Back Pain FAQs

Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients come to CoreHealth Wellness Center in Dallas. The sheer prevalence means we hear the same questions every day in our exam room. Below are the answers to what patients ask most often about back pain, its causes, and treatment options.

What is actually causing my back pain?

The answer varies. Common causes include disc bulges or herniations that irritate nerves and create shooting pain; facet-joint dysfunction where the small joints in your spine become stiff or inflamed; muscle strain from lifting, poor posture, or sudden movement; ligament sprains from injury or overuse; and postural stress that compounds over months and years. Some people have a single clear driver. Most have a combination. That's why diagnosis matters—the treatment that works for disc pain might not help muscle strain.

Am I at risk for back pain?

Back pain doesn't discriminate. It shows up in athletes, desk workers, laborers, and retirees. That said, certain patterns increase risk: sedentary jobs where you sit for hours without moving; heavy lifting or physically demanding work without proper technique; previous injuries that never fully healed; poor posture habits that stress your spine day after day; weak core muscles that force your back to stabilize everything; and sudden changes in activity level. The good news is that most risk factors are modifiable.

Can chiropractic care actually help my back pain?

Yes. Research and clinical outcomes show that chiropractic care—adjustment, soft-tissue work, decompression, and targeted exercise—is effective for most mechanical back-pain patterns. Most patients see meaningful improvement in the first 3–6 visits. The key is getting an accurate diagnosis first, then matching treatment to the actual driver of your pain.

How long does treatment take?

It depends on severity, duration, and how well you follow through on home care. Acute pain (sudden onset, few days old) often resolves in 3–6 visits. Chronic pain (months or years of symptoms) typically takes longer—maybe 8–12 visits over several weeks—but progress is steady. We re-evaluate every 2–3 visits and adjust the plan based on real results.

What about surgery? Is that necessary?

Not for most patients. Conservative care—chiropractic adjustment, decompression, soft-tissue work, and exercise—resolves the vast majority of back-pain cases. Surgery is rare and reserved for specific conditions like severe nerve compression with progressive weakness or loss of bowel/bladder control. If we think your case needs surgery, we'll refer you to a surgeon and support your decision.

What can I do at home to help?

Avoid prolonged sitting without moving; take breaks every hour to stand, walk, or stretch. Sleep on your back or side—not your stomach, which rotates your spine. If you lift, use your legs, not your back. Strengthen your core with planks, dead bugs, and bird dogs. Improve posture throughout the day. Stay hydrated and move regularly. The most important thing: don't wait. Early treatment prevents pain from becoming chronic.

If you're dealing with back pain, call CoreHealth Wellness at (214) 219-3300 to schedule a 60-minute first visit. We'll find out what's causing it and give you a realistic plan to fix it.