Reviewed by Dr. Marshall Luck, DC | Last updated: September 28, 2026
Low back pain is common and can arise from muscles, joints, discs, nerves, or a combination of factors. Symptoms may follow a specific strain or develop gradually with changes in activity, prolonged sitting, sleep, stress, or general health.
When back pain needs urgent care
Seek urgent medical care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, rapidly increasing leg weakness, severe pain after major trauma, or back pain accompanied by fever or serious illness. These symptoms require medical assessment.
Evaluation and conservative care
A chiropractic visit may include a health history, neurological and orthopedic screening, and assessment of spinal and hip movement. When appropriate, a care plan may use manual therapy, mobility work, exercise, and practical advice for daily activities. Imaging is not necessary for every episode, but referral may be appropriate when the history or examination suggests a need.
Evidence supports several conservative options for some types of low back pain, but no approach helps everyone. Learn more about chiropractic care in San Francisco, massage therapy, and acupuncture. Your practitioner can discuss likely benefits, limitations, and alternatives based on your presentation.
Supporting recovery
For many uncomplicated episodes, staying gently active and gradually returning to normal movement is preferable to prolonged bed rest. Specific exercises, pacing, workstation changes, sleep, and stress management may also be useful depending on the individual.
How low back pain is evaluated
A low back pain assessment considers when symptoms began, which positions or activities change them, previous episodes, and whether pain travels into a leg. Examination may include posture, spinal and hip movement, strength, reflexes, sensation, and orthopedic tests. These findings help determine whether conservative care is reasonable or whether imaging or medical referral should be considered.
Supporting recovery from low back pain
Many uncomplicated episodes improve with appropriate movement and time. A care plan may include education, gradual activity, mobility work, strengthening, and hands-on treatment when appropriate. Recommendations should reflect the examination, health history, work demands, and response to care. Seek prompt evaluation for major trauma, progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, saddle-area numbness, fever, or other concerning symptoms.
Evidence and further reading
Low back pain can reflect several different tissues and contributing factors. A careful history and examination help guide activity advice, conservative treatment, and referral when warning signs are present. Most plans benefit from gradual movement and exercise matched to the person rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. For a patient-friendly overview of common causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, see MedlinePlus: Back Pain.