LOW BACK PAIN

What Is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain refers to discomfort or stiffness in the lower region of the spine, between the ribs and the hips. It can appear suddenly after an injury or develop gradually over time. Because this area supports much of your body’s weight and movement, it is especially prone to strain.

At Northwest Chiropractic in Olympia, we often see low back pain in people whose daily routines include lifting, bending, or long hours of sitting—and also in those who stay active outdoors. Whether it’s a weekend hike around Capitol Forest, paddling across Puget Sound, or hauling gear for a fishing or crabbing trip, the lower back often takes the brunt of the work.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors

Low back pain can stem from several sources, and many times more than one factor is involved. Common contributors include:

Muscle or ligament strain or sprain, often from awkward lifting or sudden movements
Disc conditions, such as bulging or herniated discs that irritate nerves and may cause sciatica
Degeneration of discs and joints over time, reducing flexibility and resilience
Facet joint irritation, which can occur when spinal alignment or movement is off
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, either from too much movement or too little
Structural changes such as spinal stenosis, vertebral slippage, or scoliosis
Referred pain from hips, pelvis, or internal organs

Because most low back pain is “non-specific,” meaning no single clear cause is found, our focus is on identifying which factors are most active in your case and addressing them directly.

How We Evaluate at Northwest Chiropractic

On your first visit, we start with a detailed history and discussion about your pain: when it began, what makes it worse, and what brings relief. A physical exam follows, assessing posture, range of motion, muscle balance, and neurological function.

When necessary, we may recommend imaging such as X-rays or MRI, or functional lab tests to rule out other contributors. Our goal is to move past simply treating symptoms and uncover the underlying drivers of your pain.

How We Treat Low Back Pain

Care is individualized and may include:

Gentle chiropractic adjustments and mobilization, tailored to your condition
Soft tissue therapy to release tension and improve mobility
Targeted exercises to build core strength and stability
Adjunct therapies such as cold laser, massage, spinal traction or other supportive techniques
Functional protocols such as nutritional guidance or ergonomic advice, when appropriate

This integrated approach helps relieve pain, restore function, and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups—so you can get back to what you enjoy, from weekend hikes and day trips to Mount Rainier to quiet evenings out on the water.

What You Can Expect

Many patients notice improvement within a few visits, especially when the pain is recent. Chronic or more complex conditions may take longer, sometimes weeks or months of consistent care. We track progress closely and adjust the plan as needed, with the goal of helping you return to your normal activities.