Back Pain & Sciatica

Low back pain treatment in Denver

Low back pain is the single most common reason people visit a doctor in the United States. It affects roughly 80% of adults at some point in their lives, and for many, it becomes a recurring problem that limits work, exercise, sleep, and quality of life.

In 2017, the American College of Physicians updated its clinical practice guidelines to recommend non-pharmacologic therapies — including spinal manipulation — as the first-line treatment for acute and chronic low back pain, ahead of medication. Multiple states have since adopted similar guidelines. This reflects what chiropractors have seen clinically for decades: treating the mechanical cause of back pain produces better long-term outcomes than masking it with drugs.

What causes low back pain

The lumbar spine is a complex structure with multiple potential pain generators. Identifying the correct source is essential to effective treatment:

• Facet joints — the small joints connecting each vertebra can become irritated, inflamed, or locked. Facet pain is often sharp, localized, and worsened by extension or twisting. It can also mimic disc pain.
• Intervertebral discs — discs can tear, bulge, protrude, or herniate. Importantly, you do not need a positive MRI for a disc to be the source of your pain — early-stage disc injuries often don't show on imaging.
• Spinal nerves — when a nerve root is compressed or inflamed, it can produce sciatica: sharp, shooting, or burning pain that radiates into the buttock, thigh, or leg. Numbness and tingling are also common.
• Muscles and ligaments — when the spine isn't moving correctly, surrounding muscles compensate by tightening or weakening. Ligaments, which have limited blood supply, heal slowly when injured.
• Degeneration — degenerative disc disease and degenerative joint disease represent accumulated wear and tear. A Medicare-funded study found that chiropractic care is both more cost-effective and more time-effective than other conservative approaches for spinal degeneration.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve — from the lower back through the hip and buttock, down the back of the leg. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis, and it can be caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, or other forms of nerve compression.

Chiropractic treatment for sciatica focuses on relieving the compression. Depending on the cause, this may involve spinal adjustments, flexion-distraction technique, soft tissue therapy to release the piriformis muscle, and rehabilitation exercises to stabilize the lumbar spine and prevent recurrence.

How we evaluate and treat back pain

Dr. Baldwin's evaluation begins with a detailed history and a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination. He assesses spinal range of motion, joint mobility, muscle strength, nerve function, and postural alignment. When imaging is indicated — particularly if symptoms suggest disc herniation or nerve involvement — he will order or review X-rays or MRI to confirm the diagnosis before building a treatment plan.

Three phases of care

Treatment is structured around where you are in the recovery process:

• Acute care — the priority is reducing pain and inflammation. This may include chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, Class IV laser therapy, and soft tissue mobilization. The goal is to get you functional and comfortable as quickly as possible.
• Corrective care — for patients with recurring back pain, acute relief alone is not enough. Corrective care combines spinal rehabilitation, chiropractic treatment, and targeted exercises to address the underlying structural imbalances that cause pain to return.
• Maintenance care — a healthy spine requires ongoing attention. Periodic adjustments and continued exercise help maintain joint mobility, prevent degeneration from progressing, and keep you active long-term.

When is imaging needed?

Not every case of back pain requires an MRI or X-ray. Imaging is recommended when symptoms include progressive weakness, numbness, loss of bowel or bladder control, pain that worsens despite treatment, or a history of trauma. Dr. Baldwin has extensive training in diagnostic imaging interpretation and will recommend imaging when it will meaningfully change the treatment approach.

Is back pain treatment covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans cover chiropractic care for back pain and sciatica. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment begins. We also offer self-pay options for patients without coverage or for services not included in their plan.

Contact us at 303.647.9196 or Schedule Appointment to schedule an evaluation and start getting your back pain under control.