Back pain can affect your ability to work, exercise, sleep comfortably, and enjoy everyday activities.

Whether your discomfort began suddenly after an injury or gradually developed from repetitive movement, prolonged sitting, poor posture, or everyday wear and tear, the right care starts with understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms.

At Clearwater Chiropractic, Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel provide personalized back pain treatment for patients throughout Eau Claire and the surrounding area. We take the time to evaluate your symptoms, movement, spinal function, health history, and personal goals before recommending a plan of care.

Our goal is not simply to focus on where you hurt. We work to identify factors that may be affecting how your body moves and functions so we can help you reduce discomfort, improve mobility, and return to the activities that matter to you.

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Dr. Flood performing chiropractic treatment for back pain at Clearwater Chiropractic in Eau Claire, WI

Dr. Flood provides personalized chiropractic care to help patients improve mobility and find relief from back pain.

What Is Back Pain?

Back pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, or reduced mobility affecting the upper, middle, or lower portion of the back. It may begin suddenly after an injury or develop gradually from repetitive movements, prolonged sitting, physical demands, previous injuries, or changes in how the joints and surrounding tissues function.

The back is made up of interconnected vertebrae, joints, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. Because these structures work together to support movement and stability, several different factors may contribute to pain. Some patients experience discomfort in one specific area, while others notice symptoms that change depending on how they sit, stand, bend, lift, or move.

Back pain may feel like a dull ache, sharp discomfort, muscle tightness, stiffness, or a reduced ability to move comfortably. The type, location, and duration of the symptoms can help determine which areas should be examined and what type of care may be appropriate.

Acute Back Pain

Acute back pain generally begins suddenly and lasts for a relatively short period. It may develop after lifting something heavy, twisting awkwardly, participating in sports, falling, or experiencing another type of injury. Although some acute episodes improve with time, pain that persists, repeatedly returns, or interferes with normal movement should be evaluated.

Chronic or Recurring Back Pain

Chronic back pain typically continues for three months or longer. It may remain relatively constant, come and go, or periodically become more intense. Long-term or recurring symptoms may be connected to several contributing factors, including previous injuries, repetitive physical stress, limited mobility, movement habits, or changes affecting the spine and surrounding tissues.

Office worker experiencing lower back pain while sitting at his desk

Prolonged sitting and poor workplace ergonomics can contribute to recurring back pain and reduced mobility.

How Back Pain Can Affect Daily Life

Back pain can interfere with much more than exercise or physically demanding work. Even routine activities may become uncomfortable when bending, lifting, sitting, standing, or changing positions causes pain or stiffness.

Back pain may make it harder to:

  • Sit comfortably through the workday
  • Sleep or find a comfortable position
  • Lift children, groceries, or household items
  • Drive or travel for extended periods
  • Complete chores and everyday responsibilities
  • Participate in sports, exercise, or hobbies

Some people also begin changing how they stand, walk, or move to avoid discomfort. These compensations may place additional stress on other areas of the body and make normal activities increasingly difficult.

At Clearwater Chiropractic, Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel consider how your symptoms affect your work, movement, activity level, and daily routine. This helps them develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs and goals rather than taking the same approach with every patient.

Common Symptoms of Back Pain

Back pain can feel different from one person to another. Symptoms may remain in one area, change throughout the day, or become more noticeable during certain movements and activities. Paying attention to where the pain occurs, what it feels like, and what makes it better or worse can help your chiropractor better understand the problem.

Aching, Stiffness, or Muscle Tightness

Some patients experience a dull, persistent ache along with tight or stiff muscles. These symptoms may be more noticeable after waking up, sitting for an extended period, standing for a long time, or completing physically demanding work. Stiffness can also make it harder to stand fully upright, rotate comfortably, or transition between sitting and standing.

Sharp Pain During Movement

Back pain may feel sharp or sudden when bending, twisting, lifting, reaching, or changing positions. Certain movements may repeatedly trigger the discomfort, while resting or avoiding that movement may provide temporary relief. Pain that consistently occurs during a particular movement may indicate that the joints, muscles, or other supporting structures are not functioning comfortably.

Reduced Mobility and Difficulty With Everyday Tasks

Pain and stiffness can limit how comfortably you move through the day. You may notice difficulty bending over, getting out of a chair, climbing stairs, lifting household items, exercising, or remaining in one position for an extended period. Reduced mobility can sometimes lead people to avoid activity altogether, which may make it harder to return to their normal routines.

Pain That Travels Beyond the Back

Some back pain remains in one location, while other symptoms may extend into the hips, buttocks, or legs. Patients may also notice tingling, numbness, burning sensations, or weakness alongside the pain. Symptoms that travel into the leg may be associated with irritation or pressure affecting a nerve. Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, an evaluation is important before determining the appropriate treatment approach.

Symptoms That Come and Go

Back pain does not always remain constant. Some patients experience flare-ups following a long workday, strenuous activity, extended travel, or a specific movement. Others feel relatively comfortable at certain times but notice that the pain repeatedly returns.

Recurring symptoms can be a sign that an underlying movement, joint, muscle, or lifestyle factor has not been fully addressed. At Clearwater Chiropractic, Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel evaluate how your symptoms behave over time so they can recommend care based on your specific situation.

Comprehensive chiropractic solutions tailored to your lifestyle & goals.

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Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can begin suddenly after an injury or develop gradually from repetitive stress, prolonged sitting, physical demands, or changes affecting the spine and surrounding tissues. In some cases, several factors may contribute to the discomfort. Identifying what may be causing or aggravating your symptoms is an important part of determining the most appropriate treatment approach.

Muscle Strains and Sudden Injuries

The muscles and ligaments supporting the back may become strained after heavy lifting, awkward twisting, overexertion, a fall, or an unexpected movement. These injuries can cause localized pain, muscle tightness, spasms, and discomfort that becomes more noticeable when bending, lifting, or changing positions.

Back pain may also develop after returning to strenuous exercise or physical work before the body is prepared for the increased activity.

Posture, Prolonged Sitting, and Repetitive Movement

Spending long periods sitting at a desk, driving, or remaining in one position may contribute to stiffness and muscle fatigue. An unsupportive workstation or repeated slouching can also make it more difficult to remain comfortable throughout the day.

Jobs and daily activities involving repeated bending, lifting, pushing, pulling, or twisting may place ongoing stress on the back. Over time, these movement patterns can contribute to recurring pain and reduced mobility.

Disc, Joint, and Age-Related Changes

The discs and joints of the spine help support movement and absorb forces placed on the back. Previous injuries, repetitive stress, arthritis, and age-related changes may affect how comfortably these structures function.

Conditions involving bulging or herniated discs, spinal joint changes, or narrowing around the nerves may contribute to pain, stiffness, or symptoms that extend into the hips, buttocks, or legs. Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, a thorough evaluation is important before recommending care.

Sports, Workplace, and Motor Vehicle Injuries

Back pain may follow an athletic injury, workplace incident, slip and fall, or motor vehicle accident. Some people notice pain immediately, while others experience increasing stiffness or soreness in the hours or days that follow.

Clearwater Chiropractic provides individualized care for patients experiencing back pain related to sports injuries, work-related injuries, and car accidents. Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel consider how the injury occurred, how it has affected your movement, and what symptoms you are experiencing when developing a personalized plan of care.

Rather than assuming every case of back pain has the same cause, our chiropractors evaluate your health history, posture, mobility, work demands, activity level, and previous injuries to better understand what may be contributing to your discomfort.

How Clearwater Chiropractic Approaches Back Pain Treatment

Effective back pain care begins with understanding the individual patient. The location of your discomfort is important, but it is only one part of the overall picture. Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel also consider how your symptoms began, which movements aggravate them, how they affect your daily activities, and whether previous injuries or recurring movement patterns may be contributing.

Your recommended care will depend on the findings from your evaluation. Not every patient receives the same treatment, and recommendations may change as your movement, comfort, and function improve.

A Personalized Chiropractic Evaluation

Your first visit provides an opportunity to discuss your symptoms, health history, previous injuries, work responsibilities, activity level, and treatment goals. Your chiropractor may also evaluate posture, mobility, range of motion, and how your body responds to certain movements.

This evaluation helps determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate and which areas may need attention. When symptoms suggest that another type of medical evaluation is needed, the chiropractor can recommend that you seek the appropriate care.

Dr. Flood evaluating a patient’s posture and upper back movement

Dr. Flood evaluates each patient’s posture, mobility, and spinal function before recommending a personalized approach to back pain care.

Dr. Kelbel performing a chiropractic adjustment for a patient with back pain

Dr. Kelbel provides personalized chiropractic adjustments designed to improve joint movement, mobility, and everyday function.

Chiropractic Adjustments

Chiropractic adjustments may be used to address joints that are not moving comfortably or functioning as intended. The specific approach will depend on your condition, comfort level, and the findings from your examination.

For some patients with back pain, spinal manipulation may help reduce discomfort and improve function as part of a broader, non-drug treatment plan. Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel tailor the approach to the individual rather than applying the same adjustment technique to every patient.

Addressing Muscle Tension With Dry Needling

Tight or sensitive muscles can contribute to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. When appropriate, dry needling may be incorporated into a patient’s treatment plan to target areas of muscular tension and myofascial trigger points.

Dry needling is offered at Clearwater Chiropractic for $45 per region and may be used alongside chiropractic care when the chiropractor believes the combination is suitable for the patient’s symptoms and goals.

Movement, Posture, and Home-Care Recommendations

Back pain can be influenced by how you sit, stand, lift, exercise, and move throughout the day. Depending on your needs, your chiropractor may provide guidance related to posture, workplace ergonomics, mobility, stretching, or activities that can be performed at home.

These recommendations are intended to help you participate in your care and make practical changes that support your progress between appointments.

A Treatment Plan That Responds to Your Progress

The number and frequency of appointments will vary based on the cause and severity of your symptoms, how long the discomfort has been present, and how your body responds to care.

Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel monitor your progress and adjust their recommendations when appropriate. The goal is to help you move more comfortably, function more confidently, and return to the work, family activities, exercise, and hobbies that matter to you.

What to Expect at Your First Back Pain Appointment

Your first appointment at Clearwater Chiropractic is focused on learning more about your symptoms, understanding how back pain is affecting your daily life, and determining whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your needs.

Dr. Flood or Dr. Kelbel will take the time to listen to your concerns, evaluate your movement, and explain the findings before recommending the next steps. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss your goals for care.

1. Discuss Your Symptoms

Your chiropractor will ask about when your back pain began, where you feel it, and which activities make it better or worse. You will also discuss previous injuries, daily routines, work demands, and the goals you have for care.

2. Evaluate Your Movement

Your chiropractor may assess your posture, mobility, range of motion, and how your body responds during movements. This evaluation can help identify areas of tension, restricted joint movement, weakness, or other factors that may be contributing to your discomfort.

3. Review Your Options

After the evaluation, your chiropractor will explain the findings in clear language and answer any questions you may have. Together, you will review treatment options, expected next steps, and recommendations based on your condition, comfort level, and personal goals.

What Should You Bring to Your Appointment?

To help your first visit go smoothly, consider bringing:

  • A list of current medications
  • Information about previous injuries or treatments
  • Relevant imaging or medical records, if available
  • Insurance information
  • Comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily
  • Questions you would like to discuss with your chiropractor

You do not need to understand exactly what is causing your pain before scheduling. The purpose of the evaluation is to help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and identify the most appropriate next steps.

Care Designed Around Your Goals

Some patients want to return to a sport or physically demanding job, while others simply want to sit, sleep, drive, or complete daily activities more comfortably.

Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel consider your personal goals when developing and adjusting your treatment recommendations. Throughout the process, you are encouraged to ask questions, discuss your progress, and share any concerns about your care.

Why Choose Clearwater Chiropractic for Back Pain Care?

Choosing a chiropractor is an important decision, especially when back pain is affecting your work, sleep, mobility, or ability to enjoy everyday activities. At Clearwater Chiropractic, patients receive individualized care from Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel in a welcoming Eau Claire clinic focused on education, communication, and long-term function.

Personalized Care

Your care plan is based on your symptoms, health history, examination findings, and personal goals. Recommendations can be adjusted as your comfort, mobility, and function improve.

Patient Education

Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel explain their findings and answer questions throughout your care. This helps you better understand your condition, treatment options, and recommended next steps.

Multiple Treatment Options

Care may include chiropractic adjustments, soft-tissue techniques, dry needling, mobility guidance, and home-care recommendations. Your chiropractor will select options that fit your needs and comfort level.

Convenient Eau Claire Location

Clearwater Chiropractic provides local, family-friendly care with flexible scheduling options. Our Eau Claire clinic makes it easier to fit appointments into your work and daily routine.

Related Back Pain Conditions and Services

Back pain may be connected to a specific area of the spine, a pattern of symptoms, or an injury. Explore these related conditions and services to learn more about the care available at Clearwater Chiropractic.

Low Back Pain

Learn more about pain, stiffness, and limited mobility affecting the lower portion of the back, including discomfort that becomes worse with sitting, bending, lifting, or standing.

Sciatica

Explore symptoms that may extend from the lower back into the buttocks or leg, including pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that may indicate nerve irritation.

Scoliosis

Learn more about scoliosis, its potential relationship to back discomfort and posture, and how Clearwater Chiropractic evaluates each patient’s symptoms and individual needs.

Sports Injury Chiropractic

Find personalized care for back pain that begins after athletic activity, repetitive training, overuse, a sudden movement, or an injury during competition.

Work-Related Injuries

Explore chiropractic care for back discomfort related to prolonged sitting, repetitive movement, lifting, physically demanding work, or a workplace injury.

Car Accident Injuries

Learn how Clearwater Chiropractic evaluates back pain following a motor vehicle accident and develops a treatment plan based on the injury, symptoms, and examination findings.

Dry Needling for Muscle Tension

Dry needling may be incorporated alongside chiropractic care when muscular tension or sensitive trigger points are contributing to pain and restricted movement. Treatment is available for $45 per region when appropriate for the patient’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain Treatment

Consider scheduling an evaluation when back pain lasts longer than expected, repeatedly returns, limits your movement, or interferes with work, sleep, exercise, or everyday activities. You should also have symptoms evaluated when they begin after a fall, accident, lifting injury, or other specific event.

Chiropractic care may help some patients reduce discomfort and improve function, depending on the cause of their symptoms and whether treatment is appropriate for their condition. Dr. Flood or Dr. Kelbel will evaluate your health history, movement, and symptoms before recommending a personalized plan of care.

The number and frequency of appointments vary based on your condition, how long the pain has been present, your goals, and how your body responds to care. Your chiropractor will explain the initial recommendations and adjust the plan when appropriate based on your progress.

Chiropractic adjustments are generally well tolerated and can be adapted to the patient’s condition and comfort level. Some people experience temporary soreness or stiffness afterward, similar to what may occur after beginning a new exercise or activity.

Dry needling may be recommended when muscle tension or sensitive trigger points are contributing to pain and restricted movement. Clearwater Chiropractic offers dry needling for $45 per region, and it may be combined with chiropractic care when appropriate for your symptoms and treatment goals.

Seek prompt medical care for back pain accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty urinating, worsening weakness or numbness in the legs, fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe pain following a significant fall or injury. These symptoms may require medical evaluation beyond routine chiropractic care.

Take the Next Step Toward Back Pain Relief

Back pain does not have to keep limiting your work, sleep, exercise, or everyday activities. If your symptoms are new, recurring, or connected to an injury, Clearwater Chiropractic can help you better understand what may be contributing to your discomfort and which care options may be appropriate.

Dr. Flood and Dr. Kelbel provide personalized back pain treatment for patients in Eau Claire and the surrounding communities. Schedule an evaluation today and take the next step toward improved comfort, mobility, and confidence in your daily movement.

Prefer to call? (715) 831-2111