Care

Back Pain and Daily Life in Baltimore

Life around Baltimore puts steady strain on the back. Long commutes on I-83 and the Beltway, desk work downtown, and physically demanding trades all wear on the spine over the years. Add the occasional collision, and it is no surprise that back pain is one of the most common reasons Baltimore residents seek care.

Important Local Resources for Baltimore Back Pain Care

If a back injury follows an accident, or pain turns into an emergency, the resources below can help.

• Sinai Hospital, (410) 601-9000. A Northwest Baltimore hospital with a 24-hour emergency department and on-site imaging, located on West Belvedere Avenue.
• University of Maryland Medical Center, (410) 328-8667. A downtown academic hospital and Level I trauma center, equipped for serious injuries.
• Baltimore Police Department, 911 for emergencies and 311 for non-emergencies. The department’s online system handles auto accident and incident reports, which helps when back pain stems from a crash.

Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic shares this list as a courtesy. We do not endorse any of these organizations, nor do they endorse us.

About Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic

Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic has treated back pain across the Baltimore area since 2012. Our founder, Dr. Marc Gulitz, built the practice around recovery from musculoskeletal injury. He holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Northeast College of Health Sciences and sits on the board of the Maryland Chiropractic Association. Over the years we have helped thousands of patients move past back and neck pain, auto accident injuries, and chronic discomfort.

What Our Clients Say

★★★★★

“I had a excellent experience! I have had problems with my back and neck pain previously with other chiropractors and physical therapist didn’t really solve my problem. Dr. Phillips listen to my needs and I feel so much better. I highly recommend this facility and the service was amazing ! Shout out to Sandra the assistant at the front desk!” — Kiemoni Butler

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Contact Mid-Atlantic Spinal Rehab & Chiropractic

Whether your back pain began with a car accident, a long stretch at a desk, or an injury that never fully healed, our back pain care in Baltimore starts by finding the cause and treating it directly. We accept many insurance plans and work with auto accident claims, and our staff will walk you through coverage before treatment begins. Contact us to request an appointment, and someone from our office will follow up to find a time that works for you.