Back Pain Treatment in Chicago
Back pain is one of the most common problems people experience. It may start after lifting, twisting, or sitting for long hours. Often, the pain continues or worsens if the real cause is not identified and corrected.
At Chiropractic Chicago, your trusted chiropractor Chicago, we focus on finding why your back hurts, not just where. Our team performs a detailed exam to locate the problem and build a plan that helps your spine heal naturally.
Dr. Elissa Grossman, DC has treated hundreds of patients with back pain in Chicago. Her approach is precise and gentle, aimed at restoring motion and balance without unnecessary strain.
Call (312) 248-3002 to schedule your complimentary consultation
What are the reasons for back pain?
Back pain can develop from a combination of physical stress, posture, and spinal imbalance. Common causes include:
- Poor posture from prolonged sitting or standing
- Improper lifting or sudden twisting movements
- Lack of regular movement or exercise
- Joint dysfunction in the spine
- Muscle strain or ligament sprain
- Muscle spasms
- Arthritis or age related wear
- Herniated disc treatment addresses herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica treatment addresses sciatic nerve irritation
Often, a single activity triggers pain, but the spine may have already been under stress before symptoms appeared. Dr. Grossman often explains that what feels sudden is usually the final straw after years of altered movement or alignment.
How do we diagnose the root cause of the back pain?
At Chiropractic Chicago, diagnosis begins with understanding the full picture of your health and movement patterns. Your evaluation may include:
- Review of health history and daily activities
- Postural assessment
- Range of motion testing
- Muscle and joint evaluation
- Nerve involvement screening
- Digital X rays when needed to assess spinal alignment
Dr. Elissa Grossman, DC reviews all findings with you and explains what is contributing to your pain. This process allows care to focus on correcting the root cause rather than masking symptoms. In some cases, orthopedic or neurological testing may also be used to better understand how the spine and nerves are functioning.
Back Pain Treatment Plan
Your treatment plan is customized based on exam findings and Dr. Elissa Grossman, DC’s clinical assessment. Treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments to improve spinal alignment
- Gentle correction to restore movement
- Therapeutic exercises to support recovery
- Posture and movement guidance
- Supportive care to reduce irritation
As Dr. Grossman explains, the goal is to restore stability and motion so the spine can function normally and heal naturally. Care is adjusted based on your age, condition, and how your body responds over time.
Back Pain Patient Case Studies
Chronic Low Back Pain with Sciatica Nerve Symptoms
Patient Info: The patient, in their mid-40s, led an active lifestyle and worked long, physically demanding hours. Over time, ongoing strain built up, making everyday tasks and work responsibilities harder to manage.
Symptoms: They had constant lower back pain that traveled down one leg. Sitting, walking, or staying in one position for too long became uncomfortable and exhausting.
Root Cause Analysis: The exam showed that irritated nerves in the lower back were causing the pain. Age-related wear and structural changes made the condition more complicated than a simple muscle strain.
Treatment Plan: We focused on relieving pressure on the nerves and improving movement. Chiropractic adjustments, gentle spinal stretches, massage, and shockwave therapy were used together to support recovery.
Outcome: Even with nerve irritation and age-related changes in the spine, their progress was faster than expected. In about a month, pain reduced by 75–80%, and daily movement became much easier.
Patient Feedback: During follow-up, the patient reported feeling significantly better. Walking and sitting were far more comfortable compared to their first visit.
Disc-Related Lower Back Pain Managed Without Surgery
Patient Info: An elderly adult, in their late 60s, had spent years living a hard working and physically active lifestyle. As the years went by, this led to the development of a disc related lower back pain.
Symptoms: The patient had constant lower back pain making it hard to sit, stand, or move for long periods. Finding a comfortable position became increasingly difficult.
Root Cause Analysis: Physical examination and imaging revealed that a spinal disc in the lower back was putting pressure on nearby nerves. Normal age-related wear also contributed to the ongoing pain.
Treatment Plan: Spinal adjustments were performed using a specialized table to gently stretch and flex the spine rhythmically, creating space between vertebrae. This relieved pressure on spinal discs and nerves. Massage and targeted physiotherapy were also added to promote healing.
Outcomes: The patient experienced significant pain reduction and improved function over the course of care. Conservative care helped stabilize their condition and prevented the need for surgery.
Patient Feedback: At the follow-up visit, the patient shared that moving was much easier and felt encouraged knowing their condition could be managed without surgery.
Restoring Movement After a Low Back Injury
Patient Info: A patient in their late 30s came in after a lower back injury. Ongoing discomfort began interfering with daily tasks and they sought care to restore movement and overall comfort.
Symptoms: Following the injury, the patient experienced ongoing pain and tightness in the lower back. Simple actions like bending, getting up from a chair, or standing too long became uncomfortable.
Root Cause Analysis: Physical examination revealed pain and stiffness in the lower back, likely developed over time from repetitive strain rather than a single injury. This created additional stress on nearby tissues, leading to stiffness and ongoing discomfort.
Treatment Plan: We focused on restoring proper spinal movement and supporting healing through chiropractic adjustments. In-office therapies and exercises were used to ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and stabilize the joints.
Outcomes: As care progressed, pain steadily reduced and mobility improved. The patient was able to move more comfortably and return to daily activities with greater ease.
Patient Feedback: In the ongoing visits, the patient shared feeling more balanced and comfortable throughout the day, with a clear reduction in lower back discomfort.
Back Pain Patient Testimonials & Reviews





Doctor Experience in Treating Back Pain
Dr. Elissa Grossman, DC has over 30+ years of experience treating back pain in Chicago. Throughout her career, she has worked with patients dealing with both sudden injuries and long‑standing spinal issues, always focusing on understanding the underlying cause of pain.
At Chiropractic Chicago, care is centered on accurate diagnosis and gentle, precise correction. Dr. Grossman takes time to explain findings, answer questions, and help patients feel confident in their care plan.
Her experience allows her to tailor treatment based on each patient’s condition, lifestyle, and goals, guiding them through care with clarity and compassion.
Book An Appointment
If you are experiencing back pain, Dr. Elissa Grossman, DC can help identify the cause and create a personalized care plan. Call (312) 248-3002 or Book Online using the booking tool below:
Signs Your Back Pain Will Not Resolve on Its Own
Certain signs suggest back pain needs professional attention:
- Pain continues to worsen
- Pain spreads into the legs or arms
- Episodes return more frequently
- Over the counter medications stop helping
- Daily movement becomes limited
- Stiffness persists despite rest
Early evaluation can help prevent long term spinal issues.
Understanding Acute vs Chronic Back Pain
Acute back pain often appears suddenly after an activity such as lifting or twisting. Chronic back pain develops when stress or misalignment continues over time. When pain lasts longer or keeps returning, it may signal an underlying issue that needs evaluation. Addressing the cause early helps reduce the risk of long term discomfort.
Do I Need Imaging or X-Rays for Back Pain?
Not every patient requires imaging. X rays may be recommended when spinal alignment, joint position, or structural changes need closer evaluation. At Chiropractic Chicago, imaging decisions are based on exam findings and individual history.
Does Insurance Cover Back Pain Treatment?
Coverage varies by plan. Our staff can help verify benefits.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
Some patients feel relief early, while others improve gradually with continued care. Progress depends on how long the issue has been present and how consistently care recommendations are followed.
Back Pain symptoms
Back pain symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity. You may experience:
- Dull or aching pain
- Stiffness or tightness
- Cramping sensations
- Burning pain
- Joint discomfort
- Pain traveling into the hips or legs
- Pain spreading from the upper back into the arms
- Reduced range of motion
Symptoms may come and go or feel constant. Changes in movement, posture, or activity can make pain worse.
Home remedies for back pain treatment
At home care may help manage symptoms between visits:
- Ice during the first two days for comfort
- Gentle heat after inflammation decreases
- Light walking to stay mobile
- Gentle stretching
- Avoid heavy lifting and twisting
- Over the counter pain relievers when needed
Home care supports comfort but does not correct spinal alignment.
Long Term Effects of Ignoring Back Pain Treatment
Ignoring back pain can allow spinal stress to worsen over time. Without care, misalignments may lead to:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Chronic pain
- Poor posture
- Reduced mobility
- Increased risk of future injury
Timely care supports long term spinal health and function.