Home / Conditions We Treat in Lake Oswego / Low Back Pain Chiropractor in Lake Oswego
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people look for a chiropractor, and it is one of the conditions Form & Function Chiropractic sees every week. Dr. Jeff Devine examines the lower spine together with the pelvis and hips, because the spot that hurts is not always where the problem starts. If you are searching for low back pain care near Lake Oswego, Tigard, West Linn or Southwest Portland, this page explains what we look for and how care usually works.
Common causes of low back pain
Long hours of sitting can tighten the hip flexors and weaken the glutes, which shifts more load onto the lumbar spine. Sudden strains from lifting, twisting or yard work are another frequent cause, as are injuries from a car accident. Over time, a deconditioned core and stiff hips can leave a back that aches without any single event to blame.
Symptoms we commonly see
- Dull ache or stiffness across the low back, often worse after sitting
- Sharp pain when bending, lifting or twisting
- Pain that spreads into the buttock or hip
- Tingling, numbness or pain traveling down the leg, which can point to sciatica
How Dr. Devine evaluates your back
The exam looks at the lumbar spine, pelvis and hips as one system. It includes hip mobility and core stability checks and a screen for nerve involvement, such as pain that radiates down the leg, numbness or tingling. Imaging is considered only when the history or exam calls for it.
What care can include
Care often includes adjustments to the lumbar spine, pelvis and sacroiliac joint, along with coaching on how you bend, lift and sit. Once pain settles, we add core and hip strengthening so the improvement lasts, using rehab and physiotherapy when you need extra support. When it fits your plan, Erchonia laser therapy can be added as a drug-free, needle-free option. You can read more about our approach to spinal care on the main clinic site.
Simple things you can try at home
- Change positions often and avoid sitting for long stretches
- Take short walks during the day
- Bend from the hips and knees instead of rounding your back
- Adjust your chair and screen so your hips and knees are comfortable
What your first visit looks like
Your first visit starts with a conversation about your history, when your back pain began, what makes it better or worse, and what you want to get back to doing. Dr. Devine then examines you, explains what he finds in plain language, and recommends a plan before you leave. X-rays are used only when they are clinically warranted. Adjustments can use Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release or SOT techniques, so you can choose a gentler approach if you prefer.
When to get medical care first
Some symptoms need prompt medical attention before chiropractic care: loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, progressive leg weakness, fever with back pain, or severe pain after a serious accident. If you have any of these, go to urgent care or the emergency room.
Common questions
Do I need an X-ray for low back pain?
Not always. In-office X-ray is used only when it is clinically warranted, such as after significant trauma or when your exam raises a specific question.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on how long you have had the problem and how you respond. Dr. Devine explains the recommended plan after your exam and adjusts it as you improve.
Can chiropractic help with leg pain that starts in the back?
Often the cause is in the low back or pelvis. We evaluate the source first, then recommend care. See our page on sciatica and herniated disc.
Why patients choose Dr. Devine
Dr. Jeff Devine has practiced for more than 25 years and trained at Palmer West Chiropractic College. He uses a range of techniques, including Diversified, Activator, Drop Table, Torque Release and SOT, so care can be gentle or more traditional depending on your comfort. Co-owner Jodi Black offers nutrition coaching for patients who want support beyond the adjustment table. Learn more about Dr. Devine, or see our new patient information.
Related care and nearby areas
Related pages: sciatica, herniated disc, neck pain and sports injury care. Read more on the main clinic site: lower back pain and chiropractic care and whether your back pain comes from sitting or lifting. We also offer Erchonia laser therapy when it fits your plan. Ask about the new patient special, and see the clinic FAQ. We welcome patients from Tigard, West Linn, Tualatin, Hillsdale and Southwest Portland and across Lake Oswego. See all services and conditions.
Form & Function Chiropractic
3 Monroe Pkwy, Suite G, Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Phone: (503) 495-3454
Mon and Wed 9 AM to 7 PM, Tue and Thu 7 AM to 3 PM, Fri 8 AM to noon
This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Talk with a qualified health professional about your own situation, and seek emergency care for severe or sudden symptoms.