Back and joint pain that won’t go away
Care path: Chiropractic
Pain that lingers or keeps returning is one of the most common reasons people come to the practice. Most people ask the same first question: is it a muscle, a ligament, a joint or a nerve?
Dr. Nick’s answer starts with a careful evaluation, so you understand what is happening before any adjustment is made.
Common questions
Is my pain coming from a muscle, a joint, a ligament or a nerve?
It is often hard to tell on your own. Muscles, ligaments, spinal joints, discs and nerves can all cause pain, and they often affect each other. Pain can also be felt away from where it starts.
That is why the first visit is an evaluation, not a quick adjustment. Your history and a hands-on, orthopedic and neurological exam help narrow down where the problem is coming from.
Why does my back pain keep coming back?
Recurring pain often has more than one contributor: how a joint is moving, how the body has compensated around it, and daily habits such as sitting, lifting, sleep and training.
Part of each visit is explaining what Dr. Nick finds and why, so you know what is happening and what you can do between visits.
Should I see a chiropractor or a medical doctor for back pain?
Both can be appropriate, and they are not mutually exclusive. A chiropractor focuses on how the spine, pelvis and joints are moving and functioning. If anything in your evaluation suggests you need medical care, imaging or another specialist, Dr. Nick will tell you.
If you have any of the warning signs listed below, seek medical care first.
What is different about the Gonstead approach?
The Gonstead method is a system of analysis and adjusting. Adjustments are specific to the joint that is not moving well, rather than general twisting or cracking of the spine.
Dr. Nick only makes a correction when the evaluation identifies joint dysfunction.
Do I need an X-ray first?
Not always. Whether imaging is useful depends on your history and exam. X-rays are not taken at the office; if they would help, Dr. Nick refers you to a nearby imaging provider. You can upload existing imaging through the patient portal before your visit.
How long are visits?
Plan for at least 60 minutes for a first chiropractic visit, including the evaluation and your first adjustments. Follow-up visits are 30 minutes.
Can stubborn tendon or soft-tissue pain be addressed too?
For some tendon and soft-tissue problems, the practice also offers radial pressure wave (shockwave) therapy, on its own or alongside chiropractic care. Ask whether it is appropriate for you.
How the practice approaches back and joint pain
Your story first
Before your first visit you complete assessment forms in the patient portal, and you can upload any labs or imaging you already have.
A detailed evaluation
Plan for at least 60 minutes for your first chiropractic visit. It starts with your history, then static and motion palpation, thermal analysis of the spine, and orthopedic and neurological testing.
Specific adjustments and hands-on work
When the evaluation identifies joint dysfunction, Dr. Nick adjusts that area specifically and adds hands-on soft-tissue work where it helps.
Imaging only when it is useful
X-rays are not taken at the office. If imaging would help, Dr. Nick refers you to a nearby imaging provider.
Understanding, not just relief
You leave knowing what Dr. Nick found, why he did what he did, and what you can work on between visits.
When to seek medical care first
Some symptoms need medical attention rather than a chiropractic visit. Call 911 or go to an emergency department if back pain comes with:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, new difficulty passing urine, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- New or worsening weakness in a leg or foot
- A recent fall, accident or other significant injury
See a physician promptly if back pain comes with:
- Fever, or a feeling of being generally unwell
- Unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer
- Pain that is severe and constant, including at night and at rest
Other things we help with
Start with an evaluation
Request a first chiropractic visit online, or call the practice if you are not sure which appointment to choose.
This page is general education, not medical advice or a diagnosis. Individual needs and outcomes vary.