Back pain does not have just one cause
Muscles, joints, discs and nerves can contribute to back symptoms. A painful area or a phrase on an imaging report does not give us the whole explanation. We consider your history, examination and daily activities together.
Bring the details that matter
When did it start? Is it staying in your back or traveling into a leg? What happens when you sit, walk, bend or lift? Bring existing imaging and reports, including older studies if you have them. Tell Dr. Koser about previous treatment and what changed afterward.
Choose care around the examination
After the examination, Dr. Koser explains how the findings relate to what you’re feeling and the activities you find difficult. We discuss whether chiropractic care, decompression or progressive corrective exercise fits, and how we’ll check your response. Bring up any questions about a technique or recommendation before care begins.
Build a manageable exercise plan
Dr. Koser uses customized McGill-based exercise for low-back care when appropriate. Your starting point and progression depend on your findings and ability. Ask how the exercises relate to the tasks that matter to you, whether that is work, training or ordinary movement.
Symptoms that need prompt medical attention
New trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, numbness around the groin, or rapidly worsening leg weakness needs emergency assessment. Fever, unexplained weight loss or back pain after a significant injury also warrants prompt medical attention rather than waiting for a routine visit.
Back pain: NIH patient information · Lumbar disc herniation: AAOS
Before you visit
Your questions, answered.
Does back pain always mean a disc injury?
No. A disc is one possible contributor. The evaluation helps decide whether that explanation fits and whether more testing or a referral is needed.
What if the pain goes down my leg?
Tell us about the route of the pain, numbness and any loss of strength. The sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy pages explain why those details matter.