The State of Chiropractic Care in America

Have you ever woken up with a persistent ache in your lower back or a stiffness in your neck that just won’t quit, leaving you wondering if there’s a way to find relief without turning to a bottle of pills?

If you live in or near Union, New Jersey, you are actually in a prime location for high-quality musculoskeletal care. 

This area is home to several highly-regarded practitioners who focus on long-term wellness rather than just temporary “band-aid” solutions. 

Whether you are dealing with a sports injury, chronic migraines, or the physical toll of a desk job, finding the right chiropractor can be the difference between simply “getting by” and truly thriving.

Before diving into the local experts, it is helpful to understand why so many people are turning to this form of care. According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), more than 35 million Americans (both adults and children) are treated by chiropractors annually.¹

Data from various health organizations highlight some compelling reasons for this growth:

• Safety and Effectiveness: A systematic review published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that spinal manipulation is associated with moderate improvements in pain and function for patients with acute lower back pain.²
• Cost Savings: Research from the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) suggests that patients receiving chiropractic care for back pain often incur lower overall healthcare costs compared to those receiving conventional medical treatment, including surgery and medication.³
• Widespread Satisfaction: According to a Gallup poll, 90% of people who visited a chiropractor in the last year agreed that their treatment was effective.⁴

In Union, NJ, the community has access to experienced doctors who have been part of the local fabric for decades. 

Here is a look at the best chiropractors in the area.

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1. Dr. Robert Zuniga – Touchstone Chiropractic Center

For over 20 years, Dr. Robert Zuniga has been a cornerstone of the Union healthcare community.⁵ Located on Chestnut Street, his practice, Touchstone Chiropractic Center, is specifically focused on postural disorders that influence the biomechanics of the spine and the nervous system.⁶

Dr. Zuniga’s approach is deeply personalized. He often starts with a thorough diagnostic phase, including X-rays, to show patients exactly where their issues stem from. His philosophy, is that chiropractic care isn’t just about the back—it’s about restoring the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. Patients frequently praise his “bedside manner” and his ability to explain complex physiological issues in a way that makes sense.⁷

2. Dr. Michael Corey

Located on Morris Avenue, Dr. Michael Corey is another top-rated practitioner known for his extensive experience and “family-like” office atmosphere.⁸ With a 5.0 rating on major patient review platforms, Dr. Corey is often cited for his genuine care and excellent bedside manner.⁹ His office provides a welcoming environment that reduces the “clinical” stress many feel when seeking medical help.¹⁰

3. Antonelli Family Chiropractic & Physical Therapy Center

Dr. Donald Antonelli and Dr. Frank Halter lead this multidisciplinary practice.¹¹ They are recognized for helping athletes and families recover from a wide range of injuries.¹² What sets them apart is their “in-house” approach, offering:

• Activator Methods
• Flexion/Distraction Therapy
• Acupuncture¹³
• Physical Therapy

This “one-stop-shop” model is ideal for patients with complex injuries that require more than just a standard adjustment.

4. Dr. Victor Fano – Union Medical, LLC

Dr. Victor Fano is a staff Chiropractic Physician at Union Medical, LLC, where he brings a holistic view to patient health.¹⁴ Trained at the world-renowned Palmer College of Chiropractic, Dr. Fano is skilled in the “Palmer Package,” a specific group of techniques designed to accommodate diverse patient needs.¹⁵ He also incorporates physical modalities like electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) and ultrasound to aid in recovery.¹⁶

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Why Quality Matters: The Statistics

Choosing a chiropractor in Union isn’t just about proximity; it’s about joining the millions of Americans who are successfully managing their health naturally. Consider these figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and national health organizations:

1. Workplace Productivity: Back pain is the most common reason for missing work, second only to the common cold. Americans lose an estimated 264 million days of work per year due to back issues.¹⁷
2. Opioid Reduction: A 2020 study showed that patients who saw a chiropractor for musculoskeletal pain were 64% less likely to receive an opioid prescription compared to those who saw other healthcare providers.¹⁸
3. Longevity of Care: About 14% of U.S. adults have visited a chiropractor in the last 12 months, showing a consistent trend toward non-invasive wellness.¹⁹

What to Expect During Your First Visit

Many people are nervous before their first adjustment, often due to the “popping” sound associated with chiropractic care. However, modern chiropractic is incredibly gentle.²⁰ Here is a general roadmap of what a top-tier Union chiropractor will do:

• Consultation: A discussion of your medical history, lifestyle, and specific pain points.
• Examination: Testing your range of motion, muscle strength, and neurological integrity.
• Imaging: If necessary, X-rays are taken to ensure there are no underlying fractures or severe disc issues that would make an adjustment unsafe.
• The Adjustment: Using precise, controlled force to restore mobility to joints that have become restricted by tissue injury or repetitive stress.

Finding the Right Fit for You

When searching for the best chiropractor in Union, NJ, you should look for a few key indicators of quality:

• Transparency: Do they explain their treatment plan clearly? (Practitioners like Dr. Robert Zuniga are known for this).
• Credentials: Are they board-certified and licensed in the state of New Jersey?
• Environment: Is the office clean, organized, and welcoming?
• Reviews: Look for stories from patients who had similar issues to yours—whether it was a car accident, a sports injury, or chronic headaches.

Feature	Touchstone Chiropractic	Antonelli Family Chiro	Union Medical LLC
Lead Doctor	Dr. Robert Zuniga	Dr. Donald Antonelli	Dr. Victor Fano
Primary Focus	Postural & Biomechanics	Sports & Family Care	Multidisciplinary
Years in Union	20+ Years	20+ Years	25+ Years
Key Service	Nerve-Spine Connection	PT & Acupuncture	Palmer Techniques

Healing the Natural Way

The shift toward chiropractic care represents a broader change in how we view health. Instead of waiting for a crisis to occur, more residents in Union are using chiropractic as a preventative measure. 

By maintaining proper spinal alignment, you aren’t just getting rid of a backache; you’re ensuring that your nervous system—the master controller of your body—is functioning without interference.

As the industry continues to grow—with the U.S. chiropractic market expected to reach nearly $20 billion in the coming years—the residents of Union are fortunate to have established, trusted experts right in their backyard. 

From the specialized postural work at Touchstone Chiropractic to the multidisciplinary approach at Antonelli’s, there is a solution for every type of physical struggle.

Could the secret to your best year of health yet be as simple as a single adjustment?