Should I see a chiropractor for low back pain?

Yes. Chiropractors are trained to evaluate how your joints, discs, muscles, and nerves are working together. Chiropractic care can restore motion to restricted lumbar joints, reduce disc and nerve irritation, and address muscle tension so your low back can move and function with less pain.

When is low back pain considered serious?

Low back pain is considered serious if it is accompanied by red flag symptoms such as severe or progressive leg weakness, loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin area, a history of significant trauma, unexplained weight loss, or fever. These findings require prompt medical evaluation. For most mechanical low back pain without these signs, conservative care such as chiropractic is appropriate.

How long does it take for chiropractic care to help low back pain?

Many patients notice some improvement within the first few chiropractic visits, especially when adjustments are combined with spinal decompression, hydromassage, and targeted exercises. The total length of care depends on the severity and duration of the problem, but most mechanical low back pain responds well to a short course of focused treatment.

What does it mean if my low back pain travels into my leg?

Low back pain that travels into the buttock, hip, or leg may indicate irritation of the sciatic nerve or a lumbar disc problem. This pattern is often called sciatica. A thorough evaluation can help determine whether a disc bulge, joint restriction, or muscle spasm is contributing to the radiating pain, and treatment such as chiropractic adjustments and spinal decompression can be tailored to relieve pressure on the irritated nerve.

3 Simple Tips for Low Back Pain Relief

Man performing a seated hamstring stretch on a yoga mat to help relieve low back pain.

If you're dealing with low back pain, you're not alone. At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture here in Olathe, we help patients every day who struggle with stiffness, aching, sharp pain, or discomfort that seems to flare after sitting, driving, lifting, or even sleeping. As a chiropractor in Olathe, my goal is to help you understand why your back hurts and what simple steps you can start today to feel better.

Low back pain often happens because the lumbar joints, discs, and supporting muscles become overloaded from sitting, poor posture, and repetitive stress. When the spine loses its normal motion, pressure builds in the discs and irritation develops in the surrounding muscles and nerves—creating the classic tight, painful feeling many patients experience.

Why this problem happens:
The lumbar spine is designed to move, but long periods of sitting can increase pressure on the lumbar discs by up to 40%, causing the outer layers of the disc to stiffen and become irritated. Tight hip flexors and weak core muscles also force the lower back to compensate during everyday movements. Over time, this creates joint restriction, muscle tension, and nerve irritation—leading to pain when standing up, bending forward, or even rolling out of bed.

Common symptoms patients notice include:
• A tight, aching feeling across the beltline
• Pain when standing up after sitting
• Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
• Sharp pain with certain movements
• Pain that improves after walking or stretching
• Stiffness first thing in the morning
• A “locked up” feeling in the low back
• Pain that radiates into the hips or glutes
• Low back pain after long car rides
• Pain that returns repeatedly throughout the week

Clinical patterns I see in the office:
Many patients report pain after sitting too long at work, especially when posture collapses forward. Others feel pain when bending, lifting kids, doing yardwork, or exercising with poor form. Some patients notice their pain improves after walking or standing but worsens when they sit back down. These patterns often point to restricted lumbar joints, irritated discs, or muscle guarding that responds very well to chiropractic care and mobility-focused treatment.

How chiropractic helps:
Chiropractic adjustments restore movement to the lumbar joints, reducing pressure on the discs and calming irritated nerves. Spinal and vertebral decompression gently stretches the spine to improve disc hydration and relieve nerve irritation—an excellent option for disc bulges or chronic stiffness. Hydromassage therapy helps reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, while corrective exercise builds long-term strength and stability. Together, these treatments help reduce inflammation, restore healthy movement, and prevent flare-ups.

Our treatment approach at Woodroof Chiropractic includes:
• Gentle chiropractic adjustments
• Spinal decompression therapy
• Hydromassage therapy for muscle relaxation
• Targeted strengthening and stabilization routines
• Stretching exercises for flexibility
• Core activation strategies like planks
• Posture and sleep coaching to reduce daily stress on the spine

Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first few visits.

Frequently asked questions include:
• Why does my low back hurt more after sitting?
Because sitting increases pressure inside the lumbar discs and reduces blood flow, causing stiffness and irritation.
• Should I see a chiropractor for this kind of pain?
Yes—chiropractic care is highly effective for joint restrictions, disc irritation, and muscle tension common in low back pain.
• When is low back pain serious?
Severe weakness, loss of bowel/bladder control, or numbness down both legs requires immediate medical attention.
• How long until I feel better?
Most patients begin improving within the first few visits when combining adjustments, decompression, and exercise.
• What if my pain travels into my leg?
This may indicate irritation of the sciatic nerve or a disc issue. Our sciatica and low back pain treatment plans are designed for this.

If you're dealing with low back pain, we can help. Call our Olathe chiropractic office today at 913-735-6351 or click Schedule Your Visit to get started.