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.

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care at our office. At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Olathe, we work with patients every day who struggle with stiffness, aching, sharp pain, or recurring flare-ups that worsen after sitting, driving, lifting, or even sleeping. As a chiropractor in Olathe, my goal is to help patients understand why low back pain develops, what patterns actually matter clinically, and what steps truly help reduce pain long-term through professional chiropractic care.

Low back pain rarely happens from a single event. Instead, it develops when the lumbar joints, discs, and supporting muscles are repeatedly overloaded. When normal spinal motion is lost, pressure builds in the discs and surrounding tissues, creating irritation that shows up as stiffness, pain, or instability. This same process can also contribute to related conditions such as disc bulges or sciatica.

Why Low Back Pain Happens in the First Place

The lumbar spine is designed to move and distribute load evenly. Problems arise when movement is reduced and compression becomes constant.

Several key factors drive low back pain:

Sitting increases pressure on the lumbar discs by up to 40%, especially during long workdays or car rides
Restricted spinal joints lose their ability to absorb force
Tight hip flexors and hamstrings force the low back to compensate
Weak core stabilizers allow excessive motion at individual spinal segments

Over time, these stresses create joint restriction, disc irritation, and muscle guarding. This is why many patients report pain after sitting too long, first thing in the morning, or when standing up after driving. These same movement dysfunctions are often present in patients with chronic low back pain and even recurring mid back pain.

Tip #1: Restore Motion Before You Strengthen

One of the most common mistakes people make is jumping straight into strengthening exercises while their spine is still stiff and irritated.

When lumbar joints are restricted and discs are dehydrated, adding load often worsens symptoms instead of resolving them. This is why restoring motion through chiropractic care is often the first step in effective low back pain treatment.

Helpful first steps include:

Gentle spinal mobility
Walking and frequent movement breaks
Professional spinal adjustments to restore normal joint motion

Once movement is restored, the spine becomes far more tolerant to exercise and daily activity.

Tip #2: Reduce Disc Pressure Throughout the Day

Many low back pain flare-ups are driven by repetitive compression rather than injury.

Common triggers include prolonged sitting, slouched posture, long car rides, and sleeping positions that keep the spine flexed overnight. Over time, this constant pressure irritates the discs and surrounding nerves.

Strategies that reduce disc stress include:

Sitting with hips slightly higher than knees
Using lumbar support when driving
Standing and walking breaks every 30–45 minutes

For patients with disc-related pain or nerve irritation, spinal decompression therapy can be especially effective. Decompression gently reduces pressure inside the disc, promotes hydration, and helps relieve nerve irritation commonly associated with disc bulges and sciatica.

Tip #3: Strengthen the Right Muscles—At the Right Time

Once spinal motion and disc pressure are addressed, targeted strengthening becomes essential for long-term stability.

The goal is not maximal effort, but controlled endurance and coordination. Effective programs focus on:

Deep core stabilizers
Hip musculature
Controlled spinal control

Our office frequently incorporates customized exercise and stretch routines such as modified planks and side planks to build support without overloading irritated tissues. When done correctly, these exercises reduce flare-ups and help prevent recurring episodes of low back pain.

Common Low Back Pain Patterns We See in the Office

Many patients describe similar symptom patterns, including:

Pain when standing up after sitting
Tightness or aching across the beltline
Sharp pain with bending or lifting
Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position
Pain that improves with walking but worsens with sitting
Pain that radiates into the hips or glutes

These patterns often indicate joint restriction, disc irritation, or muscular guarding. Left untreated, they can contribute not only to low back pain, but also to secondary issues such as neck pain or tension-related headaches.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Low Back Pain

At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture, treatment focuses on restoring normal spinal mechanics and reducing repeated stress on the tissues.

Our approach may include:

Gentle chiropractic adjustments
Spinal decompression therapy for disc health
Hydromassage therapy to relax tight muscles and improve circulation
Targeted strengthening and stabilization routines
Stretching exercises to restore flexibility
Posture and sleep coaching to reduce daily spinal stress

Most patients begin noticing improvement within the first few visits when care is matched to their specific clinical presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my low back hurt more after sitting?
Sitting increases pressure inside the lumbar discs and reduces blood flow, leading to stiffness and irritation.

Should I see a chiropractor for this kind of pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care is highly effective for joint restriction, disc irritation, and muscle tension commonly associated with low back pain.

When is low back pain serious?
Severe weakness, progressive numbness, or loss of bowel or bladder control requires immediate medical evaluation.

What if my pain travels into my leg?
Pain radiating into the leg may indicate sciatic nerve irritation or a disc issue and should be evaluated promptly.

Get Help for Low Back Pain in Olathe

If low back pain is interfering with your daily life, help is available. At Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we work with patients to identify the cause of their pain and develop a treatment plan that fits their needs and insurance coverage. You can learn more about accepted plans on our insurance page.

Call 913-735-6351 or click Schedule Your Visit to get started.