Nagging Low Back Pain keeping you on the sidelines? You're not alone!
Low back pain is the #1 reason people seek chiropractic care nationwide—and it’s also the leading cause of complaints or disability in active adults. Translation: if you move, lift, train, ski, golf, or sit for a living… your low back is eventually going to complain. That doesn’t mean you’re broken! It means that you’re human.
At Minnesota Movement Sports Chiropractic in Excelsior, we don’t just chase symptoms. Our job is to figure out why your low back pain started, why it keeps coming back, and how to build a body that doesn’t rely on constant “adjustments” to survive. Rather, we want to build a resilient system that can adapt and respond without aches and pains.
Whether your pain came on suddenly during a lift, built up slowly from training volume, or showed up out of nowhere after years of desk work or daily movement, our approach blends hands-on chiropractic care, soft tissue work, and corrective exercise rehab to get you moving better—fast—and keep you there.
Common Symptoms of Low Back Pain We Treat
Dull, achy low back stiffness
Sharp pain with bending, lifting, or twisting
Pain after sitting or standing too long
Morning stiffness that eases with movement
Pain during running, golf swings, or rotational sports
Low back tightness that “never quite lets go”
Pain referring into the hips or glutes
How We Treat Low Back Pain at Minnesota Movement
Your low back rarely hurts because your core or low back is “weak.” Yes, that can happen, but usually it hurts because something else isn’t doing its job—and the spine pays the price.
Our treatment plans may include:
Chiropractic Adjustments & Mobilizations to the lumbar spine and pelvis (when mobility is truly restricted)
Manual Muscle Therapy to calm overactive muscles
Active Release Technique (ART) for scar tissue or restricted movement/mobility of tissues
Cupping / RockPods for fascial decompression and tissue pliability
Functional Dry Needling to reduce guarding and improve muscle firing
Kinesiology Taping for postural awareness and support
Corrective Exercise Rehab to restore proper core, hip, and pelvic control and mobility
Conditions That Mimic or Cause Low Back Pain
Sciatica:
Sciatica refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve either caused by compression in the spine or from muscles like Piriformis Syndrome. Sciatica often causes shooting, burning, or radiating pain down the buttock and leg. Unlike general low back pain, sciatica frequently includes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot.
Lumbar Disc Herniation or Bulge
Disc injuries often present with sharp pain, leg symptoms, or pain that worsens with sitting or bending forward. Disc-related pain commonly travels below the knee—something facet or muscle pain typically does not.
SI Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint often causes one-sided low back pain, usually worse with standing, walking, or transitional movements like getting out of a car. SI pain is often mistaken for disc issues but rarely causes numbness or tingling.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degeneration is a normal part of aging (again, we’re human) — but when irritated, it can cause deep, aching stiffness, especially in the morning or after prolonged sitting. Unlike acute injuries, this pain tends to be more persistent and mechanical.
Lumbar Facet Joint Pain
Facet issues often feel sharp with extension or rotation (think arching backward or twisting). Unlike disc injuries, facet pain rarely causes leg symptoms and typically feels localized to the spine. Typically we see Facet issues with athletes who extend a LOT - like gymnasts, golfers, and throwers.
Expected Recovery Timeline & Prognosis
Acute muscle strain: 2–4 weeks
SI joint dysfunction: 3–6 weeks
Disc-related pain: 6–12 weeks with consistent rehab
Chronic low back pain: Improvement often begins within 2–3 visits and resolves with 3-6 weeks of targeted rehab
Most patients start noticing meaningful change quickly only once the root cause is addressed—not just chasing the symptoms or pain.
Real Patient Testimonial:
I met with Dr. Reid due to a lower back strain that I had difficulty doing even basic movements. Even after the first session with Reid I had significant improvement. What I especially appreciated and made significant improvement quickly were the stretches and strengthening exercises Reid gave me. My back feels as good as ever and I will continue to do the exercises ongoing to further strengthen my core and back.
- Bryan E. - Chaska, MN
Low back pain slowing you down?
Book a comprehensive evaluation at our Excelsior clinic and let’s fix the root cause—so this doesn’t become your new normal.