Back Pain

Back pain can be crippling, making it difficult to drive, work, and exercise. Thankfully, most back pain improves with rest and conservative treatment. At his Brentwood, California, practice, experienced chiropractor Michael Sheps, DC, specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of back pain. Treatments, including cryotherapy, laser therapy, and spinal decompression, relieve discomfort, promote healing, and restore mobility. Call the Los Angeles area office today to schedule back pain treatment, or book your visit online.

When should I see a chiropractor about back pain?

Make an appointment with Dr. Sheps if your back pain doesn’t improve with at-home treatments like ice, rest, and activity changes. That’s especially true if your pain gets worse and affects your ability to work or do other routine activities.

Chiropractors like Dr. Sheps use manual therapies and other conservative treatments to realign the spine, boost circulation, and encourage the body’s healing process.

What causes back pain?

Dr. Sheps treats various causes of back pain, including:

• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Sciatica (pinched sciatic nerve)
• Neuropathy (nerve damage)
• Herniated intervertebral discs
• Osteoarthritis
• Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine)
• Degenerative disc disease

Sometimes, back pain is caused by trauma, like car accidents and sports injuries.

How does a chiropractor diagnose back pain?

Dr. Sheps reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain is, what it feels like, and if it gets worse when you stand or drive.

Dr. Sheps examines your spine from your lower back to the base of your skull, checking for redness, bruising, and swelling. He gently presses on your spine to identify sensitive places and assesses your posture, muscle strength, and flexibility.

Dr. Sheps orders X-rays to see your vertebrae. He might also do an ultrasound to examine your intervertebral discs, spinal tissues, and nerves.

How does a chiropractor treat back pain?

Dr. Sheps takes a conservative, noninvasive approach to treating back pain. He could suggest:

• Chiropractic care to align your vertebrae and intervertebral discs
• Cryotherapy to reduce inflammation and relieve pain
• Custom orthotics to improve your posture and reduce back pain
• Spinal decompression to relieve tension and boost circulation
• Shockwave therapy
• Laser therapy

Most back pain responds to a combination of two or more treatments. Dr. Sheps monitors your symptoms at regular checkups and adjusts your care as needed.

Can back pain be prevented?

Back pain can’t be prevented, but you can do various things to reduce your risk. Dr. Sheps recommends exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture. If you regularly lift things at work, bend your knees and keep your back straight.

Call the office of Michael Sheps, DC, today to schedule back pain treatment, or book your visit online.