FAQs

Where is Back2Health located?

Back2Health is located at 33-00 Broadway, Suite 209, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410. We are conveniently situated in Bergen County and serve patients from Fair Lawn, Paramus, Ridgewood, Glen Rock, Elmwood Park, Hawthorne, and surrounding communities. Call (201) 820-3343 for directions or to schedule an appointment.

What are Back2Health’s office hours?

Back2Health is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. We offer same-day, evening, and Saturday appointments to accommodate busy schedules. Call (201) 820-3343 to confirm availability.

What services does Back2Health offer?

Back2Health offers a comprehensive range of services including general chiropractic care, spinal adjustments and manipulations, physical therapy, therapeutic massage, cold laser therapy, acupuncture therapy, occupational and hand therapy, automobile injury treatment, workers’ comp rehabilitation, and knee rehabilitation.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor or physical therapist at Back2Health?

In most cases, no referral is required. New Jersey is a direct access state for physical therapy, meaning you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral. Chiropractic care also generally does not require a referral. Some insurance plans may require one — call (201) 820-3343 and we will verify your specific plan’s requirements before your visit.

Does Back2Health accept insurance?

Yes. Back2Health accepts most major health insurance plans, Medicare, personal injury protection (PIP) automobile insurance, workers’ compensation insurance for both New York and New Jersey, and attorney lien and letter-of-protection arrangements for personal injury cases. Call (201) 820-3343 and our team will verify your coverage before your first appointment.

What is a chiropractic adjustment?

A chiropractic adjustment — also called spinal manipulation — is a precise, controlled force applied to a spinal joint to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and relieve nerve pressure. Most adjustments involve a quick, low-amplitude movement that produces a popping or cracking sound — this is simply the release of gas from the joint and is completely normal and painless for most patients. At Back2Health, Dr. Shmaruk uses a variety of adjustment techniques tailored to each patient’s specific condition and comfort level.

Is chiropractic care safe?

Yes. Chiropractic care is one of the safest forms of healthcare available for musculoskeletal conditions. Serious adverse events from chiropractic adjustments are extremely rare. At Back2Health, we conduct a thorough health history and examination before any treatment to ensure the most appropriate and safest techniques are used for each individual patient.

How many chiropractic sessions will I need?

The number of sessions depends on your condition, its severity, and how long it has been present. Acute conditions often improve significantly within 4 to 8 sessions. Chronic or complex conditions may require a longer care plan. At Back2Health, your chiropractor will outline a recommended treatment schedule at your initial evaluation and reassess your progress regularly so your plan remains appropriate as you improve.

What conditions can chiropractic care treat?

Back2Health treats a wide range of conditions with chiropractic care including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, headaches and migraines, herniated and bulging discs, joint pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, vertigo, and many more. See our full conditions treated page for the complete list.

Will chiropractic adjustments hurt?

Most patients find chiropractic adjustments comfortable and experience immediate relief after treatment. Some patients with acute or severe conditions may feel mild soreness for 24 to 48 hours following their first few adjustments — similar to how muscles feel after a workout. This is normal and temporary. At Back2Health, we use gentle techniques appropriate for each patient’s condition and always communicate openly with you about what to expect.

What should I expect at my first physical therapy appointment?

Your first physical therapy appointment at Back2Health begins with a thorough evaluation — your therapist will review your health history, discuss your symptoms and goals, and perform a physical assessment including range of motion, strength, posture, and functional movement testing. Based on this evaluation, your therapist will explain their findings and outline a personalized treatment plan with expected milestones and a realistic timeline for your recovery.

Do I need to be in good physical shape to start physical therapy?

Absolutely not. Physical therapy at Back2Health is appropriate for patients of all fitness levels, ages, and physical conditions — including those who have been sedentary for extended periods due to pain or illness. Your therapist designs programs that are precisely calibrated to your current capacity and progress at a pace that is safe and achievable for you specifically.

What is the difference between physical therapy and chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care focuses primarily on restoring proper joint alignment and relieving nerve pressure through spinal and extremity manipulation. Physical therapy focuses on rebuilding strength, flexibility, movement patterns, and functional capacity through exercise and manual therapy. At Back2Health, we offer both disciplines and believe the most comprehensive outcomes come from using them together — chiropractic restores the structural foundation while physical therapy builds the muscular resilience that maintains it.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

Yes, in many cases. Comprehensive physical therapy at Back2Health has helped many patients avoid surgery for conditions including rotator cuff tears, knee pain, herniated discs, and joint deterioration. Even for patients who ultimately require surgery, completing a course of pre-operative physical therapy significantly improves post-surgical outcomes. We work closely with orthopedic surgeons and other specialists when surgical consultation is warranted.

How soon should I be seen after a car accident?

As soon as possible — ideally within 24 to 72 hours. Symptoms from auto accident injuries such as whiplash, disc injuries, and soft tissue strains are frequently delayed by 24 to 72 hours as adrenaline wears off and inflammation sets in. Early evaluation at Back2Health creates a documented clinical record of your injuries and allows treatment to begin at the optimal window for recovery. We offer same-day appointments for accident patients — call (201) 820-3343 immediately after your accident.

Does Back2Health accept workers’ compensation insurance?

Yes. Back2Health accepts workers’ compensation insurance for both New York and New Jersey. We provide comprehensive treatment and thorough clinical documentation for work-related injuries, supporting your claim and your safe return to work. Call (201) 820-3343 to discuss your workers’ compensation case and schedule your evaluation.

What auto accident injuries does Back2Health treat?

Back2Health treats the full range of automobile accident injuries including whiplash and cervical strain, herniated and bulging discs, lumbar and thoracic back pain, shoulder injuries, knee injuries, nerve compression, and soft tissue sprains and strains throughout the body. We accept PIP insurance and work directly with personal injury attorneys.

What should I bring to my first appointment at Back2Health?

Please bring your health insurance card, a photo ID, any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI reports, CT scans), a list of your current medications, and any prior medical records related to your condition if available. If your visit is related to an automobile accident or workers’ compensation claim, please bring your insurance claim information and attorney contact details. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete your new patient paperwork.

What should I wear to my chiropractic or physical therapy appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement and access to the area being treated. For lower back and hip conditions, athletic pants or shorts are ideal. For shoulder or neck conditions, a loose top or tank top works well. Avoid wearing restrictive clothing, belts, or dress attire that limits movement or examination of the affected area.

Does Back2Health treat children and seniors?

Yes. Back2Health provides chiropractic and physical therapy care for patients across all age groups — from children and adolescents to older adults. Our techniques are appropriately adapted for each patient’s age, developmental stage, bone density, and health status. Pediatric chiropractic uses gentler, low-force techniques, and our senior care programs emphasize joint mobility, fall prevention, and safe, appropriate exercise for older bodies.