Low Back Pain and Back Stiffness
Ready to find out what's really behind your back pain?
New patients welcome from Kennewick, Richland, Pasco, West Richland and across the Tri-Cities.
Book Online Call (509) 820-3828
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a chiropractor. It can be a dull ache after a long day of sitting, a sharp catch when you bend or lift, or stiffness that makes getting out of bed slow. At ICE in Kennewick we look at the low back and the joints that load it: the pelvis, hips, knees and feet. When one link in that chain stops moving well, the low back often takes the strain.
What causes low back pain?
Most low back pain is mechanical, meaning it comes from how the joints, muscles, discs and ligaments are moving and being loaded. Common sources include:
Joint restrictions in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac (SI) joints
Muscle strain or guarding, especially in the QL (quadratus lumborum) and low back extensors
Disc irritation or bulging, which can also cause leg symptoms (see sciatica)
Hip stiffness that forces the low back to bend and twist more than it should
Pregnancy-related changes in the pelvis (see prenatal care)
Common causes: the kinetic-chain view
A tight QL with weak glutes: when the gluteus medius underperforms, the QL works overtime and compresses the low back and pelvis. Our blog explains this common pattern.
Stiff hips from long hours of sitting
Foot and ankle mechanics (flat feet, old ankle sprains) that change how force travels up the leg
Lifting and bending habits at work and at home
Previous injuries, including car accidents and work injuries
Symptoms
Ache, stiffness or sharp pain across the low back or on one side
Pain that's worse with sitting, bending, lifting or first thing in the morning
Muscle spasm or a feeling that your back "locks up"
Pain into the buttock or hip
Pain, tingling or numbness down the leg (see sciatica)
How ICE treats low back pain
We start with a thorough history and exam: spinal and pelvic motion, hip mobility, glute strength, foot mechanics, and nerve tests (reflexes, strength and sensation) when needed. If your exam suggests a more serious problem, imaging such as x-rays or an MRI may be recommended first. After treatment we re-test your movement so you can see what changed.
Care may include:
Spinal adjustments for the low back, pelvis and SI joints.
Extremity adjustments for the hips, knees, ankles and feet where restrictions add to the load on your back.
Low-level laser therapy to help calm irritated tissue.
Manual therapy and functional cupping for tight QL, glute and low back muscles.
Corrective exercises: glute activation, hip mobility and core control, done briefly and often at home.
Treated by an extremity-certified chiropractor who teaches other doctors
Back pain often has more than one driver, and finding all of them takes a whole-body exam. Your care at ICE is led by Dr. Kyle Bryant, DC, CCEP, the founder of Integrative Chiropractic and Extremities. Dr. Bryant is a Certified Chiropractic Extremity Practitioner (CCEP), an advanced credential awarded by the Council on Extremity Adjusting after 105 hours of advanced extremity training and a practical exam. He has 15+ years in practice, he teaches his extremity assessment approach to other chiropractors, and he has been invited onto several professional chiropractic podcasts to talk about extremity adjusting. A former collegiate, semi-pro and international soccer player, he knows first-hand what joint injuries do to the way an athlete moves.
He practices alongside Dr. Joseph Friedman, DC, who builds personalized plans around spinal and extremity adjustments and integrative therapies. Every patient gets extremity care as part of the evaluation, not as an add-on.
What to expect
Initial visits typically take 15–60 minutes, and in most cases treatment starts the same day unless imaging is needed first. Follow-ups usually take 10–20 minutes. Many people with mechanical low back pain notice easier movement within the first few visits. We'll tell you what to expect for your situation and what changes to watch for.
At-home care
Stay gently active. Walking is usually better than bed rest.
Break up sitting every 30 minutes; stand, walk, or do a few hip hinges.
Lift from your hips and keep the load close to your body.
Do your activation exercises as shown. They should not sharply increase pain.
When to get emergency care
Go to the emergency room right away if you have numbness in the groin, genitals or inner thighs ("saddle" area), new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs. These can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, which needs immediate medical treatment. Also see a medical provider promptly for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or pain after a significant fall or accident.
Frequently asked questions
Can a chiropractor help low back pain?
Most low back pain is mechanical and often responds well to chiropractic care, soft tissue work and targeted exercise. Your exam will show whether you're a good candidate or need a medical referral first.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI?
Not usually at first. Imaging is typically recommended when there are red-flag signs, significant nerve symptoms, or pain that doesn't improve with conservative care. We'll tell you if we think you need it.
Why does my back hurt more in the morning?
Discs and joints are often stiffer after lying still overnight. Gentle movement, like walking or easy hip hinges, usually helps more than staying still. Avoid deep bending in the first hour after waking.
Should I use ice or heat?
Many people prefer ice for a fresh flare-up and heat for stiffness. Use whichever eases your pain, for 15–20 minutes at a time.
How long does low back pain take to get better?
It varies. Many episodes improve over days to weeks with the right care, while long-standing or recurring pain takes longer. We'll give you an honest estimate after your exam.
Get your low back pain evaluated in Kennewick
You don't have to keep guessing. Our doctors will look at your back and the joints above and below it, show you what they find, and walk you through a plan you can understand.
Integrative Chiropractic and Extremities (ICE Clinics) · 7117 W Hood Pl, Ste 130, Kennewick, WA 99336
Hours: Mon/Wed/Fri 9:00–12:30 & 3:30–6:00 · Tue/Thu 9:00–12:30 & 2:30–5:00
Paying for care: we are primarily self-pay, and we also accept Medicare, auto injury claims and L&I (Washington Labor & Industries) claims. No referral is needed. See what to expect as a new patient.
Book Your Visit Online Call (509) 820-3828
Related conditions
Sciatica · Hip pain · Sports injuries
Back to all conditions we treat.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a promise of results. Everyone responds differently. If you have severe, sudden or worsening symptoms, please contact your medical provider or call 911.