Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Brooks Chiropractic and Rehab

101 W. Broad St. Suite 302

703-536-4800

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • Patient Center
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
      • Your First Visit
      • Phase 1: Relief Care
      • Phase 2: Corrective Care
      • Phase 3: Wellness Care
    • Health Resources
    • Payment Options
    • Virtual Office Tour
    • Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Services & Techniques
    • Chiropractic Care
    • Physical Medicine
    • Spinal Decompression Therapy
    • Cold Laser Therapy
    • Kinesio Taping
    • Custom Orthotics
    • High Def Video Analysis
    • Nutritional Supplements
    • Graston Technique
  • Testimonials
  • Conditions We Treat
  • En Espanol
  • About Us
    • Meet the Doctor
  • Contact Us
  • Community Content
    • We May Help You With
      • Auto Accident Injuries
      • Back and Shoulder Pain
      • Body Pain
      • Chronic Disease Relief
      • Conditions Affecting Women
      • Headaches
      • Herniated Discs
      • Improved Health
      • Pediatric Ailments
      • Repetitive Use Injuries
      • Respiratory Function
    • About Chiropractic Care
      • What is Chiropractic
      • How Does it Work
      • Who is Chiropractic For
      • Vertebral Subluxation
      • Wellness Resources
    • Chiropractic Techniques
    • Chiropractic Therapies
    • Life is Motion
    • Healthy Thinking
      • Get Positive
      • Relaxation Techniques
    • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
      • Treat Yourself Well
      • Treat Others Well
      • Eat Well
    • Wellness Essentials
      • At Home
      • At Work
      • Exercise
      • Nutrition
      • What You Wear
    • Wellness Perspectives
      • Social
      • Physical
      • Spiritual
      • Mental
    • Wellness4Kids
    • Newsletter Library
      • Weight Loss
      • Staying Motivated
      • Staying Young
      • Life-Work Balance
      • Stress & Anxiety
      • Mind-Body Connection
      • Wellness
      • Pregnancy & Parenting
      • Back, Body & Joint Pain
      • Senior Health
      • Healthy Tips
      • Exercise & Fitness
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
      • Injury Rehab & Prevention
      • Breaking Bad Habits
      • Kid's Health
      • Illness Prevention
  • COVID-19
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Newsletter Library >
  • Back, Body & Joint Pain >
  • When Is Back Pain More Than Back Pain?

When Is Back Pain More Than Back Pain?

  • Created in Newsletter Library, Back, Body & Joint Pain

Out of the blue, your back starts to hurt. At first, it's just an annoyance. You can live with it. You've had lower back pain before and it went away on its own.

Now it's a few weeks later. You've got a low-grade pain that's not getting any better. You're actually worse, in fact, because your back hurts most of the time.

What to do?

You don't want to run to a doctor. After all, it's just back pain. Everybody has back pain. So you begin to solicit advice from your friends. And, of course, your friends have plenty of advice. "Do these exercises my doctor gave me." "Do these stretches - they worked for me." "Go to yoga class." "I know a great Pilates instructor. She'll get you in shape and your back will stop hurting." "Take vitamins and drink more water." "Meditate."

Your friends mean well and it's all very good advice. But none of it seems to work. Another month goes by and now the pain is increasing. It's even affecting your sleep.

It's time to see a doctor. But which one? For the most part, medical physicians are not experts on back pain. Typical recommendations include rest, moist heat, and anti-inflammatory medication.1,2 But, really, you've done all that. You need more specific advice.

Choices might include doctors of chiropractic, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists.

Many orthopedic surgeons are spinal specialists, but what they do is surgery. This would be a last resort, typically, after other treatment options have failed.

Physical therapists are highly skilled practitioners who focus on exercise, rehabilitation, and re-training. They are not primary care providers, and typically patients are referred to physical therapists by family physicians, chiropractors, and orthopedic surgeons.

Doctors of chiropractic are spinal specialists, too, and what chiropractors have to offer is expert conservative therapy.3 Chiropractors treat back-related problems all day, every day, and are the right doctor to see first.

As spinal specialists, chiropractors receive extensive training in evaluating patients with back pain. Chiropractors consider all aspects of the problem, and develop sound treatment plans based on the facts. If a person does not respond as anticipated, their chiropractor has a "Plan B" in place for further evaluation and possible referral.

When choosing a doctor, you're allowed to ask questions and participate in the process. The strategy for follow-up is critically important.

First, if you're improving and doing well, how will can you help keep the problem from recurring? Will your chiropractor prescribe stretches, exercises, and other self-care action steps to help you keep yourself well?

And, what steps will be taken if your problem and pain are not improving? Where might you be referred for further tests and evaluation? Chiropractic treatment is a powerful tool in most cases of back pain. Symptoms should begin to improve quickly. Have your chiropractor outline the "Plan B" if you are, in fact, not getting better.

Your doctor of chiropractic will be able to answer these questions.



1Zuhosky JP, et al: Industrial medicine and acute musculoskeletal rehabilitation. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 88(3 Suppl 1):S34-39, 2007.
2Cayea D, et al: Chronic low back pain in older adults. What physicians know, what they think they know, and what they should be taught. J Am Geriatr Soc 54(11):1772-1777, 2006.
3DeVocht JW: History and overview of theories and methods of chiropractic. Clin Orthop Relat Res 444:243-249, 2006.

  • We May Help You With
    • Auto Accident Injuries
    • Back and Shoulder Pain
    • Body Pain
    • Chronic Disease Relief
    • Conditions Affecting Women
    • Headaches
    • Herniated Discs
    • Improved Health
    • Pediatric Ailments
    • Repetitive Use Injuries
    • Respiratory Function
  • About Chiropractic Care
    • What is Chiropractic
    • How Does it Work
    • Who is Chiropractic For
    • Vertebral Subluxation
    • Wellness Resources
  • Chiropractic Techniques
  • Chiropractic Therapies
  • Life is Motion
  • Healthy Thinking
    • Get Positive
    • Relaxation Techniques
  • Wellness Lifestyle Tips
    • Treat Yourself Well
    • Treat Others Well
    • Eat Well
  • Wellness Essentials
    • At Home
    • At Work
    • Exercise
    • Nutrition
    • What You Wear
  • Wellness Perspectives
    • Social
    • Physical
    • Spiritual
    • Mental
  • Wellness4Kids
  • Newsletter Library
    • Weight Loss
    • Staying Motivated
    • Staying Young
    • Life-Work Balance
    • Stress & Anxiety
    • Mind-Body Connection
    • Wellness
    • Pregnancy & Parenting
    • Back, Body & Joint Pain
    • Senior Health
    • Healthy Tips
    • Exercise & Fitness
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Nutrition & Healthy Eating
    • Injury Rehab & Prevention
    • Breaking Bad Habits
    • Kid's Health
    • Illness Prevention

Sign up using the form or call 703-536-4800 to make your appointment.

Featured Services

Click to Find Out More

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Make An Appointment

    We will do our best to accommodate your busy schedule. Schedule an appointment today!
  • Online Forms

    Our patient forms are available online so they can be completed in the convenience of your own home or office.

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Brooks Chiropractic & Rehab

Monday:

8am - 7pm

Tuesday:

8am - 7pm

Wednesday:

8am - 7pm

Thursday:

8am - 7pm

Friday:

8am - 7pm

Saturday:

8am - 12pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

  • "Dr. Brooks is awesome! I have a life now thanks to him and his work on my neck and back. Thanks bunches!"
    Peggi H. / Falls Church, VA

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Is it Time to See a Chiropractor?

    Are you struggling with aches and pain? A chiropractic adjustment may offer the solution to your problems. ...

    Read More
  • Stop Work-Related Back Pain

    Does your back ache after a day at work? These tips can help you avoid back pain. ...

    Read More
  • Common Causes of Back Pain

    Is your back killing you? Find out what could be to blame for your pain. ...

    Read More
  • The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Recovery Sports Injuries

    Chiropractic care can help you get off the sidelines after a sports injury. ...

    Read More
  • Relieve Chronic Stress With Chiropractic Care

    Preventing stress-related pain can be as simple as scheduling regular chiropractic appointments. ...

    Read More
  • Adjusting to a New Year

    Want to stay healthier this year? Chiropractic offers a natural solution. ...

    Read More
  • Winter Activities that Can Cause Pain and How to Prevent It

    Do you know how to avoid winter aches and pains? ...

    Read More
  • Does Your Pain Worsen During the Winter? Cold Weather May Be To Blame

    Struggling with a painful chronic condition? Winter weather may worsen your pain. ...

    Read More
  • Relieving Stress and Pain During Holiday Celebrations

    Want to avoid aches and pains and lower stress this holiday season? Try chiropractic care! ...

    Read More
  • Debunking Common Chiropractic Myths

    Have you been wondering if everything you've heard about chiropractic treatment is true? Check out these common myths. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Follow Us

  • Copyright © 2021 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map