Back pain is common, but that does not mean you have to ignore it or wait until it becomes severe. Some episodes improve with a few days of relative rest and gentle movement. Others are signs that the joints, muscles or movement patterns in your back need a closer look.
Here are seven situations when scheduling an evaluation may be worthwhile.
1. The pain is not improving. If your back pain has lasted more than several days, keeps returning or is gradually getting worse, an evaluation can help identify the factors contributing to it.
2. Pain is limiting normal activities. Trouble sleeping, sitting at work, exercising, lifting, playing with your children or participating in sports is a practical sign that the problem deserves attention.
3. The pain started after an injury. Falls, awkward lifting, sports injuries and auto collisions can affect joints and soft tissues even when the initial pain seems manageable.
4. You feel stiff or restricted. Back problems do not always feel sharp. Persistent stiffness, reduced range of motion or difficulty standing upright may reflect joint or muscle dysfunction.
5. Pain travels into the hip or leg. Radiating pain, numbness, tingling or weakness should be evaluated. These symptoms can have several causes, and the right treatment depends on identifying the source.
6. The same problem keeps returning. Temporary relief is helpful, but recurring episodes often mean that strength, mobility, work setup, training habits or movement patterns also need to be addressed.
7. You want a non-surgical starting point. Chiropractic care may be one part of a conservative plan for many common mechanical back-pain problems. At Better Chiropractic, care may also include soft-tissue treatment, rehabilitation exercises, movement guidance or other services based on the examination.
What to expect at Better Chiropractic
Your first visit begins with a conversation about your symptoms, health history, daily activities and goals. We then examine how your spine, joints, muscles and movement patterns are functioning. If chiropractic care is appropriate, we explain the findings and recommend an individualized plan. If your presentation suggests that imaging, urgent medical care or another provider is more appropriate, we will tell you.
When back pain needs urgent medical attention
Seek prompt medical care for back pain accompanied by loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the saddle area, progressive weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, major trauma, chest pain or other severe or unusual symptoms.
Ready to get back to moving?
Better Chiropractic serves Gilbert and surrounding East Valley communities from our office at 2470 S. Val Vista Dr. Schedule your evaluation online or call 480-802-0692.
