Condition We Treat

Low Back Pain

The most common reason for missed work and restricted movement.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jason Bang, DC, FNP

|Last updated: April 2, 2026

Understanding Low Back Pain

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the number one reason Americans miss work. Despite how common it is, most people never address the underlying structural cause — they cycle through pain medication, rest, and occasional physical therapy without ever correcting what's actually wrong with their spine. This is why so many people in Valley, AL find themselves dealing with the same back pain year after year.

The lumbar spine bears the weight of your entire upper body while simultaneously allowing you to bend, twist, lift, and move. It's a remarkable structure, but it's also highly vulnerable to injury and degeneration when spinal alignment is compromised. Even minor vertebral misalignments can place uneven pressure on intervertebral discs, irritate or compress spinal nerves, and trigger protective muscle spasms that spread pain across the lower back, hips, and down the legs.

At Chiropractic Unlimited, we specialize in identifying the specific structural cause of your low back pain through a thorough clinical evaluation — not just treating the location where it hurts. Whether your pain stems from a recent injury, a long-standing structural issue, or accumulated stress from work and lifestyle habits, we build a corrective care plan designed to resolve the problem at its source.

Root Causes

What Causes Low Back Pain?

Low back pain almost always has an identifiable structural cause. Understanding what's driving your pain is the first step toward lasting relief. The most common causes we identify at Chiropractic Unlimited include:

Spinal Misalignment (Subluxation): When one or more lumbar vertebrae shift out of their optimal position, they create uneven mechanical stress on discs, joints, and nerves. This is one of the most common underlying contributors to both acute and chronic low back pain — and it responds exceptionally well to chiropractic correction.

Herniated or Bulging Discs: The intervertebral discs that cushion your lumbar vertebrae can weaken, bulge, or rupture under prolonged mechanical stress. When disc material presses against nearby nerve roots, it causes pain that may radiate from the lower back into the buttock, hip, or down the leg — a condition commonly associated with sciatica.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction: The SI joints connect the spine to the pelvis and are a frequently overlooked source of lower back pain. When these joints become misaligned or inflamed, they generate deep, aching pain in the lower back and buttocks that is often mistaken for disc pathology.

Degenerative Disc Disease: Years of poor posture, physical stress, or untreated misalignment can accelerate disc degeneration — a gradual wearing down of disc height and hydration that narrows the spaces through which spinal nerves pass.

Muscle Imbalances from Prolonged Sitting: Modern lifestyles — desk jobs, long commutes, excessive screen time — create predictable muscle imbalance patterns that place abnormal stress on the lumbar spine. When hip flexors tighten and core stabilizers weaken, the lower back absorbs forces it was never designed to handle alone.

Recognize the Signs

Common Symptoms

Stiffness and reduced mobility

Muscle spasms

Numbness or tingling in legs

Sharp or aching localized pain

Difficulty standing or sitting for long

Pain radiating into the buttock or hip

Take Action

When to See a Chiropractor

Many people assume low back pain is something they just have to live with. But persistent or recurring pain is your body signaling that something structurally needs attention. The longer a spinal problem goes unaddressed, the more compensation patterns develop — and the more complex the correction becomes.

You should schedule an evaluation with Dr. Bang if your pain has lasted more than three days without improvement, radiates into your buttock, hip, or leg, or comes with numbness and tingling. Similarly, if you've had multiple back pain episodes in the past year, if over-the-counter medication isn't providing adequate relief, or if your pain limits your ability to work or sleep normally — these are all signs that a structural issue needs professional evaluation.

As both a Doctor of Chiropractic and a Family Nurse Practitioner, Dr. Bang is uniquely equipped to evaluate low back pain from multiple clinical perspectives. This means he can differentiate between mechanical spinal pain, nerve compression syndromes, and other underlying conditions that can mimic or contribute to back pain — ensuring you get the right diagnosis and the most effective treatment from day one.

How We Help

Our Treatment Approach

At Chiropractic Unlimited, we approach low back pain with a single guiding principle: find the cause and correct it. Treatment begins with a comprehensive evaluation — including orthopedic and neurological testing, postural analysis, and a detailed health history — to identify the precise structural issue driving your symptoms. For most patients, the cornerstone of care is spinal adjustment (chiropractic correction): precise, controlled force applied to misaligned lumbar vertebrae to restore proper joint mechanics, decompress irritated nerves, and reduce the protective muscle guarding that perpetuates pain cycles. When disc involvement is present, we incorporate spinal decompression techniques that gently traction the lumbar spine, creating negative intradiscal pressure that draws herniated material back toward center and promotes disc rehydration. We also address the muscular side of the equation. Targeted rehabilitative exercises strengthen the deep core stabilizers that support the lumbar spine between visits, reducing re-injury risk and helping your spine maintain the corrections achieved in the office. This is the difference between getting adjusted and staying well. Dr. Bang's dual credentials as a Doctor of Chiropractic and a Family Nurse Practitioner add a dimension of care that most chiropractic clinics cannot offer. His medical training allows him to identify when low back pain has systemic contributors — such as inflammatory arthritis or metabolic conditions — and factor those into your treatment plan for truly integrated care. Recent research strongly supports chiropractic as a first-line treatment over opioid medication for low back pain. Read our full analysis of the evidence for chiropractic over opioids.

Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a chiropractor for back pain?

If your pain persists more than a few days, radiates down your leg, or limits normal movement, it's time for a professional evaluation. Early intervention consistently produces better outcomes and shorter recovery times than waiting for pain to become severe. Even if you're not sure whether chiropractic is right for your situation, Dr. Bang's dual DC and FNP credentials allow him to properly assess your case and recommend the most appropriate course of care.

Can you help with sciatica?

Yes. Sciatica is nerve pain caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve — most commonly from a herniated disc, bone spur, or spinal misalignment in the lower back. Our approach targets the specific site of nerve compression using spinal adjustment and decompression techniques to relieve pressure at the root. Many patients experience meaningful relief from sciatic symptoms within the first several visits.

Is chiropractic care safe for the lower back?

Chiropractic care is one of the safest, most evidence-backed treatments available for mechanical low back pain. Dr. Bang performs a thorough evaluation before beginning treatment and tailors every adjustment to the individual patient's presentation, age, and health status. Techniques are always chosen based on safety and clinical appropriateness.

Do you accept insurance?

We are a cash-based practice, which allows us to deliver the highest standard of care without the limitations imposed by insurance billing. Being out-of-network means Dr. Bang can spend the time your case actually requires. We offer transparent, affordable care plans and are happy to provide documentation for FSA/HSA reimbursement.

How long does treatment take?

Recovery timelines vary based on the nature and duration of your condition. Acute injuries often respond within 4-8 visits, while correcting long-standing structural issues typically requires a more comprehensive plan. After your initial evaluation, Dr. Bang will outline a specific timeline with clear milestones so you know exactly what to expect.

What if I've had back surgery? Can I still be treated?

In many cases, yes. Post-surgical patients often develop adjacent segment problems — where the levels above or below a fusion become overloaded. Dr. Bang evaluates post-surgical spines carefully and uses appropriately modified techniques. Your safety and clinical suitability are always assessed before treatment begins.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns. Dr. Jason Bang holds both Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) credentials. Learn more about Dr. Bang's qualifications.