Back pain treatment

Available at Lake Forest, San Diego, and Spring Valley

Back pain is aching, stiffness or sharp pain anywhere from the base of the neck to the low back, usually from strained muscles, irritated joints or disc problems. Chiropractic care may help by finding why your back hurts, then using gentle adjustments, soft tissue work and exercises to help it move and heal.

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When to seek urgent care

Back pain is rarely an emergency, but some signs need a medical doctor first. Get urgent medical care if your back pain comes with:

  • A fever or feeling generally unwell
  • Weight loss you cannot explain
  • A fall, crash or other trauma
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin

Go to an emergency room or call your doctor straight away. Do not wait for a chiropractic appointment.

Why back pain keeps coming back

Back pain is one of the most common problems people bring to us. It may start after lifting, twisting or sitting for long hours. Often the pain continues, or returns, when the real cause has not been found and changed.

At Greenlight Chiropractic & Wellness Lab we focus on finding why your back hurts, not just where. Your chiropractor does a detailed exam to locate the problem and builds a plan that helps your spine move well and heal. The approach is precise and gentle, aiming to restore motion and balance without unnecessary strain.

If you are dealing with back pain, the first step is an evaluation so we can understand your condition and explain the right treatment path.

What causes back pain

Back pain usually comes from a mix of physical stress, posture and how the spine and its supporting muscles are working. Common causes include:

  • Poor posture from long periods of sitting or standing
  • Lifting the wrong way or a sudden twist
  • Too little regular movement or exercise
  • Spinal joints that are not moving well
  • A muscle strain or ligament sprain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Arthritis or age-related wear
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Irritation of the sciatic nerve

Your chiropractor also looks at everyday habits that can slow recovery, such as sitting for long stretches, an unsupportive chair, an old or very soft mattress, or going back to the same activity that keeps irritating the low back.

How we find the cause

Your visit starts with a conversation. We ask how long you have had the pain, what makes it better or worse, what your daily routine looks like and whether your work keeps you on your feet or at a desk.

Then comes a physical exam of your posture, movement, joints, muscles and nerves. X-rays are taken only when they are clinically needed, to get a clearer picture of what is going on and to make sure adjustments are the right fit for you. Once we have the full picture, we sit down with you and go over exactly what your treatment plan looks like.

Your back pain treatment plan

Most back pain plans move through three phases. Each builds on the one before, from calming pain and improving flexibility to strengthening the spine and returning to full activity. How long each phase lasts and how often you come in depends on your exam and how you respond.

Phase one: calm the pain
Gentle adjustments, soft tissue work and stretching exercises to build as much flexibility as possible. At the end of this phase we re-examine you. When range of motion has improved and spasm and inflammation have eased, we move on.
Phase two: build stability
The focus shifts to strengthening the spine. We work on waking up the small muscles along the spine that can weaken and stop firing well after a period of pain and disuse.
Phase three: return to activity
Visits become less frequent. We check that your progress is holding and that you are close to your normal activity levels, and stay in touch in case of a setback such as reinjuring the back.
After your plan
Some patients choose occasional check-ups once their plan is finished. Problems are usually easier to address when they are caught early.

Home exercises, workstation changes and lifting technique are part of every plan. If your pain is not changing after about two weeks, we look closely at what may be getting in the way of healing, including how you sit, sleep and move during the day.

Acute and chronic back pain

Acute back pain comes on suddenly, usually from a specific moment such as lifting something heavy or twisting the wrong way. It often settles with the right plan. Chronic back pain has been there for months or longer. The longer pain lasts, the more ingrained the patterns around it become, which is why we encourage people to have back pain checked early rather than waiting.

Self-care between visits

  • Keep moving with short walks rather than resting for long periods
  • Bend your knees and keep loads close to your body when lifting
  • Use a chair that supports your low back, and get up regularly
  • Try ice for 15 to 20 minutes when pain is new, and heat later for stiffness if you prefer it
  • Do the exercises your chiropractor gives you every day

Patient case studies

Back pain from lifting, slowed by a favorite chair

Patient
An active older man who regularly works in his yard. He hurt his back lifting heavy bags of mulch.
Symptoms
Low back pain spreading into the buttock, but not down the back of the leg.
Findings
X-rays were taken because of the buttock pain. After about three weeks of care he was still in significant pain, so we reviewed his daily habits, including where he sat and how he slept. His old recliner was not supporting his low back, and every evening in it strained his back again, undoing the progress from each visit.
Care
He continued his care plan and home exercises and switched from the recliner to a supportive office chair in the living room.
Outcome
Once the nightly strain stopped, his pain improved and he returned to his usual activities. He was also much more careful choosing his next chair.

Individual results vary.

Care that may be part of your plan

Your chiropractor recommends care after your exam. Some therapies are offered only at certain offices.

From the blog

Book a visit for back pain

Back pain is treated at all 3 Greenlight offices.

Your questions,
answered

About back pain care at Greenlight.

What are the signs that back pain will not settle on its own?

If your pain is not changing after a couple of weeks, something is likely getting in the way of healing. That is the point to have it examined and look closely at your daily habits. Pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, trauma, or loss of bladder or bowel control needs urgent medical care.

What is the difference between acute and chronic back pain?

Acute back pain comes on suddenly, often from a specific injury such as lifting or twisting, and usually settles with the right care. Chronic back pain has lasted a long time and tends to be harder to change, which is why it helps to address back pain early.

Do I need X-rays for back pain?

Not always. X-rays are taken only when they are clinically needed, for example to get a clearer picture of what is going on or to check that adjustments are the right fit for you.

Does insurance cover back pain treatment?

Coverage varies by plan. All three offices accept Medicare, VA and most major insurance plans. We do not accept Medi-Cal. Our team can help check your benefits.

How long does it take to feel a change?

It varies. Many people notice a change in pain within the first couple of weeks of care. Younger people often recover faster, while people with long-standing pain or degeneration may take longer.

What does back pain feel like?

Back pain can feel like stiffness, swelling, limited movement, a dull ache, sharp or shooting pain, pain that spreads, tingling, numbness, muscle aches, weakness or muscle spasms. It can be mild and pass with rest and home care, or more severe and need ongoing care.

What raises the risk of back pain?

Anyone can develop back pain. Risk goes up with older age, little exercise, arthritis, pinched nerves, physically demanding work, heavy lifting, extra body weight, smoking, stress, poor posture, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, strains and disc problems. Regular exercise, good lifting technique, a healthy weight and not smoking help lower the risk.

Can chiropractic care help me avoid surgery or strong pain medicine?

For many people with muscle, joint and disc-related back pain, conservative care is a reasonable first step. Your chiropractor will tell you if your exam suggests you need to see your doctor or a specialist.

What is the best sleeping position for back pain?

Many people are most comfortable on their side with a pillow between the knees, or on their back with a pillow under the knees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach if it makes your back worse.