Low back, buttock and leg condition · Canton, OH
Low back pain treatment in Canton, OH
Low back pain is pain, stiffness or muscle tightness in the lower spine, and it can sometimes travel into the buttock, hip or leg. At Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center in Canton, OH, we start with a full exam to find whether the joints, discs or muscles are involved, then walk you through non-surgical care options.
Reviewed by Dr. Brent Ungar, DC · Last reviewed [date]
- 40+ years in practice in Canton
- Over 300 five-star reviews
- No referral needed
Low back pain at a glance
| Also called | Lumbar pain, lower back pain, back strain |
|---|---|
| Body area | Lower back and pelvis, sometimes the buttock, hip, leg or foot |
| Structures involved | Lumbar vertebrae and facet joints, discs, sacroiliac (SI) joints, muscles and nerves |
| Common symptoms | Aching or sharp pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, pain that travels into the buttock or leg |
| Common causes | Joint dysfunction, disc problems, muscle strain or spasm, posture, lifting |
| How we evaluate | Health history, spine and neurological exam, movement assessment, imaging if needed |
| Care options | Chiropractic adjustments, spinal decompression, physical rehabilitation, massage therapy |
| Referral needed? | No referral needed |
What is low back pain?
Low back pain is pain in the lumbar spine, the five vertebrae between the ribs and the pelvis. It can come from the joints between the vertebrae, the discs that cushion them, the sacroiliac (SI) joints in the pelvis, or the muscles that support the spine.
Discs sit between the vertebrae like cushions with a soft center. Nerves leave the low back and travel into the buttocks, legs and feet, which is why back problems can cause leg symptoms.
Most people have low back pain at some point. Some have a single episode, while others have pain that keeps coming back. Care starts with a full exam to find the source.
Low back pain symptoms and causes
What does low back pain feel like?
Low back pain can be dull and aching or sharp, and it may come and go.
- Aching or sharp pain across the lower back
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Muscle tightness or spasm
- Pain that gets worse with bending, lifting or long sitting
- Pain that travels into the buttock, hip or leg
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot
What causes low back pain?
Several structures in the low back can cause pain, and more than one can be involved.
- Lumbar joints that are stiff or not moving well after stress, overuse or injury
- Disc problems, such as a bulging or herniated disc pressing on a nerve
- Tight muscles or spasm, often as the body protects an injured area
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint irritation in the pelvis
- Lifting, twisting or a sudden movement
- Risk factors: long hours sitting, poor posture, inactivity, extra body weight, smoking
Which low back problem is it?
Different problems in the low back can feel alike, and back pain can also come from organs such as the kidneys. Your exam helps sort out the cause.
| Feature | Muscle strain or spasm | Disc problem | SI joint pain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Across the low back, often in the muscles on one or both sides | Low back, often traveling down one leg below the knee | Low back on one side, just below the belt line, sometimes into the buttock |
| Other signs | Tight, tender muscles; no numbness or tingling | Numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg or foot | Pain when standing on one leg, climbing stairs or getting out of a car |
| Often worse with | Bending, lifting and twisting | Sitting, bending, coughing or sneezing | Rolling over in bed and standing up from sitting |
Get emergency care right away if
- You lose control of your bladder or bowels
- You have numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks
- Weakness in one or both legs is getting worse
- Pain started after a major fall or car crash
- You also have a fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer
- Pain is severe at night or when lying still and does not ease
What to expect at our Canton office
Our typical process involves:
- Obtaining a thorough history of the problem and health history of the patient
- Performing a complete examination of the patient
- Obtaining any diagnostic tests (if necessary) to better understand the problem
- Discussing the diagnosis with you
- Reviewing the findings and treatment options with you
Every case is different and results vary.
Your first visit for low back pain
Before
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring any imaging reports and a list of medications.
During
We ask how the pain started, where it travels and what makes it worse, then check your movement, posture, reflexes, strength and sensation.
After
We explain what we found and the options that fit, so you can decide how to move forward.
Low back pain care options in Canton
Every care plan depends on your exam. Options your provider may recommend include:
- Chiropractic adjustments Gentle, targeted care to improve how the low back and pelvis move.
- Spinal decompression Slow, computer-guided stretch that may lower pressure on a disc and nearby nerves.
- Physical rehabilitation Core and hip exercises to support the spine and help prevent flare-ups.
- Massage therapy Hands-on work to ease tight, guarded back muscles.
If conservative care is not enough, your provider can talk with you about other options, such as injections or a surgical consult, and coordinate with your physician.
Low back pain that keeps coming back?
Your low back pain care team
Dr. Brent Ungar, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician | Laser Therapy Educator
Dr. Anthony Gatelaro, DC
Chiropractic Physician | Over 30 Years of Experience
Low back pain questions we hear in Canton
Chiropractic care is a common conservative option for low back pain. We review your history and exam first and refer you to a physician if we find signs that need other care.
Gentle activity is usually better than long bed rest. Short walks and easy movement often help, while heavy lifting and long periods of sitting may make pain worse. Your provider can show you which movements to do and which to avoid for now.
Most low back pain is not serious, but get emergency care right away if you lose control of your bladder or bowels, have numbness in the groin, or have leg weakness that is getting worse. Fever, unexplained weight loss or pain after a major fall also need prompt care.
Nerves leave the low back and travel into the buttock and leg. When a disc or joint irritates one of these nerves, pain, tingling or numbness can travel down the leg. This is often called sciatica.
No referral needed. Imaging is ordered only if your exam shows it is needed. Many cases of low back pain do not need it.
Belden Village Chiropractic and Wellness Center treats low back pain at 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, in Canton, near North Canton, Massillon and the Belden Village area.
Visit our Canton office
- Address
- 4200 Munson Street NW, Suite B, Canton, OH 44718
- Phone
- 330-493-0009
- Hours
- Mon–Thu: Dr. Ungar 7:45 a.m.–6 p.m.
Mon–Thu: Dr. Gatelaro 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Fri–Sun: Closed - Parking
- Free on-site parking
Patients visit us from Canton, North Canton and across Stark County.
Find out what is behind your back pain
Start with a full exam and a clear talk about your options. Call 330-493-0009 or send a request.