Back Pain & Chiropractic Care

Back pain affects 31 million Americans at any given time and is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. It’s also a top reason for missed work and medical visits—experts estimate 80% of people will experience back pain in their lifetime.

Why Does Back Pain Happen?

The spine is a complex system of bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments. Sudden or repetitive stress, poor posture, arthritis, extra weight, and even stress can trigger pain. Sometimes, back pain can also stem from internal organ issues, such as kidney conditions.

How Chiropractic Helps

Spinal manipulation—used primarily by Doctors of Chiropractic for over 100 years—is a safe, effective, drug-free treatment for many types of back pain. Research shows that chiropractic care:

  • Reduces pain and reliance on medication

  • Speeds up physical rehabilitation

  • Helps restore mobility

  • Requires minimal passive treatments like bed rest

Major health organizations support this approach. The Agency for Health Care Research and Quality recommends spinal manipulation as the only safe and effective first-line, drugless treatment for acute low-back pain in adults. Studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine and JAMA also identify chiropractic care as one of the most effective non-pharmacological treatments for both acute and chronic back pain.

Why Choose Chiropractic First?

Compared to other options—especially medications like NSAIDs, which carry risks such as stomach bleeding—chiropractic offers a highly safe, conservative solution. Surgery is rarely needed and is typically recommended only after conservative care has been exhausted.

Preventing Back Pain

Healthy habits can reduce your risk of back problems:

  • Stay active and maintain a healthy weight

  • Practice good posture

  • Stretch before activity

  • Lift properly

  • Avoid long periods of inactivity

  • Quit smoking

  • Ensure your workstation is ergonomically designed

If you struggle with back pain or want to prevent future issues, a Doctor of Chiropractic can help you understand the cause, restore function, and guide you in long-term wellness strategies.