Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common spinal complaints, affecting mobility, comfort, and daily activities. It can come from muscle strain, disc issues, joint restriction, or long hours of sitting and poor posture. Symptoms often include stiffness, aching across the lumbar spine, or sharp pain with bending, lifting, or twisting. At KIRO, we focus on restoring spinal motion, reducing inflammation, and building strength so you can move freely and prevent flare-ups.
Why does lower back pain occur?
Lower back pain occurs when the structures that support the spine, such as muscles, discs, joints, or ligaments, become strained, irritated, or restricted. Common causes include poor posture, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, sudden twisting, sports injuries, or even stress that increases muscle tension. Over time, these factors can limit spinal motion, create inflammation, and lead to recurring pain if not addressed.
What are the common symptoms of lower back pain?
Common symptoms include a dull ache or stiffness in the lumbar spine, sharp pain with bending or lifting, muscle spasms, and reduced flexibility. Some people also experience pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, or legs, along with fatigue from struggling to stay upright during daily activities.
Who is most at risk of getting lower back pain?
People most at risk for lower back pain include desk workers who sit for long periods, manual laborers who lift or bend repeatedly, and athletes in high-impact or rotational sports. Older adults are also more vulnerable due to age-related disc and joint changes, while stress, poor posture, and weak core muscles increase the likelihood of developing lumbar pain.
How do KIRO doctors treat lower back pain?
At KIRO, care for lower back pain begins with a comprehensive exam to identify the underlying cause. After reviewing your findings, we design a personalized plan that guides you through three phases of care:
Symptomatic phase (first few weeks): 1–2 visits per week focused on reducing pain and restoring motion in the lumbar spine and surrounding joints.
Corrective phase (next 6–8 weeks): weekly adjustments supported by core stabilization, hip mobility drills, and posture training to build lasting spinal stability.
Preventive phase (ongoing): periodic care to maintain spinal health, reduce flare-ups, and keep you moving confidently.
Throughout your journey, we also coach you on safe lifting mechanics, ergonomic strategies, and daily resets to support healing. To measure progress, we perform monthly Nervous System Scans and adjust your plan as needed. In addition, our doctors rotate during care so you benefit from multiple expert perspectives and the highest level of clinical insight.
How long does treatment take for lower back pain?
Most patients with lower back pain notice meaningful relief within 4–6 weeks as symptoms settle during the symptomatic phase. The corrective phase usually takes another 6–8 weeks, focusing on building strength, posture endurance, and spinal stability. In total, about 12 weeks of consistent chiropractic care often provides lasting improvements, with many patients choosing ongoing preventive care to avoid future flare-ups.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for lower back pain?
Benefits of chiropractic care for lower back pain:
Relieves pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms in the lumbar spine
Restores healthy spinal motion and alignment
Improves core stability and posture endurance
Reduces risk of recurring flare-ups and injuries
Enhances mobility for bending, lifting, and daily activities
Provides a safe, drug-free alternative to pain medication or surgery
Supports long-term spinal health through preventive care
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