Conditions we treat
Back Pain
The single most common reason people call our office, whether it started last week or has been nagging for years. We look for the structural cause before we decide how to treat it.
What's usually behind it
Back pain rarely has one single cause. It's usually some combination of a joint that isn't moving correctly, muscles that have tightened up to guard it, and, in longer-standing cases, a disc that's under more pressure than it should be. Which one is driving your pain changes what actually needs to happen to fix it.
A lot of chronic back pain also isn't really about the moment it started. A strain from years ago can heal on the surface while the joint underneath it never fully corrects, and your body quietly compensates around it until something tips it back into pain.
Symptoms that point to a structural cause
- Pain or stiffness that's worse first thing in the morning or after sitting a long time
- Pain that's consistently on one side rather than centered
- An ache that's been coming and going for months, not days
- Pain that changes depending on how you're standing or sitting
- Tightness in the same spot no matter how much you stretch it
How we evaluate it at North River
We start with digital X-rays and computerized postural analysis so we're working from what your spine is actually doing, not just where it hurts. That's what lets us tell the difference between, say, a muscle strain that needs a few weeks and a structural pattern that's been building for years.
How we treat back pain here
Most plans combine chiropractic adjustment, CBP traction where a disc or lost spinal curve is involved, and physiotherapy to build the strength that keeps the correction in place. The specific mix depends on what your imaging and exam actually show. You can read more on our Back Pain Treatment service page for the full picture of how that plan comes together.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my back pain needs a chiropractor or a doctor?+
If your pain is mechanical, meaning it changes with movement or position, and isn't paired with fever, unexplained weight loss, or loss of bladder or bowel control, it's reasonable to start with an evaluation here. We'll tell you honestly if something looks like it needs a different kind of care first.
Is it normal for back pain to keep coming back?+
It's common, but it usually means the underlying structural issue was never fully corrected, just calmed down for a while. That's the difference between symptom relief and structural correction.
Can sitting all day actually cause back pain?+
Yes. Prolonged sitting changes how load moves through your low back and hips, and over months and years that pattern can turn into a structural problem, not just temporary stiffness.
Do I need X-rays for something as common as back pain?+
We use digital X-rays and postural analysis on new patients so treatment is based on what's actually happening in your spine. It's a small amount of radiation and gives us a real baseline to work from.
How long until back pain improves with chiropractic care?+
It depends entirely on how long the pattern has existed and what's driving it. We'll give you a realistic timeline after your exam rather than a generic number.
Next step
Dealing with back pain?
We'll walk through what's going on and whether this is the right fit for you.
Request an Appointment