Back pain refers to discomfort affecting the muscles, joints, ligaments, spinal discs, or surrounding tissues of the back. It can occur in the upper, middle, or lower back, although lower back pain is especially common.

Back pain may be:

  • Acute, developing suddenly and lasting several days or weeks
  • Recurring, improving and then returning periodically
  • Chronic, continuing for several months or longer
  • Localized, remaining in one area

Radiating, traveling into the buttocks, hips, legs, shoulders, or arms

Some patients experience mild stiffness or soreness, while others develop sharp pain, muscle spasms, limited movement, or symptoms that interfere with work and sleep.

Back pain is a symptom rather than a single diagnosis. A careful evaluation is needed to determine which structures may be contributing to the problem.

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Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain may develop from an injury, repetitive activity, poor posture, or gradual wear on the joints and discs of the spine.

Common contributing factors include:

  • Poor sitting or standing posture
  • Prolonged computer use
  • Lifting or carrying heavy objects
  • Sudden twisting movements
  • Muscle strains
  • Ligament sprains
  • Auto accident injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Slips or falls
  • Repetitive workplace movements
  • Weak or deconditioned core muscles
  • Bulging or herniated discs
  • Joint restrictions
  • Age-related spinal changes
  • Previous injuries
  • Sedentary habits

In some cases, several factors may contribute to the patient’s symptoms at the same time.

Symptoms of Back Pain

Back pain symptoms vary depending on the affected area, cause, and severity of the condition.

Common symptoms include:

  • Aching or soreness
  • Sharp or stabbing pain
  • Burning discomfort
  • Lower back stiffness
  • Pain between the shoulder blades
  • Muscle tightness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Pain when bending or twisting
  • Pain when lifting
  • Discomfort after prolonged sitting
  • Difficulty standing upright
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Pain while walking
  • Pain that affects sleep
  • Pain extending into the buttock or leg
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Leg weakness

Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf, or foot may be associated with sciatica or another form of nerve irritation.

Sudden weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin, severe abdominal pain, fever, or back pain following major trauma requires immediate medical evaluation.

Types of Back Pain We Evaluate

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects the lumbar region and may be associated with muscle strain, prolonged sitting, lifting injuries, disc problems, joint restrictions, or sciatic nerve irritation.

Patients may notice pain while bending, lifting, standing, walking, or getting out of a chair.

Middle Back Pain

Middle back pain affects the thoracic spine between the shoulder blades and lower ribs. It may be related to posture, repetitive activity, muscle tension, joint stiffness, or an injury.

Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain commonly occurs around the shoulders and shoulder blades. It may be associated with poor posture, prolonged computer use, tight muscles, neck problems, or repetitive strain.

Back Pain After an Auto Accident

A collision can strain the muscles and ligaments of the back or aggravate existing disc and joint problems. Pain may appear immediately or develop several hours or days later.

Back Pain With Leg Symptoms

Back pain accompanied by leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness may indicate irritation of a nerve. Symptoms may be associated with sciatica, a bulging disc, or a herniated disc.

How Is Back Pain Diagnosed?

Your back pain evaluation begins with a conversation about your symptoms and medical history.

Dr. Kline may ask:

When did the pain begin?

Did the pain follow an accident or injury?

Where is the pain located?

Does it travel into the buttock or leg?

What activities make it worse?

What helps relieve the discomfort?

Have you experienced numbness or tingling?

Does the pain affect sleep or work?

Have you had previous back injuries?

Have you received previous treatment or imaging?

A physical examination may evaluate:

  • Posture
  • Spinal movement
  • Range of motion
  • Muscle tenderness
  • Muscle strength
  • Joint mobility
  • Reflexes
  • Sensation
  • Balance
  • Functional movement
  • Signs of nerve irritation

Imaging is not required for every case of back pain. X-rays or other diagnostic testing may be recommended when the examination, injury history, or symptoms suggest that additional information is needed.

If your symptoms require evaluation by another healthcare provider, an appropriate referral may be recommended.

Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain

Treatment recommendations depend on the source of your symptoms, your physical examination, medical history, comfort level, and personal goals.

Your care plan may include one or more of the following:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments may be used to improve movement in restricted joints of the spine. Techniques are selected according to your condition and comfort.

Gentle and Low-Force Chiropractic Techniques

Some patients prefer or require a gentler approach. Low-force and instrument-assisted methods may be used when clinically appropriate.

Flexion-Distraction

Flexion-distraction is a gentle, table-assisted technique that may be used for certain lower back, disc-related, or sciatic symptoms.

Dry Needling

Dry needling may help address tight muscles, trigger points, or muscle spasms contributing to back discomfort.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy may help reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and support mobility in the tissues surrounding the spine.

Therapeutic Exercises

Specific exercises may be recommended to improve flexibility, stability, posture, and movement. Your recommendations will depend on your symptoms and current abilities.

Posture and Activity Recommendations

You may receive guidance on sitting, lifting, workplace ergonomics, sleep positions, and activity modification to reduce unnecessary stress on the back.

Your progress will be monitored, and treatment recommendations may be adjusted as your mobility and symptoms change.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Back Pain

Depending on the condition and individual response, chiropractic care may help:

  • Improve spinal mobility
  • Reduce muscle tension
  • Improve range of motion
  • Support better posture
  • Reduce stiffness
  • Improve comfort during daily activities
  • Support recovery following certain injuries
  • Reduce irritation caused by restricted joint movement
  • Improve confidence with movement

Results vary, and no treatment can guarantee complete or permanent pain relief.

When Should You See a Chiropractor for Back Pain?

Consider scheduling an evaluation when:

  • Pain continues for more than a few days
  • Back pain repeatedly returns
  • Pain interferes with work or sleep
  • You have difficulty bending or standing
  • Pain began after lifting or twisting
  • You developed pain after a car accident
  • Your movement feels restricted
  • Pain travels into your buttock or leg
  • You experience numbness or tingling
  • Home care has not improved your symptoms

You do not need to wait until the pain becomes severe before seeking an evaluation.

Schedule a Back Pain Evaluation in Woodbridge, VA

Back pain can affect nearly every part of your day, from getting out of bed to working, driving, exercising, and sleeping. A personalized evaluation can help identify possible musculoskeletal causes and determine which treatment options may be appropriate.

Kline Chiropractic & Wellness provides chiropractic care for lower back pain, upper back pain, muscle strains, disc-related symptoms, sciatica, and other conditions affecting movement and comfort.

Call Kline Chiropractic & Wellness at (703) 680-4344 or request an appointment online today.

Kline Chiropractic & Wellness
4004 Genesee Place, Suite 213
Woodbridge, VA 22192

Chiropractic care is not a substitute for emergency medical treatment. Treatment recommendations and individual results vary. Patients with severe or progressive neurological symptoms should seek immediate medical care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?

Chiropractic care may help certain types of lower back pain by addressing restricted joint movement, muscle tension, posture, and mobility. Treatment should be based on an individual examination.

What is the most common cause of lower back pain?

Muscle strains, poor posture, prolonged sitting, lifting injuries, and restricted joint movement are common contributors. Disc injuries and nerve irritation may also cause lower back pain.

Can sitting too long cause back pain?

Yes. Prolonged sitting can place stress on the lower back, tighten surrounding muscles, and contribute to poor posture. Taking movement breaks and improving workstation ergonomics may help.

Can a chiropractor help a bulging or herniated disc?

Conservative chiropractic care may be appropriate for some patients with disc-related symptoms. The recommended approach depends on the location and severity of the condition and whether nerve symptoms are present.

What is the difference between back pain and sciatica?

Back pain may remain localized in the spine or surrounding muscles. Sciatica typically involves pain, numbness, or tingling that travels from the lower back or buttock into the leg along the sciatic nerve.

Will I need an X-ray for back pain?

Not every patient needs an X-ray. Imaging may be recommended if the examination, injury history, age, or symptoms indicate that further evaluation is necessary.

Is chiropractic care painful?

Treatment is adjusted to the patient’s condition and comfort level. Gentle and low-force techniques may be used for patients who are highly sensitive, injured, or uncomfortable with traditional adjustments.

How long does chiropractic care for back pain take?

The length of care varies depending on the cause, severity, duration, and individual response. Dr. Kline will discuss recommendations after completing your evaluation.

Should I use ice or heat for back pain?

Ice may be helpful shortly after certain acute injuries, while heat may help relax tight muscles. The appropriate option depends on the nature of the symptoms. Ask your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.

When is back pain an emergency?

Seek immediate medical attention for back pain accompanied by loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness around the groin, progressive leg weakness, fever, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or major trauma.