Lower back pain is the most common reason patients come to see Dr. Joe, and it's the problem his Google reviewers mention most. Whether it started with a lift at the gym, a long week at a desk or a morning you can't explain, the goal is the same: find what's driving the pain and get you moving comfortably again.
Common causes of lower back pain
- Lifting, twisting or bending with poor mechanics
- Long hours sitting at a desk or in the car
- Stiff joints in the lower spine and pelvis, including the SI joints
- Tight hips and hamstrings that change how you move
- Disc irritation, which can also send pain down the leg (see sciatica)
- Muscle strains and spasms
How Dr. Joe helps
Dr. Joe looks at more than the spot that hurts. Your hips, pelvis, mid back and even your feet affect how your lower back moves, so your exam covers the whole chain. Depending on what he finds, care may include:
- Hands-on Diversified adjustments to restore motion in the lower back and pelvis
- Drop-table adjusting for a precise adjustment with less twisting
- Flexion-distraction, a gentle table-based technique often used for low back and disc problems
- Activator or Arthrostim instrument adjusting when a lighter touch is the better fit
- Soft tissue work and Vibracussor for tight, guarded muscles
Spinal manipulation is one of the drug-free treatments the American College of Physicians recommends trying first for low back pain.
What to expect
After your exam, Dr. Joe will give you an honest estimate of how many visits your back is likely to need. There are no long-term contracts. You come in as often as your recovery calls for, and you can stop any time.
When to see a medical doctor first
Get medical care right away if back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, leg weakness that's getting worse, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain after a major fall. If you've recently been in a car accident or had back surgery, check with your medical provider before starting chiropractic care.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an X-ray before my first visit?
Usually not. We don't take X-rays in the office. If Dr. Joe thinks imaging would help, he'll refer you out and continue your care once you have results.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on how long you've had the pain and what's causing it. Dr. Joe will give you a straightforward recommendation after your exam, with no long-term contract.
Can I get in today?
Often, yes. Same-day appointments are available once your new-patient forms are complete, and we're open Sundays.
Related conditions
Book your first visit
Your first visit is 40 minutes with Dr. Joe and costs $125, including your exam and first adjustment. Follow-up adjustments are $75. Same-day appointments are often available once your new-patient forms are done, and we're open Sundays.
Book online or call (615) 808-9868. See what to expect and pricing.
