Chiropractic care has been shown to be highly effective in managing and relieving back pain, especially when integrated into a personalized care plan. At Advanced Spine & Rehab in Mesa, AZ 85206, our complete staff of medical professionals is trained in the latest chiropractic techniques. We focus on accurate diagnosis, spinal alignment, and holistic health to address both acute and chronic conditions—providing safe, non-invasive relief for patients seeking long-term spinal health and function.
What’s Better, a Massage or a Chiropractor?
Both massage therapy and chiropractic care offer unique benefits, depending on the underlying cause of discomfort. Massage helps relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress, making it ideal for soft tissue tension. Chiropractic care focuses on spinal alignment, joint mobility, and nerve function, addressing structural and neurological issues. In many cases, a combined approach provides the most effective relief—relaxing tight muscles and correcting misalignments for comprehensive care.
How Long Does it Take for a Chiropractor to Fix Back Pain?
The duration of chiropractic care for back pain varies based on the severity, cause, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients experience relief after just a few sessions, while others with chronic or complex conditions may require several weeks of consistent care. Typically, improvements are noticed within 2–4 weeks. Chiropractors often reassess progress regularly to adjust the treatment plan for optimal recovery and long-term spinal stability.
Does Insurance Cover Chiropractic Care?
Yes, many health insurance plans cover chiropractic care, but coverage varies by plan and provider. Most private insurance policies, including employer-sponsored and individual plans, often include chiropractic services, though they may require a referral or have limitations on the number of visits. Medicare Part B covers manual spinal manipulation for subluxation but excludes other services like X-rays or massage therapy. Medicaid coverage differs by state; in Arizona, chiropractic care is covered under specific conditions. It’s essential to review your policy or consult your insurer to understand your coverage details.
How Often Should You Get a Chiropractic Adjustment?
The frequency of chiropractic adjustments depends on your condition, health goals, and how your body responds to treatment. For acute pain or recent injuries, adjustments may be recommended 2–3 times per week initially. As symptoms improve, visits are typically reduced to once weekly or biweekly. For maintenance and preventive care, many patients benefit from monthly visits. Your chiropractor will tailor a schedule based on your individual needs and response to care.
Can a Chiropractor Fix Posture?
Yes, chiropractors can significantly improve posture by addressing misalignments in the spine and correcting muscular imbalances. Through spinal adjustments, posture-specific exercises, and ergonomic guidance, chiropractic care helps retrain the body to maintain a healthier alignment. This can reduce strain on muscles and joints, relieve pain, and prevent long-term degeneration. Consistent care, along with patient participation in corrective strategies, is key to achieving and maintaining lasting postural improvements.
Common Symptoms That May Prompt Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Persistent or recurring back pain
Ongoing discomfort in the lower, mid, or upper back may signal spinal misalignment or muscular imbalance. Chiropractic evaluation helps identify root causes and relieve pain without medication or surgery.
Limited range of motion
Difficulty bending, twisting, or moving freely often results from joint dysfunction or muscle tightness. Chiropractic adjustments restore mobility and improve flexibility.
Muscle spasms or tightness
Sudden, involuntary muscle contractions can indicate spinal stress or nerve irritation. Chiropractors relieve tension by addressing the underlying spinal issue.
Pain radiating to the legs or arms
Nerve compression, such as sciatica, can cause radiating pain, numbness, or tingling. Chiropractic care targets the source of nerve impingement for effective relief.
Postural changes or imbalance
Uneven shoulders, tilted hips, or forward head posture often stem from spinal misalignments. Chiropractors correct these issues to reduce strain and prevent long-term damage.
Pain after prolonged sitting or standing
Discomfort from static positions suggests spinal stress or disc problems. Chiropractic adjustments help rebalance spinal structures and support better posture habits.
Top 5 Medical Causes of Back Pain Symptoms
Herniated or Bulging Disc
Discs that shift or rupture can compress nearby nerves, causing localized pain, radiating symptoms, numbness, or reduced mobility in the spine and limbs.
Spinal Misalignment (Subluxation)
Misaligned vertebrae interfere with nerve function and biomechanics, leading to pain, stiffness, and muscle imbalances that worsen over time without correction.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related disc wear reduces spinal flexibility and shock absorption, often resulting in chronic pain, stiffness, and nerve irritation in affected areas.
Sciatica
Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve causes sharp, radiating pain from the lower back down the leg, often accompanied by tingling or weakness.
Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
Overuse, trauma, or improper lifting can injure soft tissues, causing inflammation, muscle spasms, and limited movement in the affected spinal region.
Top 5 Medical Treatments for Back Pain
Chiropractic Adjustments
Manual spinal manipulations realign vertebrae, reduce nerve pressure, and improve joint mobility—addressing the root cause of pain and enhancing natural healing processes.
Physical Therapy
Customized exercise and stretching programs strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore proper movement patterns to support spinal health and prevent future injury.
Massage Therapy
Soft tissue manipulation relieves muscle tension, boosts circulation, and supports relaxation—helping reduce pain caused by strain or stress on spinal structures.
Epidural Steroid Injections
Anti-inflammatory medication is injected near spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and pain, often used for severe disc issues or nerve compression.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Medications like ibuprofen reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief for acute back pain, often used in combination with other long-term treatment strategies.
Summary
Back pain can stem from various medical causes such as herniated discs, spinal misalignments, or sciatica. Common symptoms include persistent pain, reduced mobility, and radiating discomfort. Chiropractic care, along with physical therapy, massage, and other treatments, offers effective relief by addressing root issues. Personalized care plans can restore function, improve posture, and prevent recurrence. Early intervention is key. Understanding symptoms and treatment options empowers patients to make informed decisions for long-term spinal health and overall well-being.
Meet The Professional Staff
At Advanced Spine & Rehab in the Phoenix East Valley, we invite you to experience compassionate, individualized care in a calm and welcoming environment. Our dedicated team is committed to understanding your unique needs and guiding you with integrity on your journey to recovery. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, injury, or chronic discomfort, we focus on helping you find lasting relief and real solutions. Let us support your healing and restore your quality of life—one step at a time.