Low Back Pain Treatment in Portland & Hood River

What is low back pain?

Low back pain covers a wide range of problems, from a stiff, achy back after yard work to sharp pain that makes it hard to stand up straight. Most cases are "mechanical," meaning they come from the joints, muscles, ligaments or discs of the lumbar spine rather than from a serious disease.

Doctors usually group back pain by duration. Acute pain lasts less than about six weeks, subacute up to three months, and chronic pain lasts three months or longer. Care is tailored to which stage you're in and what's driving the pain.

Common symptoms of low back pain

• Aching, stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back
• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, sitting or standing for long periods
• Muscle spasm or tightness
• Difficulty standing up straight after sitting
• Pain spreading into the buttock or hip
• Leg pain or tingling if a nerve is involved

What causes low back pain?

Common causes include strained muscles and ligaments, irritated facet joints, sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction, and disc problems such as bulges and herniations. Risk factors include sedentary work, heavy or awkward lifting, weak core and hip muscles, previous back injuries, stress and poor sleep.

• Muscle or ligament strain
• Facet joint irritation
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
• Bulging or herniated discs
• Degenerative disc changes
• Spinal stenosis

Acute vs. chronic low back pain

Acute low back pain usually starts suddenly, often after lifting or an awkward movement, and many cases improve within a few weeks. Chronic low back pain persists beyond three months and often involves a mix of physical factors, deconditioning, sleep and stress. Chronic pain benefits from a structured plan that builds strength and confidence in movement.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI for back pain?

For most new back pain without red flags, imaging isn't needed right away, because results rarely change early care and can show age-related changes that aren't causing pain. Imaging may be recommended if you have red-flag symptoms, significant nerve signs, a history of trauma, or pain that isn't improving. Your doctor will refer you for imaging when it's needed.

When should you see a doctor right away?

Most low back pain is not an emergency, but some symptoms need immediate medical care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room — rather than booking a chiropractic visit — if you have any of the following:

• New loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to urinate
• Numbness in the groin, genitals or inner thighs ("saddle" numbness)
• Leg or arm weakness that is getting worse, or foot drop
• Back pain with fever, chills or a history of IV drug use or recent infection
• Pain after a significant fall, car crash or other trauma
• Back pain with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer

How chiropractic care may help low back pain

Your doctor starts by finding out what type of back pain you have and what aggravates it. Care typically includes gentle chiropractic adjustments to restore motion in the lumbar spine and pelvis, guidance on movement and posture, and a simple home exercise plan. StemWave may be added for muscle and soft-tissue pain.

When disc problems are driving the pain, Dr. Craig may include DRX9000 spinal decompression at our Portland clinic. In Hood River, Dr. Alvis treats low back pain with chiropractic care and can refer to Portland when decompression may help.

Services used for low back pain:

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Spinal Decompression (Portland)
• StemWave

Is spinal decompression right for low back pain?

Decompression may be appropriate when low back pain is linked to a herniated or bulging disc, degenerative disc changes or facet-related pain that hasn't improved with other care. Simple muscle strains usually don't need it.

Decompression is generally not appropriate during pregnancy, after spinal fusion or with surgical hardware in the treatment area, or with spinal fracture, tumor, severe osteoporosis, advanced infection or an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Candidacy is always decided at an exam.

Portland only: DRX9000 spinal decompression is performed by Dr. Jerome Craig, D.C., LMT at 2916 NE Broadway, Suite B. Hood River patients can be evaluated by Dr. Alvis and referred when appropriate. Learn about spinal decompression →

What to expect at ALVIS

Care for low back pain at ALVIS Chiropractic follows three simple steps, starting with a free consultation. Nothing is decided until the doctor has heard your story and examined you, and there's no obligation to begin care.

1. 1Free consultation: tell the doctor about your low back pain — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and your goals.
2. 2Exam: a hands-on chiropractic exam, with X-rays or other imaging reviewed or referred if needed, to identify the likely source and rule out red flags.
3. 3Personalized plan: the doctor explains the findings and recommends a plan, which may include chiropractic care, StemWave, home exercises or — in Portland — spinal decompression, or a referral if another provider is a better fit.

At-home tips while you heal

These general tips are safe for most people. Stop anything that clearly worsens your symptoms and ask your doctor what's right for you.

• Keep moving with short walks; avoid prolonged bed rest.
• Use ice or heat, whichever feels better, for 15–20 minutes at a time.
• Set up your workstation so you can sit with your back supported and change positions often.
• Lift with your hips and knees and keep loads close to your body.
• Prioritize sleep; poor sleep can make pain feel worse.