Low back pain
Low back pain has several distinct causes, and the treatment that helps one will not help another. Assessment covers range of motion, neurological testing and digital X-ray where indicated, to distinguish between joint restriction, disc involvement, nerve irritation and soft-tissue strain before treatment begins.
Understanding the problem
“Low back pain” is a symptom, not a diagnosis
The same complaint can come from a restricted joint, a disc pressing on a nerve root, a strained muscle, or referred pain from elsewhere. They feel broadly similar to the patient and respond to quite different treatment, which is why the examination comes before any hands-on work.
Two patterns are worth knowing. Pain that travels below the knee, or comes with numbness, tingling or weakness, suggests nerve involvement rather than a simple strain. And pain that is worse first thing and eases with movement behaves differently from pain that builds through the day — that distinction alone narrows the field considerably.
What a first visit involves
How we work through it
We do not begin treatment on first meeting you. The assessment comes first.
- History — we listen firstWhere the pain is, when it started, what makes it worse, previous injuries, and your work and sleep posture. For accident or work injury cases, how the incident happened.
- Physical examinationPalpation, range of motion testing, and a neurological check of reflexes, strength and sensation — to work out whether the problem is structural, neurological or soft tissue.
- Digital X-ray if indicatedTaken on site. Whether it is needed is a clinical judgement, not a default for every patient.
- Findings and plan explainedIn the same visit you are told what was found, the likely cause, what is proposed and roughly how many visits it may take — before anything begins.
At the clinic
Treatment rooms and equipment
What may be used
Combined according to the assessment
Not every patient needs every item. What is used follows from what the examination shows.
- Chiropractic adjustment of restricted segments
- Digital X-ray where clinically indicated
- Spinal traction where disc involvement is suspected
- Electrical stimulation for muscle spasm
- Ultrasound therapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Hot and cold therapy
- Core and postural rehabilitation exercise
- Lifting technique and workstation advice
Fees and insurance
Who usually pays for this
How treatment is funded changes what paperwork you need. Pick the closest to your situation:
Auto accident
The at-fault driver's liability cover, MedPay on your own policy, or on a lien where you are represented.
What you need →Work injury
California workers' compensation — approved treatment is paid by the employer's insurer.
How it works →Private insurance
What PPO plans typically cover, and deductibles.
How to check →Self-pay
Self-pay rates, including initial examination with digital X-ray.
See rates →Why here
A few objective points
1988 — 38 years
Same practitioner, same Oakland Chinatown block since 1988.
Cantonese · Mandarin · Taiwanese · English
From history-taking to explaining the plan, in the language you are most comfortable in.
Digital X-ray, same visit
Where imaging is clinically indicated it is taken here, not at a separate centre.
5 min from Lake Merritt BART
Madison professional building, downtown Oakland. Building and street parking.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest or keep moving?
For most mechanical low back pain, prolonged bed rest makes recovery slower rather than faster. Gentle movement within tolerance is usually better. What is appropriate for you depends on what the examination finds, so it is worth asking rather than guessing.
When is low back pain something more serious?
Certain features need prompt medical attention rather than conservative care: loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the saddle area, progressive weakness in a leg, unexplained weight loss, or pain following significant trauma. If any of these apply, seek medical care rather than booking a routine appointment.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on how long the problem has been there and what is causing it. We give an estimated range at the end of the first visit and revise it as we go, rather than quoting a fixed course in advance.
Related
You may also need these
Request a call
Can't call right now? Leave a time and we'll call you
We book by phone. If now isn't a good time, fill in the form below and we'll call you during clinic hours.