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Back Pain Specialist

Pittsburgh Physical Medicine and Chiropractic Our Services Back Pain

Pittsburgh Physical Medicine and Chiropractic

Chiropractors & Rehabilitation Centers located in Pittsburgh, PA

At any given time, at least 31 million Americans are suffering from back pain. If you’re one of them and looking for a non-surgical, non-pharmaceutical approach to eliminating your back pain, it’s time to call Pittsburgh Physical Medicine and Chiropractic. Dr. Justin Foltz uses hands-on, natural approaches to reduce your back pain, improve your spinal function, and help you feel your best at his Shadyside office. If you live in Steel City and are looking for back pain relief, call the office today, or schedule your initial consultation online.

Back Pain Q & A

Pittsburgh Physical Medicine and Chiropractic

What are the symptoms of back pain?

With up to 80% of the population experiencing back pain at one time or another, it’s hard to know when your back pain is normal and when it isn’t. Although it’s normal to experience an aching back when you work extra hard, back pain that’s extremely painful, debilitating, or interferes with your daily functioning isn't normal.

Other symptoms of back pain can signify that your pain is problematic. These symptoms can include:

  • Stinging or burning pain that radiates down your legs or arms
  • Signs of sciatica, including pain in one leg or buttocks
  • Muscles spasms or tightness
  • Pain that gets worse with sitting or standing
  • Difficulty standing, walking, or sitting

What causes back pain?

Back pain can result from numerous complications. You may sprain a ligament, pull a muscle, or rupture a spinal disc. You may injure your back during a sporting event or develop back pain from the gradual wear-and-tear that occurs with aging.

Sometimes you know what caused your back pain -- a slip on the ice or picking up a box that’s too heavy -- while other times back pain develops over time with no indication of what started the issue. For some, back pain results from another chronic spinal condition such as:

  • Spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Scoliosis
  • Sciatica
  • Herniated discs

How do chiropractors treat back pain?

When you see Dr. Foltz for back pain, he must first determine the cause of your pain. He does this through feeling your back, testing your range of motion, and determining what actions make your back pain worse.

Depending on your situation, Dr. Foltz may use one or more of the following techniques to help reduce your pain:

  • Spinal adjustments and manipulations
  • Therapeutic exercises
  • Stretching
  • Trigger point therapy
  • CoxⓇ Techni (using a special table, along with flexion and distraction, to relieve spinal pressure)
  • Gua sha/Graston technique (using controlled inflammation on your soft tissues to stimulate a healing response in the body)

Dr. Foltz also recommends lifestyle habits that can improve your back pain and prevent future issues. He may suggest losing weight and exercising or discuss your posture and workplace ergonomics.

If you live in or around Pittsburgh and back pain interferes with how you function, call Dr. Foltz’s office today or book your appointment online.

Conditions & Treatments