How Chiropractic Care Can Help Alleviate Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care in the United States — and one of the leading causes of missed work, disrupted sleep, and reduced quality of life. If you are dealing with low back pain in Dublin, OH, you are not alone. At The Centre – Chiropractic & Wellness in Bridge Park, we see patients every day who have been struggling with back pain for weeks, months, or even years — often without finding lasting relief.
The good news is that chiropractic care is one of the most effective, evidence-supported treatments for low back pain available. It is non-invasive, drug-free, and addresses the root cause of the problem rather than simply masking symptoms. In this article, we will explain what causes low back pain, how chiropractic care helps, what the research says, and what you can expect if you choose to pursue chiropractic care at our Dublin office.
Whether your pain started after lifting something heavy, developed gradually from sitting at a desk, or has been with you for years without a clear cause — this guide is for you.
What Is Low Back Pain??
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to healthcare that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to diagnose and treat problems with the spine, joints, and muscles. The goal of chiropractic care is to restore proper alignment, mobility, and function to the body, allowing it to heal naturally.
How Can Chiropractic Care Help Low Back Pain?
Low back pain refers to pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the lumbar region of the spine — the lower five vertebrae (L1-L5) and the sacrum. This region bears the majority of the body's weight and is involved in nearly every movement we make, which is why it is so vulnerable to injury and strain.
Low back pain is classified in two ways:
Acute low back pain comes on suddenly — often from a specific incident like lifting, twisting, or a fall. It typically lasts less than 12 weeks and often resolves with proper care.
Chronic low back pain persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after the original cause has been treated. Chronic pain often involves underlying spinal dysfunction that has been building over time.
Both types respond well to chiropractic care, though the treatment approach and timeline differ.
What Causes Low Back Pain?
Understanding the cause of your low back pain is essential because it determines the most effective treatment. Common causes include:
Spinal misalignment (subluxation) — When vertebrae in the lumbar spine shift out of their proper position, they place pressure on surrounding nerves, muscles, and discs. This is one of the most common and most treatable causes of low back pain, and it is the primary focus of chiropractic care.
Muscle strain — Overuse, sudden movements, or poor posture can strain the muscles and ligaments supporting the low back, causing pain and spasm.
Herniated or bulging discs — The discs between your vertebrae act as shock absorbers. When a disc herniates or bulges, it can press on nearby nerve roots, causing sharp, radiating pain that travels into the buttock or leg (sciatica).
Degenerative disc disease — As discs wear down with age, the spine loses its natural cushioning, which can cause chronic pain and stiffness.
Poor posture and ergonomics — Prolonged sitting, poor workstation setup, and postural imbalances place chronic strain on the lumbar spine. This is increasingly common among Dublin's working population.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — The joints connecting the spine to the pelvis can become misaligned or inflamed, causing deep low back and hip pain.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Low Back Pain
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to healthcare focused on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to diagnose and correct problems with the spine, joints, and muscles.
Spinal Adjustments
The cornerstone of chiropractic care for low back pain is the spinal adjustment — a gentle, controlled force applied to a specific vertebra to restore proper alignment and mobility. When subluxations are corrected, nerve pressure is reduced, inflammation decreases, and the body can begin to heal naturally.
At The Centre – Chiropractic & Wellness, Dr. Matthew Lundeberg uses a variety of adjustment techniques tailored to each patient's specific condition, age, and comfort level. Many patients notice relief within the first few visits.
Soft Tissue Therapy
In addition to spinal adjustments, we use soft tissue techniques including trigger point therapy and myofascial release to relieve muscle tension, break up scar tissue, and improve circulation in the affected area.
Exercise and Rehabilitation Guidance
Weak core muscles are a major contributing factor to recurring low back pain. Dr. Lundeberg prescribes specific exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting the lumbar spine, improving stability and reducing the likelihood of future episodes.
Lifestyle and Ergonomic Modifications
Many low back pain cases are maintained or worsened by daily habits — how you sit, sleep, lift, and move. We provide practical guidance on ergonomics, sleep positioning, and movement patterns to help you reduce strain on your spine throughout the day.
What the Research Says
The evidence supporting chiropractic care for low back pain is substantial and well established.
A landmark 2017 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that spinal manipulative therapy produced significantly greater improvements in pain and function compared to usual medical care for acute low back pain — with fewer side effects than medication.
The Annals of Internal Medicine published a systematic review finding that spinal manipulation was more effective than medication for reducing both pain and disability in patients with chronic low back pain.
The American College of Physicians now recommends spinal manipulative therapy as a first-line treatment for both acute and chronic low back pain — before prescription medication or invasive procedures.
These findings reflect what we see in clinical practice every day at our Dublin office: chiropractic care works, and for many patients it works better and more safely than the alternatives.
Low Back Pain Treatment at The Centre in Dublin, OH
At The Centre – Chiropractic & Wellness, located inside MESH Fitness at Bridge Park in Dublin, OH, we treat patients with all types and severities of low back pain. Our approach begins with a thorough evaluation on your first visit, including a detailed health history, neurological and orthopedic examination, postural assessment, and X-rays when appropriate.
Based on your findings, Dr. Lundeberg creates a personalized treatment plan with a clear timeline and realistic goals. We are transparent about what chiropractic care can address and how long it typically takes to see results.
We serve patients from across Dublin, Powell, Hilliard, Worthington, Upper Arlington, Marysville, and the greater Columbus area. Most major insurance plans are accepted, and affordable cash and wellness plans are available for patients without insurance or those who prefer not to use their benefits.
For more information about our approach to back pain, visit our Back Pain Relief page. To learn about our affordable pricing options, visit our Cash Plans page.
What to Expect — Your Treatment Timeline
Visits 1-3 (Relief Phase): Focus on reducing pain and inflammation through spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapy. Many patients experience noticeable improvement within the first three visits.
Visits 4-10 (Corrective Phase): Deeper spinal corrections address the underlying misalignments contributing to your pain. Rehabilitation exercises are introduced to build strength and stability.
Ongoing (Wellness Phase): Regular maintenance adjustments help maintain spinal alignment, prevent recurrence, and support long-term health. Many patients choose monthly or quarterly visits during this phase.
The exact timeline depends on the severity and duration of your condition. Dr. Lundeberg will give you a specific recommendation at your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many chiropractic visits do I need for low back pain?
Most patients with acute low back pain see significant improvement within 6-10 visits. Chronic pain that has developed over months or years typically requires a longer course of care — often 12-20 visits over 2-3 months. Dr. Lundeberg will give you a specific estimate at your first visit based on your examination findings and X-rays.
Is chiropractic care safe for low back pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care is one of the safest, most well-researched treatments for low back pain. It is non-invasive and drug-free, with a very low risk of side effects. The American College of Physicians recommends it as a first-line treatment before medication or surgery. Dr. Lundeberg adapts his technique to each patient's age, health history, and comfort level.
Can chiropractic care help a herniated disc?
In many cases, yes. Gentle chiropractic adjustments reduce pressure on herniated discs and surrounding nerves without surgery. The effectiveness depends on the location and severity of the herniation. Dr. Lundeberg will review your X-rays and examination findings to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your specific situation.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care for low back pain?
In most cases, yes. Low back pain is one of the most commonly covered chiropractic conditions. We are in-network with Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Medicare, Medicaid, Buckeye Health Plan, CareSource, Humana, OSU Health Plan, UMR, Cigna, Molina, VA Community Care, and more. We verify your benefits before your first visit. Cash plans start at $39 for a new patient visit.
What is the difference between chiropractic care and physical therapy for low back pain?
Both can be effective for low back pain, but they address different aspects of the problem. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment and nerve function through manual adjustments. Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles and improving movement patterns through exercise. Many patients benefit from both. At The Centre, Dr. Lundeberg incorporates rehabilitation guidance alongside chiropractic adjustments to address both aspects of recovery.
Can low back pain come back after chiropractic treatment?
Low back pain can recur, particularly if the underlying lifestyle factors — posture, ergonomics, activity level — are not addressed. That is why we include lifestyle and ergonomic guidance as part of every treatment plan. Many patients find that regular wellness adjustments after completing their initial treatment plan significantly reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.
Take the Next Step
If you are experiencing low back pain in Dublin, OH — whether it started recently or has been with you for years — we encourage you to come in for an evaluation. Understanding the cause of your pain is the first step toward lasting relief, and it starts with a conversation with Dr. Lundeberg.
New patients are welcome to book a free consultation at The Centre – Chiropractic & Wellness in Bridge Park, Dublin, OH. No referral is required and we will verify your insurance benefits before your first visit.
