For most back pain, including low back pain, muscle spasms, sciatica and injuries from a car accident, a chiropractor is a good first stop. Our chiropractors take X-rays right in the office, so they can usually see you first. If you have other health conditions or want to talk about medication, a family practice provider in the same office can help too.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek care, and the first question is usually who to call. At Nevy Health, our chiropractors, family practice providers, massage therapists and naturopathic doctors work together on non-surgical treatment for back pain, so the provider you see first is the start of your care, not the whole of it.
Who should you see first? A quick guide
Work down the list and stop at the first line that fits you.
You have any of the emergency signs listed below
Call 911 or go to the emergency room.
The pain started after a car accident
Call us about auto accident care. Our chiropractors evaluate and treat accident injuries and can take X-rays in the office, and our naturopathic doctors also see auto accident patients.
The pain came on with lifting, bending, sitting, sports or posture, or it runs down your leg
Start with a chiropractor. See our pages on low back pain and sciatica treatment.
You have other health conditions or want to discuss medication
Start with a family practice provider, who can work with our chiropractors on your plan.
You are not sure
Call the front desk at (480) 833-0302, tell them what is going on, and they will book you with the right provider.
When to go to the emergency room
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if back pain comes with:
- Loss of control of your bladder or bowels
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Sudden or worsening weakness in both legs
- A high fever
- Severe pain after a serious fall or crash
How a chiropractor treats back pain
Your chiropractor starts by taking your history, then does a thorough examination, and takes X-rays in the office when they are needed. From there, they build a personalized treatment plan around your symptoms, lifestyle and goals. At Nevy Health, back pain and sciatica treatment may include:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Spinal decompression therapy
- Soft tissue therapy, therapeutic massage and cupping
- Acupuncture and dry needling
- Shockwave treatment
- Stretching and corrective exercises
- Posture and ergonomic recommendations
The goal is to reduce pain, relieve nerve irritation, restore mobility and help patients avoid unnecessary surgery whenever possible.
How a family practice provider fits in
Our family practice providers can manage medication when appropriate, order lab work and other diagnostic tests, and offer treatments such as trigger point and regenerative injections. Because they work in the same office as our chiropractors, your providers can collaborate on the best treatment plan for you when needed.
Common questions
Should I see a chiropractor or a doctor for back pain?
For most back pain without emergency signs, a chiropractor is a good place to start, and our chiropractors take X-rays in the office so they can usually see you first. If you have other health conditions or want to talk about medication, start with a family practice provider. At Nevy Health you can see either, and they work together on your care.
Can a chiropractor help with sciatica?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments are part of our sciatica treatment approach, along with spinal decompression, acupuncture, massage and cupping, and stretching and corrective exercises.
What happens at my first chiropractic visit?
Your chiropractor will take your health history, do a thorough examination, take X-rays in the office if they are needed, and talk with you about a treatment plan built around your goals.
Can I see a chiropractor and a medical provider at the same time?
Yes. Many of our patients do. Our chiropractors, family practice providers, massage therapists and naturopathic doctors work in the same office and coordinate care.
Back pain? Start with one call
Tell our front desk what is going on and they will book you with the right provider at our east Mesa office, 6402 E Superstition Springs Blvd, Suite 123.
Call (480) 833-0302 Request an appointment