How Pro Chiropractic Diagnoses and Treats Back Pain
By Dr. Cooper Page – Chiropractic Intern, Pro Chiropractic Bozeman
Stuck, Tight, and Frustrated: The Pro Chiropractic Approach to Diagnosing and Treating Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care at our chiropractic clinic in Bozeman, Montana. Whether caused by sports injuries, prolonged sitting, manual labor, or everyday stress, low back pain can significantly affect mobility, comfort, and overall quality of life.
At Pro Chiropractic in Bozeman, our focus is not just on relieving symptoms, but on identifying and treating the root cause of low back pain. Our doctors use evidence informed chiropractic care, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment plans to help patients recover safely and return to the activities they enjoy.
We work with athletes, active adults, desk workers, and residents throughout Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley who want long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.
Why Patients in Bozeman Choose Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain
When addressing chronic or recurring low back pain, many patients want to avoid medications, injections, or surgery whenever possible. Chiropractic care offers a conservative, non-invasive approach that focuses on restoring normal joint motion, improving function, and reducing stress on the nervous system.
Research has shown that patients who begin care with chiropractic treatment often experience lower overall healthcare costs and reduced likelihood of opioid use compared to traditional medical pathways. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as a first line treatment for many mechanical spine conditions.
While surgical intervention may be necessary in rare cases involving severe nerve compression, spinal instability, or progressive neurological symptoms, the majority of low back pain cases respond extremely well to conservative chiropractic care.
At Pro Chiropractic Bozeman, our goal is to help patients recover naturally and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures whenever possible.
Common Causes of Low Back Pain We Treat at Our Bozeman Chiropractic Clinic
Low back pain is rarely caused by a single issue. More often, it results from a combination of joint dysfunction, muscle imbalance, disc stress, and movement limitations.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint connects the pelvis to the spine and plays a critical role in transferring forces during walking, running, and lifting. Dysfunction in this joint can cause localized pain in the lower back and buttocks, especially during prolonged sitting, standing, or climbing stairs.
This is a common low back condition we diagnose and treat at Pro Chiropractic in Bozeman.
Muscle Strains and Ligament Sprains
Muscles and ligaments can become strained from lifting injuries, sports activities, repetitive motion, or sudden movements. This often results in localized pain, stiffness, and protective muscle tension.
Chiropractic care helps restore normal movement and reduce muscular compensation patterns.
Facet Joint Dysfunction
Facet joints guide spinal movement. When these joints become restricted or irritated, they can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
This condition is frequently seen in active individuals and athletes in Bozeman, as well as patients with prolonged sitting or repetitive postural stress.
Disc Bulges and Disc Herniations
Intervertebral discs act as cushions between spinal bones. When discs become injured or degenerate, they may bulge or herniate, placing pressure on nearby nerves.
This can cause low back pain, sciatica, and radiating pain into the legs.
Spinal decompression and chiropractic care can be highly effective for managing disc related conditions.
Movement and Biomechanical Dysfunction
Problems in the hips, knees, ankles, or feet can alter biomechanics and increase stress on the lumbar spine.
This kinetic chain dysfunction is extremely common in athletes and active adults in Bozeman and can contribute significantly to chronic low back pain.
FAQ’s About Seeing a Chiropractor for Low Back Pain
Is chiropractic care effective for low back pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care is widely recognized as an effective, conservative treatment for low back pain. Research has shown that spinal manipulation and chiropractic treatment can reduce pain, improve mobility, and decrease the need for medications or invasive procedures.
Many patients experience significant improvement through chiropractic care alone.
How do I know if I should see a chiropractor for low back pain?
You should consider seeing a chiropractor if you have:
- Persistent low back pain
• Stiffness or reduced mobility
• Pain when sitting, standing, or bending
• Radiating pain into the legs
• Recurring back injuries
Early evaluation can prevent worsening and speed recovery.
Is chiropractic care safe?
Yes. Chiropractic care is considered very safe when performed by licensed professionals. It is a non invasive treatment that focuses on restoring normal movement and function.
At Pro Chiropractic, every patient receives a thorough evaluation before treatment begins.
How many visits does it take to see results?
Many patients notice improvement within the first few visits. However, the number of visits depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of the condition
• How long the problem has existed
• Underlying biomechanical factors
Your chiropractor will create a personalized care plan based on your diagnosis.
Do I need imaging before seeing a chiropractor?
Not always. Many low back pain conditions can be accurately diagnosed through detailed history and physical examination, and some need a deeper look through imaging like x-rays and MRI studies. The best chiropractic clinics offer on-site x-rays for your convenience.
If imaging is necessary, your chiropractor will recommend appropriate studies based on your specific condition.
Can chiropractic care help with disc bulges and sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic care, spinal decompression, and rehabilitation exercises can significantly reduce symptoms associated with disc injuries and nerve irritation.
Many patients with sciatica improve without surgery.
How Our Chiropractors in Bozeman Diagnose Low Back Pain
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Pro Chiropractic Bozeman, we use a comprehensive, step by step diagnostic process.
Patient History
We begin by understanding how your pain started, what aggravates or relieves it, and how it affects your daily activities.
This allows us to identify patterns and contributing factors.
Movement and Orthopedic Testing
We perform orthopedic and neurological testing to evaluate joint function, nerve involvement, and muscular balance.
This may include:
- Range of motion analysis
• Postural assessment
• Functional movement evaluation
• Orthopedic testing for disc, joint, and nerve conditions
We also use advanced gait and posture analysis technology in our Bozeman clinic.
Imaging When Necessary
If clinically indicated, X rays may be used to evaluate spinal alignment, degenerative changes, or structural abnormalities.
This ensures an accurate and complete diagnosis.
Chiropractic Treatments We Use for Low Back Pain
Once the cause of your low back pain is identified, we develop a personalized treatment plan.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Spinal adjustments restore normal joint motion, reduce nerve irritation, and improve function.
We use both traditional adjusting techniques and gentle, low force methods depending on patient preference and condition.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression gently relieves pressure on discs and nerves.
This is highly effective for disc bulges, disc herniations, and sciatica.
Pro Chiropractic uses advanced decompression technology to help Bozeman patients recover safely and effectively.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue treatments help reduce muscle tension and improve mobility.
These may include:
- Dry needling
• Instrument assisted soft tissue therapy
• Fascial therapy
• Cupping therapy
These treatments enhance recovery and improve outcomes.
Rehabilitation and Corrective Exercise
Exercise therapy is essential for long term results.
We design personalized programs to improve:
- Core stability
• Movement mechanics
• Posture
• Strength and flexibility
This helps prevent recurrence and supports long term spine health.
Why Pro Chiropractic is a Trusted Chiropractor in Bozeman, Montana
Patients choose Pro Chiropractic because we focus on identifying and correcting the root cause of pain, not just masking symptoms.
Our clinic combines advanced diagnostics, evidence informed chiropractic care, and personalized treatment plans.
We work with:
- Athletes
• Active adults
• Desk workers
• Patients with acute and chronic low back pain
Our goal is to restore function, reduce pain, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy.
When to See a Chiropractor for Low Back Pain in Bozeman
You should consider seeing a chiropractor if you experience:
- Persistent low back pain
• Pain with sitting, standing, or movement
• Stiffness or limited mobility
• Radiating pain into the legs
• Recurring back injuries
Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and better outcomes.
Schedule an Appointment with Pro Chiropractic Bozeman
If you are experiencing low back pain, the team at Pro Chiropractic in Bozeman, Montana is here to help.
We specialize in diagnosing and treating the root cause of spine and musculoskeletal conditions using evidence informed chiropractic care.
Our goal is to help you move better, feel better, and return to your normal activities safely.
Schedule your appointment today with Pro Chiropractic Bozeman.
About the Author
Dr. Cooper Page is a chiropractic intern at Pro Chiropractic in Bozeman, Montana. He works alongside the doctors at Pro Chiropractic providing evidence informed chiropractic care for athletes, active adults, and patients with spine and musculoskeletal conditions.
References:
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Dagenais S, Brady O, Haldeman S, Manga P. A systematic review comparing the costs of chiropractic care to other interventions for spine pain in the United States. BMC Health Services Research. 2015;15:474. doi:10.1186/s12913-015-1140-5.
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Trager RJ, Cupler ZA, Gliedt JA, Fischer RA, Srinivasan R, Thorfinnson H. Association Between Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Low Back Pain With or Without Sciatica and Opioid Use Disorder. Health Science Reports. 2025;8(9):e71267. doi:10.1002/hsr2.71267.