WELCOME

Active Spine and Joint Institute takes a multidisciplinary approach to getting you out of pain and getting you active again.   Here we’ll share more information about what you can expect from our highly experienced medical practitioners as we treat your chronic pain.

Erica Milcarek Erica Milcarek

Why Poor Posture Causes Back Pain (and How to Fix It)

Slouching at your desk or standing with a swayback may seem harmless—but poor posture can lead to chronic back pain, neck strain, and muscle fatigue. Learn why posture matters and how to correct it with exercises, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and ergonomic adjustments.

Read More
Erica Milcarek Erica Milcarek

We Asked a Chiropractor: Do These Back Pain Gadgets Really Work?

Back braces, massage guns, patches, and posture gadgets—do they really help back pain? Our chiropractor gives honest ratings (1–10) on the most popular tools and treatments, including chiropractic care and spinal decompression, to reveal what truly works and what’s just hype

Read More
Erica Milcarek Erica Milcarek

Top 5 Tips to Maintain Spine Health in the New Year

Start the year by giving your spine the attention it deserves. Small daily habits—like improving posture, strengthening your core, and staying active—can make a big difference in preventing chronic back and neck pain. Discover five expert-approved ways to protect your spine, boost mobility, and keep pain from slowing you down this year.

Read More

Why Nonsurgical Back Pain Relief Should Be Your First Choice (Not Your Last Resort)

20-40% of back surgeries fail, with success rates dropping to just 5% by the fourth surgery. Spinal decompression therapy offers proven nonsurgical back pain relief without the risks, recovery time, or failure rates of surgery. At Active Spine and Joint Institute, we help patients throughout South Jersey avoid the operating room and find lasting back pain relief.

Read More
Back Pain Erica Milcarek Back Pain Erica Milcarek

The Link Between Poor Posture & Chronic Pain (And How to Fix It)

If your back or neck hurts at the end of the day, posture may be the culprit. You don’t have to be a gymnast to need good alignment. The truth is, posture affects how your entire musculoskeletal system functions — and when it’s off, pain is the result.

Slouching at your desk, leaning over a phone, and even standing with your weight unevenly distributed puts extra pressure on the joints, especially in the spine, shoulders, hips, and knees. Over time, this leads to inflammation, stiffness, and eventually chronic pain.

Read More
Neck Pain, Back Pain Erica Milcarek Neck Pain, Back Pain Erica Milcarek

Truth About Neck Pain: Why It’s So Common and the Dangers of Ignoring It

Neck pain has become an increasingly common issue in today’s world. Whether it’s from staring at screens, poor posture, or underlying health conditions, neck pain affects millions of people daily. While some may dismiss it as a minor discomfort, chronic neck pain can lead to severe complications if left untreated. Understanding why neck pain is so prevalent and the dangers of ignoring it is the first step toward lasting relief.

Read More
Erica Milcarek Erica Milcarek

Spinal Decompression Offers Back Pain Relief In South Jersey

Spinal decompression patients we see at Active Spine and Joint Institute are suffering from herniated discs, degenerative discs, sciatica, and spinal stenosis; have already seen several doctors and specialists; tried bed rest, a variety of strong drugs, chiropractic, physical therapy, and many, sad to say, surgery.

Read More
Erica Milcarek Erica Milcarek

How to Choose the Right Pillow for Better Sleep

Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being, and the right pillow can make a significant difference, especially for those dealing with low back pain and knee pain. As a chiropractor, I often see patients who struggle with discomfort during sleep due to improper pillow support. Selecting the right pillow is crucial not only for a restful night's sleep but also for proper spinal alignment and joint health. Let's explore some tips on how to choose the perfect pillow to alleviate low back pain and knee discomfort.

Read More
Back Pain, Knee Pain Erica Milcarek Back Pain, Knee Pain Erica Milcarek

Revolutionizing Joint and Back Pain Treatment: A Safer Alternative to Surgery in South Jersey

Chronic joint pain of the back and knees can be a debilitating condition, affecting not only your physical well-being but also your overall quality of life. Many individuals who suffer from these issues often find themselves at a crossroads, facing the daunting prospect of surgery as a last resort. Surgery, while sometimes necessary, comes with inherent risks, such as infection, long recovery times, and the potential for failure.

Read More
Children, Back Pain, Back Health Erica Milcarek Children, Back Pain, Back Health Erica Milcarek

Back to School, Back to Health: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

As the school year approaches, parents have a long list of preparations to check off: school supplies, new clothes, and backpacks, but one vital aspect of your child's well-being might not be getting the attention it deserves—their back and spine health. Ensuring your child has a strong, healthy back is crucial for their overall comfort, performance, and happiness in school.

Read More
Active Back Method, Back Pain Erica Milcarek Active Back Method, Back Pain Erica Milcarek

Back Off, Pain! 5 Sneaky Back Pain Culprits and Their Quick Fixes

Low back pain is a common complaint that affects millions of people worldwide. While some causes of back pain are obvious, such as lifting heavy objects improperly, there are subtle everyday habits that can contribute to this discomfort without us even realizing it. In this blog, we'll shed light on five unsuspected ways you may be unknowingly creating low back pain. By becoming aware of these habits and making small adjustments, you can proactively protect your back health and reduce the risk of chronic pain.

Read More