Back Pain

What kinds of back pain are there?

The Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab team treats the two basic types of back pain:

Acute back pain

Acute back pain occurs suddenly, usually because of an injury. For example, when playing contact sports like football or rugby, you might suffer severe lower back pain after a high-speed collision. Ice, rest, and other conservative treatments typically improve acute back pain.

Chronic back pain

Chronic back pain lasts three months or longer. It occurs when the nerves in your back send pain signals to your brain well after an injury heals. Each person is affected differently by chronic back pain, but it often requires professional treatment to improve.

When should I see a sports chiropractor about back pain?

Make an appointment at Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab if you have back pain that lasts two weeks or longer and keeps you from your routine. That’s especially true if your pain continues or gets worse after home treatments like rest, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine.

How is back pain diagnosed?

Your Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab provider reviews your medical records and asks about your back pain, including where it’s at, what it feels like, and if activities like standing and walking make it worse or better.

Next, your provider completes a chiropractic exam. They check your back for redness and swelling, gently press on various points to identify sensitive spots, and take X-rays to look for problems like fractures and spinal misalignments.

After identifying the source of your back pain, the team makes personalized treatment recommendations.

How is back pain treated?

The Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab team takes a conservative, integrative approach to treating back pain. They might suggest:

• Chiropractic adjustments
• Sports chiropractic
• Dry needling
• Sports massage
• Cupping
• Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• Biomechanical taping
• Corrective exercise programming to prevent further injuries 
• Active release therapy
• Virtual rehabilitation

Most people with back pain benefit from undergoing more than one treatment at a time. Their provider monitors their symptoms at regular checkups and adjusts their care as needed.

How long does it take for back pain to improve?

The time it takes for your back pain to improve will depend on its underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. Many patients experience at least some relief within the first 2-3 weeks, but it can take longer.* To ensure the best possible outcome, attend each of your appointments and follow your provider’s instructions.

Call Kinetic Sports Medicine and Rehab today to schedule back pain treatment, or book your appointment online.

*Individual results may vary.