Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Understanding what’s causing your discomfort is the first step toward lasting relief. The most frequent back pain causes we see in our Matthews chiropractic practice include:

  • Structural Misalignments: When vertebrae shift out of their proper position, they can compress nerves and create inflammation throughout your lower back
  • Damaged Discs: Bulging or herniated discs can press against nerve roots, causing sharp pain that may radiate down your legs
  • Muscle Strain and Tension: Overexertion, poor lifting techniques, or sudden movements can strain the muscles supporting your spine
  • Postural Problems: Poor posture from hours of sitting at a desk, sleeping in awkward positions, or carrying heavy loads improperly can gradually stress your lumbar spine
  • Degenerative Changes: Age-related wear and tear can reduce the cushioning between vertebrae, leading to stiffness and chronic discomfort

Low back pain (LBP) has been the leading cause of global disability since 1990, which is why understanding the difference between symptom management and structural correction is crucial for lasting relief.

" I came in with persistent lower back pain, and not only did they help relieve it through adjustments, but they also took the time to explain why I was in pain.

They took in-house X-rays and carefully reviewed my personal MRIs—something no other doctor has done for me—and helped me see the bigger picture of what was going on in my body."

google review for Precision Chiropractic in Matthews, NC

Michael Radford, Verified Review

"I was not able to straighten my back when I get up every morning. I started my first spine correction session and told Dr Matt about all the issues I was facing.

And with just the first adjustment, I woke up the next morning able to straighten my back immediately! That was the beginning to the healing of my spine that eventually resolved all other issues I was facing.

I am very thankful that I found a great chiropractor to help me resolve those issues! I no longer have those problems today!"

When Should You Seek Care for Your Back Discomfort?

While some minor back discomfort may resolve on its own, certain warning signs indicate you need professional evaluation to prevent long-term complications.

You should seek care if you’re experiencing:

  • Pain that persists for more than a few days or continues to worsen
  • Sharp, shooting sensations that travel down your leg or into your hip
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or feet
  • Discomfort that interferes with your sleep, work, or daily activities
  • Stiffness that makes it difficult to stand up straight or move normally
  • Pain that returns repeatedly, even after periods of improvement

The sooner you address structural problems in your spine, the more effectively we can help restore proper alignment and function.

Matthews, NC chiropractor Matt Westheimer stands in front of a woman standing at an x-ray machine
Smiling headshot of Dr. Matt Westheimer, founder of Precision Chiropractic in Matthews, North Carolina

"Low back pain is the most common musculoskeletal condition that limits people’s lives. It costs companies and societies a fortune in not just medical costs but in lost productivity due to pain. Whether it is a nagging or severe pain, it affects every aspect of life.

Some of the stats say well over 80% of people are going to have significant low back pain at some point in their life.

For anybody that has had low back pain, myself included, it is absolutely debilitating. It is so rewarding to be able to help these people get their lives back.”

Dr. Matt Westheimer, DC

Structural Chiropractor in Matthews, NC

How Structural Correction Helps lower back pain

Get effective relief by targeting the root cause of your lower back pain

Spinal Alignment

Misaligned vertebrae create pressure on surrounding tissues and compress nerve pathways. Targeted adjustments restore proper joint mechanics and reduce inflammation.

Nerve Function Restoration

Structural problems disrupt your nervous system’s ability to send clear signals. Corrections remove interference that blocks natural communication and healing.

Non-Invasive Pain Management

Adjustments address pain at its structural source without medications or procedures. This allows natural recovery while building spinal stability.

There’s much evidence that supports chiropractic care for low back pain, being an effective treatment approach, with no serious negative effects reported.

Couple with two kids poses for a photograph outside of a Matthews, NC after receiving treatment for back pain and headaches

Why Choose Us Over Another Matthews Clinic?

For years, Dr. Matt, DC, has been considered one of the best chiropractors in Matthews NC, for being committed to providing you with an outstanding patient experience.

  • Highest rated chiropractic clinic in Matthews

  • Expert chiropractic and shockwave therapy under one roof

  • Collaborative, patient-focused approach to care

Proud to Serve Mecklenburg County

Perfect 5-Star Review Rating

Dr. Matt Westheimer and Jen Westheimer standing outside a Matthews, NC chiropractic clinic

About Precision Chiropractic

We’re honored to be Matthews’ most trusted chiropractic practice, conveniently located just south of Highway 485 on Plantation Center Drive, across from Brace Family YMCA off of Weddington Road.

Unlike “crack and go” practices, we specialize in structural correction: finding and fixing the root cause of your issue. With hundreds of five-star reviews from Matthews families, you’ll get thoroughness, not assembly-line care.

Proudly serving Matthews, Weddington, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, Stallings, Charlotte, Ballantyne, Waxhaw, and surrounding communities in Union and Mecklenburg County.

Don't Let Another Day Go By Living With lower back pain

Whether you've dealt with discomfort for weeks or years, structural corrective chiropractic restores your body's natural ability to heal and function properly.

Our patients are already pain-free and back to their normal lives — isn't it time you joined them?