Low back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care at Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Olathe. Symptoms may range from stiffness and soreness to pain that interferes with work, sleep, or daily movement. Lasting improvement begins with identifying why low back pain developed—not just treating symptoms.
Low back pain develops when spinal joints, discs, muscles, or nerves become irritated, overloaded, or restricted—often due to posture, repetitive strain, or injury. Accurate diagnosis helps determine the most effective treatment approach and realistic recovery timeline.
How We Treat Low Back Pain
How We Evaluate Low Back Pain
Every patient begins with a detailed consultation to understand symptom onset, mechanism of injury, aggravating and relieving factors, work demands, and prior care. This information helps narrow down which tissues may be involved and guides the physical examination.
The examination assesses lumbar joint motion, muscle strength and tension, neurological function, posture, and movement patterns. These findings help determine whether pain is primarily mechanical, disc-related, inflammatory, or nerve-related.
When clinically appropriate, diagnostic imaging such as X-rays may be recommended to evaluate spinal alignment, joint integrity, disc space changes, or degenerative findings. This step is important because the diagnosis directly determines treatment selection, prognosis, and how long care may take.
Orthopedic & Neurological Testing (How We Narrow the Diagnosis)
During the physical exam, we use targeted orthopedic and neurological tests to determine whether low back pain is local and mechanical in nature or related to nerve irritation, disc involvement, or referred pain from surrounding structures. No single test establishes the diagnosis—findings are interpreted alongside your clinical history, movement assessment, neurological screening, and imaging when clinically indicated. This step is essential because the pattern of findings guides treatment selection, activity recommendations, and expected recovery timelines.
For patients whose low back pain is determined to be local and mechanical, evaluation commonly includes:
- Lumbar Active Range of Motion (AROM) - Assessment of lumbar flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation helps identify movement restrictions, asymmetries, and symptom reproduction. Pain that remains localized to the low back and does not reproduce leg symptoms often indicates joint restriction, muscular strain, or localized tissue irritation rather than nerve involvement.
- Postural and Movement Assessment - Observation of standing posture, sitting tolerance, and functional movements such as bending or transitioning from sitting to standing helps identify load intolerance, movement inefficiencies, or sustained positions that contribute to mechanical stress on the lumbar spine.
- Palpation and Segmental Motion Testing - Gentle assessment of lumbar joint motion and surrounding soft tissues helps identify restricted segments, localized tenderness, and protective muscle guarding, which are common findings in mechanical low back pain.
- Provocation and Stability-Oriented Testing (when appropriate) - Controlled loading tests may be used to assess how the low back responds to compression, extension, or repeated movement, helping differentiate local joint or soft tissue pain from disc-related or instability-driven patterns.
- Neurological Screening (when appropriate) - Basic neurological checks of sensation, strength, and reflexes help confirm that symptoms are not associated with nerve root involvement, supporting a diagnosis of local lumbar pain.
When exam findings indicate localized lumbar joint or soft tissue dysfunction without neurological involvement, treatment is typically focused on restoring normal motion, improving load tolerance, and reducing mechanical stress. Care commonly includes lumbar adjustments, in-office mobility and stretching, and guided home exercises, with hydromassage, cupping, or other soft tissue therapies incorporated based on tissue response and clinical presentation.
What Causes Low Back Pain?
Low back pain often develops when the lumbar spine is exposed to repetitive stress or sustained positions that exceed tissue tolerance. Prolonged sitting, repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting can gradually overload joints, discs, and supporting muscles.
In some cases, lumbar discs may become irritated or lose their ability to manage compressive forces effectively. This can contribute to localized pain or discomfort that worsens with sitting, standing, or transitions between positions.
Inflammation, muscle guarding, and altered movement patterns commonly develop as protective responses. Over time, these compensations can perpetuate symptoms if the underlying mechanical issue is not addressed.
Common Symptoms of Low Back Pain
Patients with low back pain may experience:
- Localized aching, stiffness, or sharp pain
- Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or bending
- Discomfort when rising from a chair or getting out of bed
- Muscle tightness or spasms in the low back or hips
- Referred pain into the hips or thighs
- Numbness or tingling when nerve irritation is present
What Patients Commonly Report
Patients with low back pain often report:
- Difficulty finding a comfortable sitting or sleeping position
- Symptoms that flare after long periods of sitting or driving
- Temporary relief that does not last
- Recurring episodes linked to work posture, lifting, or daily routines
These patterns help guide both diagnosis and treatment planning.
Our Treatment Approach at Woodroof Chiropractic & Acupuncture
Because no two cases of low back pain are identical, treatment plans are customized based on diagnosis, severity, and response to care. Depending on clinical findings, treatment may include:
- Chiropractic care to restore joint motion, reduce mechanical stress, and improve spinal movement efficiency
- Spinal decompression when disc involvement or compression intolerance is identified, helping reduce disc pressure and support nutrient exchange
- Hydromassage therapy to decrease muscle tension and promote circulation
- Cupping therapy to address soft-tissue restriction and localized inflammation
- Exercise and stretch routines to improve stability, movement tolerance, and long-term support of the low back
As function improves and inflammation decreases, care is adjusted accordingly. Many patients notice improvement within the first several visits, though timelines vary based on the underlying cause and individual response.
Prognosis & What to Expect
Acute low back pain related to recent strain or overload often responds more quickly to care, especially when addressed early. Chronic or recurring low back pain may require a longer course of treatment due to tissue adaptation, deconditioning, or degenerative changes.
Recovery timelines are influenced by activity level, work demands, posture, prior injuries, and overall tissue health. Imaging or referral may be appropriate if symptoms fail to respond as expected or if neurological findings are present.
Clear diagnosis allows for realistic expectations and appropriate progression of care.
FAQ — Low Back Pain
Q: What is the most common cause of low back pain?
A: Most cases arise from irritated spinal joints, compressed lumbar discs, or tight supporting muscles due to posture, sitting, or repetitive strain.
Q: When should I see a chiropractor for low back pain?
A: If the pain lasts longer than 3–5 days, radiates into the hip or leg, or interferes with daily activities, chiropractic care is recommended.
Q: Can spinal decompression help a herniated disc or sciatica?
A: Yes. Non-invasive decompression gently reduces disc pressure and can significantly improve radiating pain, numbness, or tingling.
Q: Will I need imaging like X-rays or MRI?
A: We only recommend imaging when clinically necessary—for example, after trauma, severe neurological symptoms, or lack of improvement.
Q: How long does it take to feel better?
A: Many patients notice relief within 2–4 visits, with continued improvement as inflammation decreases and mobility improves.
Ready for Relief?
Call our Olathe chiropractic office at 913-735-6351 or schedule your visit online to begin a thorough evaluation and personalized care plan.
You may also find it helpful to review our insurance information prior to your appointment.
