Conditions we treat
Back Pain & Sciatica Relief in Bellingham
Holistic chiropractic care for low back pain, mid-back pain, and sciatica, so you can get back to moving, working, and living.
Getting to the root of your back pain
Most adults will deal with back pain at some point. It can come on suddenly after lifting something heavy, or build slowly from long days of sitting, poor sleep, or stress. For many people, it keeps coming back.
Our goal is to find out why. We look at how your spine, hips, and pelvis are moving, how your muscles are working, and what else might be adding strain, from your work setup to your sleep, stress, and nutrition. Then we focus on relief now and fewer flare-ups later.
Common causes
- Lifting, twisting, or a sudden strain
- Long hours sitting or standing
- Joint stiffness in the spine or pelvis
- Muscle imbalance and weak core support
- Disc irritation and sciatica
- Stress, poor sleep, and inflammation
Signs you may notice
- A dull ache or sharp pain in the low or mid back
- Stiffness first thing in the morning
- Pain that travels into the buttock or leg (sciatica)
- Muscle spasms
- Trouble bending, sitting, or standing for long
Our approach
How we help with back pain
Every plan starts with a thorough exam and a free 15-minute consultation, so you know exactly what’s going on before we begin.
1
Finding the cause
Your exam includes orthopedic and neurological tests, a movement and posture check, and muscle testing (Applied Kinesiology). If you have X-rays or MRIs, bring them along.
2
Gentle adjustments
We restore motion to stiff joints in the spine and pelvis. Gentle options like drop-table and instrument adjusting are available if you prefer.
3
Building lasting strength
We may add cold laser therapy, soft-tissue work, targeted exercises, ergonomic tips, and nutrition support to calm inflammation and help prevent flare-ups.
What the research says
The American College of Physicians recommends trying non-drug treatments first for most low back pain. Spinal manipulation is one of the recommended options for both short-term (acute) and long-lasting (chronic) low back pain, along with approaches like exercise and heat.
We believe in avoiding unnecessary medication when possible. Chiropractic care works well alongside your other providers, and we will refer you if your condition needs a different kind of care.
Source: Qaseem et al., Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain, Annals of Internal Medicine (2017).
When to see a doctor right away
Most cases are not an emergency. Seek urgent medical care if your symptoms come with any of the following:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs (call 911)
- Weakness in a leg or foot that is getting worse
- Back pain after a significant fall or accident
- Fever with back pain, or a history of cancer
- Severe pain at night that doesn’t ease with rest or a change of position
Frequently asked questions
Can chiropractic help with sciatica?
Often, yes. Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, often from irritation in the low back or pelvis. Gentle adjustments and soft-tissue work can help take pressure off the irritated area. If you have significant leg weakness, we will coordinate with your medical provider.
Should I rest or stay active?
For most back pain, gentle movement helps more than bed rest. We will show you which movements are safe for you and which to avoid while you heal.
Do you take insurance for back pain care?
We work with some insurance plans, including Medicare, Premera, Regence, LifeWise, and HMA, as well as car accident and work-related injury claims. Email us and we will check your benefits before your visit.
Ready to move without back pain?
New patients: start with a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Tran or Dr. Hsu. Call (360) 922-0626 or book online.