Back Pain and Gonstead Chiropractic: Understanding the Mechanical Causes

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. It can range from mild, temporary discomfort to persistent pain that interferes with sitting, standing, walking, sleeping, exercising, or working.

There are many possible causes of back pain. Muscle strain, joint irritation, disc problems, injuries, repetitive stress, poor posture, and changes in movement mechanics can all contribute to back pain.

From a Gonstead chiropractic perspective, an important question is not only “Where does it hurt?” but also “Why is this area being stressed?”

Back Pain Is Not Always Just a Muscle Problem

When someone experiences back pain, it is natural to focus on the painful area. However, the location of pain does not necessarily identify the underlying mechanical problem.

For example, a person may feel pain in the lower back while also having restricted movement in part of the lumbar spine or pelvis. Another person may develop back pain after an injury because the way the spine and pelvis move has changed.

Muscles may also become tight or painful as the body attempts to stabilize or protect an area that is not moving normally.

For this reason, a thorough examination can be important when evaluating lower back pain and other types of back pain.

How Does the Gonstead System Evaluate Back Pain?

The Gonstead System uses a detailed examination process to identify areas of the spine that may demonstrate abnormal motion or other clinically relevant findings.

Depending on the individual case, a Gonstead chiropractic examination may include:

• Postural evaluation
• Static palpation
• Motion palpation
• Instrumentation
• Orthopedic and neurological examination
• Evaluation of spinal and pelvic biomechanics
• X-ray examination when clinically indicated

These findings are considered together rather than relying only on the location of pain.

The purpose of the examination is to develop a clearer understanding of the patient's spinal and musculoskeletal condition and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate.

The Relationship Between the Spine and Pelvis

The lumbar spine and pelvis work together during everyday activities such as walking, bending, lifting, sitting, and standing.

Changes in movement in one area can influence how other areas of the body compensate. For this reason, a Gonstead chiropractor may examine not only the area where the patient feels pain but also related areas of the spine and pelvis.

When evaluating lower back pain, for example, the examination may include the lumbar spine, sacroiliac region, pelvis, and surrounding structures.

This mechanical perspective can be particularly relevant for people whose back pain develops after an injury or continues to return despite temporary relief.

Back Pain After an Injury

Back pain can develop following automobile accidents, falls, sports injuries, lifting injuries, or other types of trauma.

After an injury, a person may unconsciously change the way they move. Muscles can become guarded or tense, and certain joints may become painful or restricted.

Even after the initial injury has improved, altered movement patterns may sometimes continue.

A Gonstead chiropractic examination can help identify clinical findings involving spinal and joint motion and determine whether chiropractic care may be appropriate as part of an individual's recovery.

What About Disc Problems?

Disc-related conditions are another common concern among people with back pain.

Disc degeneration, disc bulging, and herniated discs can be identified through appropriate medical evaluation and imaging when indicated. However, an imaging finding does not always explain the severity or location of a person's symptoms.

A comprehensive evaluation considers the patient's symptoms, medical history, neurological findings, physical examination, and imaging when available.

From a Gonstead perspective, evaluating the mechanical function of the spine may provide additional information about how the patient is moving and where abnormal spinal motion may be present.

Patients with significant neurological symptoms or other concerning findings may require medical evaluation or referral.

Why Does Back Pain Keep Coming Back?

Some people experience temporary relief from back pain but notice that the problem repeatedly returns.

Recurring back pain can have many possible contributors, including repetitive activities, poor movement habits, insufficient strength or conditioning, previous injuries, prolonged sitting, occupational demands, or other underlying conditions.

Rather than simply treating each episode as an isolated event, it can be helpful to evaluate factors that may be contributing to repeated stress on the back.

A Gonstead examination focuses on identifying specific spinal and joint findings that may be relevant to the patient's condition.

Chiropractic Care Is Individualized

There is no single chiropractic adjustment that is appropriate for every person with back pain.

The Gonstead approach emphasizes individualized examination and care. The location, direction, and characteristics of an adjustment are determined from the findings of the examination.

The goal is to address identified spinal or joint dysfunction while considering the patient's symptoms, history, physical findings, and overall condition.

When Should You Have Back Pain Evaluated?

Occasional mild back discomfort may improve with appropriate activity modification and self-care. However, professional evaluation may be appropriate when back pain:

• Persists or repeatedly returns
• Interferes with work or daily activities
• Develops after an accident or injury
• Is associated with significant stiffness or restricted movement
• Travels into the hip or leg
• Is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness

Certain symptoms require prompt medical attention. Severe or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms, significant weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle-area numbness, fever with severe back pain, or significant trauma should be evaluated urgently.

Gonstead Chiropractic Care for Back Pain in Fairfax, VA

At Nova Gonstead Chiropractic in Fairfax, Virginia, our approach to back pain begins with a detailed examination rather than simply treating the location of pain.

The Gonstead System allows us to evaluate the spine and related structures for specific clinical findings involving spinal alignment, motion, and biomechanics.

If you are experiencing lower back pain, recurring back pain, back pain after an injury, or discomfort associated with spinal and joint problems, a thorough examination can help determine whether Gonstead chiropractic care is appropriate for your condition.

Nova Gonstead Chiropractic
Fairfax, Virginia

A healthy, properly functioning spine is an important part of maintaining comfortable movement and an active lifestyle. Understanding the mechanical factors associated with your back pain can be an important first step toward appropriate care.

NoVA Gonstead Chiropractic Clinic
9514 Lee Hwy (Route 29), Suite B
Fairfax, VA 22031
(703) 359-6262