Back Pain
Understanding the Cause of Your Back Pain and Finding the Right Path Forward
Back pain can range from occasional soreness or stiffness to persistent pain that affects how you work, sleep, exercise, or move throughout the day. It can develop from an injury, repetitive stress, changes in the spine, muscle or joint dysfunction, or conditions affecting the discs and nerves.
At AFC Physical Medicine & Chiropractic Centers, we take a comprehensive approach to back pain rather than treating every case the same way. Our medical, chiropractic, and rehabilitative providers evaluate your symptoms, physical function, and contributing factors to better understand what may be causing your pain and determine an appropriate treatment recommendation.
Whether your pain is new, recurring, or has become a chronic problem, understanding why your back hurts is an important first step toward improving how you move and function.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain can present differently from person to person. Common symptoms may include:
Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock or leg may be associated with sciatica or irritation of a spinal nerve and may warrant a more thorough evaluation.
What Can Cause Back Pain?
Back pain does not always have one obvious cause. It may result from a combination of physical, mechanical, and lifestyle factors, including:
The important distinction is that the location of your pain does not always identify its cause. Two people may both experience lower back pain but have very different underlying problems. A thorough evaluation can help determine which structures and factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
Top Diagnoses Associated With Back Pain
Back pain can be associated with a number of different conditions. Some of the diagnoses commonly evaluated and treated at AFC include:
Muscle Strain or Sprain
Overuse, repetitive activity, sudden movements, or improper lifting can strain the muscles and supporting ligaments of the back, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Spinal discs provide cushioning between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges or herniates, it can sometimes irritate or compress nearby nerves, potentially causing back pain, leg pain, numbness, or tingling.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spinal discs naturally change over time and may lose some of their height, hydration, or ability to absorb mechanical stress. These degenerative changes can contribute to back pain and reduced spinal mobility.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect the facet joints of the spine, where cartilage and other joint structures may undergo degenerative changes. This may contribute to stiffness, localized pain, and reduced mobility.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces within the spine become narrowed, which can place pressure on spinal nerves or, in some cases, the spinal cord. Symptoms may include back pain, leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking.
Sciatica
Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that contribute to it. Pain may travel from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra shifts relative to the vertebra below it. Depending on the location and degree of movement, it may contribute to back pain, stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and may cause persistent back pain, stiffness, and reduced spinal mobility.
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures occur when one or more vertebrae collapse, which can cause sudden or persistent back pain. They may occur following trauma or in people with weakened bones, including osteoporosis.
Spinal Infections
Although uncommon, infections involving the vertebrae or spinal discs can cause significant back pain and may be accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms. These conditions require medical evaluation.
How AFC Evaluates Back Pain
Effective back pain care starts with understanding what may be contributing to the problem.
At AFC, your evaluation may include a review of your medical history and symptoms, physical and neurological examination, assessment of movement and function, and other diagnostic testing when appropriate. If imaging is clinically indicated, your provider can determine whether X-rays or other imaging may provide useful information.
This process helps distinguish between different sources of back pain and allows your provider to make recommendations based on your symptoms, examination findings, and overall health, not simply the location of your pain.
Back Pain Treatment & Rehabilitation
There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every type of back pain. Treatment recommendations depend on the underlying condition, severity of symptoms, physical findings, and individual goals.
Depending on your needs, care may include:
Managing Back Pain at Home
For mild or uncomplicated back pain, certain habits may help support recovery and prevent additional strain.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, these may include:
When Should You Get Back Pain Evaluated?
Consider an evaluation if your back pain:
Why Choose AFC for Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic and physical medicine care but common does not mean every case should be treated the same way.
AFC brings together chiropractic care, physical medicine, rehabilitation, and medical expertise under one approach. Our providers can evaluate the musculoskeletal and functional factors contributing to your symptoms and determine what type of care may be appropriate.
With multiple AFC locations throughout the Valley, our goal is to make comprehensive care accessible while giving each patient an individualized approach to their condition.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Back Health
You do not have to simply accept recurring back pain as part of getting older or “something you have to live with.”
If back pain is limiting your movement, affecting your daily activities, or continuing to come back, an evaluation can help you better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and what options may be available.
Schedule an evaluation at an AFC Physical Medicine & Chiropractic Center near you and take the next step toward moving with greater comfort and confidence.
Request an Appointment
Explore AFC Clinic Locations
Back pain can range from occasional soreness or stiffness to persistent pain that affects how you work, sleep, exercise, or move throughout the day. It can develop from an injury, repetitive stress, changes in the spine, muscle or joint dysfunction, or conditions affecting the discs and nerves.
At AFC Physical Medicine & Chiropractic Centers, we take a comprehensive approach to back pain rather than treating every case the same way. Our medical, chiropractic, and rehabilitative providers evaluate your symptoms, physical function, and contributing factors to better understand what may be causing your pain and determine an appropriate treatment recommendation.
Whether your pain is new, recurring, or has become a chronic problem, understanding why your back hurts is an important first step toward improving how you move and function.
Common Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain can present differently from person to person. Common symptoms may include:
- Dull, aching, or persistent pain in the back
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Pain that travels into the buttocks, hips, or legs
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Pain that worsens with certain movements or activities
- Difficulty standing, walking, bending, or straightening up
- Numbness, tingling, or other nerve-related symptoms
Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock or leg may be associated with sciatica or irritation of a spinal nerve and may warrant a more thorough evaluation.
What Can Cause Back Pain?
Back pain does not always have one obvious cause. It may result from a combination of physical, mechanical, and lifestyle factors, including:
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Poor posture or prolonged sitting
- Repetitive movements or occupational demands
- Improper lifting or physical overexertion
- Reduced strength or physical activity
- Joint dysfunction
- Disc-related problems
- Arthritis and degenerative changes
- Nerve irritation or compression
- Previous injuries
The important distinction is that the location of your pain does not always identify its cause. Two people may both experience lower back pain but have very different underlying problems. A thorough evaluation can help determine which structures and factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
Top Diagnoses Associated With Back Pain
Back pain can be associated with a number of different conditions. Some of the diagnoses commonly evaluated and treated at AFC include:
Muscle Strain or Sprain
Overuse, repetitive activity, sudden movements, or improper lifting can strain the muscles and supporting ligaments of the back, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Spinal discs provide cushioning between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges or herniates, it can sometimes irritate or compress nearby nerves, potentially causing back pain, leg pain, numbness, or tingling.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Spinal discs naturally change over time and may lose some of their height, hydration, or ability to absorb mechanical stress. These degenerative changes can contribute to back pain and reduced spinal mobility.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can affect the facet joints of the spine, where cartilage and other joint structures may undergo degenerative changes. This may contribute to stiffness, localized pain, and reduced mobility.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces within the spine become narrowed, which can place pressure on spinal nerves or, in some cases, the spinal cord. Symptoms may include back pain, leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking.
Sciatica
Sciatica describes symptoms associated with irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that contribute to it. Pain may travel from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg and may be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness.
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra shifts relative to the vertebra below it. Depending on the location and degree of movement, it may contribute to back pain, stiffness, or nerve-related symptoms.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and may cause persistent back pain, stiffness, and reduced spinal mobility.
Compression Fractures
Compression fractures occur when one or more vertebrae collapse, which can cause sudden or persistent back pain. They may occur following trauma or in people with weakened bones, including osteoporosis.
Spinal Infections
Although uncommon, infections involving the vertebrae or spinal discs can cause significant back pain and may be accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms. These conditions require medical evaluation.
How AFC Evaluates Back Pain
Effective back pain care starts with understanding what may be contributing to the problem.
At AFC, your evaluation may include a review of your medical history and symptoms, physical and neurological examination, assessment of movement and function, and other diagnostic testing when appropriate. If imaging is clinically indicated, your provider can determine whether X-rays or other imaging may provide useful information.
This process helps distinguish between different sources of back pain and allows your provider to make recommendations based on your symptoms, examination findings, and overall health, not simply the location of your pain.
Back Pain Treatment & Rehabilitation
There is no single treatment that is appropriate for every type of back pain. Treatment recommendations depend on the underlying condition, severity of symptoms, physical findings, and individual goals.
Depending on your needs, care may include:
- Chiropractic care to address certain joint and musculoskeletal dysfunctions and improve mobility
- Physical rehabilitation to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, and functional movement
- Therapeutic exercises to support spinal stability and physical function
- Manual therapy and soft-tissue techniques to address muscle and soft-tissue restrictions
- Medical treatment or medications when medically appropriate
- Injections or other medical interventions when indicated
- Advanced or supportive modalities that may be incorporated into a broader treatment approach
- Referral to another specialist when a condition requires care outside the scope of our services
Managing Back Pain at Home
For mild or uncomplicated back pain, certain habits may help support recovery and prevent additional strain.
Depending on the cause of your symptoms, these may include:
- Staying gently active rather than remaining on prolonged bed rest
- Using heat or cold for temporary symptom relief
- Performing appropriate stretching or low-impact movement
- Paying attention to posture while sitting, standing, and working
- Using proper body mechanics when lifting
- Gradually returning to normal activities as tolerated
When Should You Get Back Pain Evaluated?
Consider an evaluation if your back pain:
- Persists or continues to worsen
- Keeps returning
- Interferes with work, exercise, sleep, or everyday activities
- Develops after an accident or injury
- Travels into the buttock or leg
- Is accompanied by numbness or tingling
- Makes it difficult to walk or move normally
Why Choose AFC for Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic and physical medicine care but common does not mean every case should be treated the same way.
AFC brings together chiropractic care, physical medicine, rehabilitation, and medical expertise under one approach. Our providers can evaluate the musculoskeletal and functional factors contributing to your symptoms and determine what type of care may be appropriate.
With multiple AFC locations throughout the Valley, our goal is to make comprehensive care accessible while giving each patient an individualized approach to their condition.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Back Health
You do not have to simply accept recurring back pain as part of getting older or “something you have to live with.”
If back pain is limiting your movement, affecting your daily activities, or continuing to come back, an evaluation can help you better understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and what options may be available.
Schedule an evaluation at an AFC Physical Medicine & Chiropractic Center near you and take the next step toward moving with greater comfort and confidence.
Request an Appointment
Explore AFC Clinic Locations
FAQs
What causes back pain?
Back pain can have many causes, including muscle strain, poor posture, repetitive movements, spinal joint dysfunction, disc problems, arthritis, or injuries. Because the cause of back pain can vary, a proper evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
When should I see a doctor or chiropractor for back pain?
If your back pain is persistent, keeps returning, interferes with daily activities, or began after an injury, an evaluation may help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms. Your provider can then discuss appropriate options based on your individual needs.
Can chiropractic care help with back pain?
Chiropractic care may help address certain musculoskeletal causes of back pain by improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and supporting proper movement. Your provider can determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs.
Can chiropractic care help with sciatica?
Sciatica is a term commonly used to describe pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock, hip, or leg. It can occur when the sciatic nerve or nearby nerve roots are irritated or compressed. Because several conditions can cause sciatica-like symptoms, a proper evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to your pain. Treatment recommendations may vary based on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
What causes back pain?
Back pain can have many causes, including muscle strain, poor posture, repetitive movements, spinal joint dysfunction, disc problems, arthritis, or injuries. Because the cause of back pain can vary, a proper evaluation can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
When should I see a doctor or chiropractor for back pain?
If your back pain is persistent, keeps returning, interferes with daily activities, or began after an injury, an evaluation may help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms. Your provider can then discuss appropriate options based on your individual needs.
Can chiropractic care help with back pain?
Chiropractic care may help address certain musculoskeletal causes of back pain by improving joint mobility, reducing muscle tension, and supporting proper movement. Your provider can determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs.
Can chiropractic care help with sciatica?
Sciatica is a term commonly used to describe pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock, hip, or leg. It can occur when the sciatic nerve or nearby nerve roots are irritated or compressed. Because several conditions can cause sciatica-like symptoms, a proper evaluation can help identify what may be contributing to your pain. Treatment recommendations may vary based on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
