Maybe it started after bending to grab groceries, sleeping awkwardly, or following a car accident. Low back pain often shows up at the most inconvenient times. Suddenly, everyday activities feel harder than they should. We get how discouraging it can be when your back pain keeps you from enjoying life to the fullest.
“Every patient who walks through our door deserves to be heard and understood,” says Dr. Kim Privitera, owner of Woodstock Chiropractic. “Low back pain isn’t just about discomfort in one area. It can affect how you sleep, work, play with your children, and move through your day. Our job is to help you get back to doing what matters most to you.”
Why Your Back Might Hurt
Low back pain has many causes. Long hours at a desk can stiffen joints and sensitize tissues over time. Repetitive work movements, heavy weekend projects, or even sleeping in a twisted position can contribute. Car accidents (sometimes even minor ones) are another frequent culprit.
The sudden jolt can irritate muscles and joints in ways that aren’t always obvious right away. It’s not uncommon for pain to appear days or weeks later, leaving you wondering what happened.
Outdoor activities around Portland can also play a role. Long hikes in Forest Park, hours spent cycling the Springwater Corridor, or bending and twisting during gardening weekends after a trip to the Portland Saturday Market—these can sometimes overwork muscles and joints, especially if your body isn’t conditioned for it. That’s why we focus on care that’s tailored to your unique needs.
Care That Fits You
Your first visit to our practice begins with listening. Dr. Kim and her team take the time to understand your symptoms, health history, and the daily demands on your body. This helps them create a plan that makes sense for your situation.
“I never want patients to feel like they’re getting a one-size-fits-all approach,” explains Dr. Kim. “Someone dealing with sudden pain after a car accident needs different care than someone with months of chronic discomfort. We tailor everything to what feels right for your body.”
Chiropractic care at the clinic is never cookie-cutter; we offer a range of techniques. Traditional manual adjustments can improve joint motion and reduce sensitivity. For those in significant pain or who prefer a gentler approach, Activator® adjustments use a handheld instrument to deliver precise, low-force care.
When adjustments aren’t ideal for a visit, other therapies may help. Soft tissue techniques, electric muscle stimulation, massage, trigger point therapy, and cupping can all address tight, tender areas. The on-site rehab space—with weights, therapy balls, bands, and an exercise bike—supports guided movement therapy.
Supporting Your Back for the Long Run
True recovery often goes beyond the treatment room. Dr. Kim and her team teach practical strategies you can use at home or work to reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
Simple changes can make a lasting difference. Maintaining flexibility in your hips and hamstrings, strengthening your core with steady movements like planks and bridges, and avoiding twisted postures during daily activities can all help.
Workplace setup plays a big role, too. Adjusting your chair so your hips sit slightly higher than your knees, keeping your keyboard close, and taking brief activity breaks every hour can prevent tension from building. If your pain began after a job-related strain, our work injury chiropractic services can also address the specific demands your body faces on the job.
A Team Approach to Your Wellness
Woodstock Chiropractic believes healing is a team effort. Alongside chiropractic care, our practice offers in-house nutrition services to help support recovery and overall wellness. The team can coordinate with local physical therapists when more advanced movement training is needed. “Healing isn’t something that happens in isolation,” says Dr. Kim. “Sometimes the best results come from combining chiropractic care with other services. We’re always willing to be part of a larger wellness team.”
Special care is available for patients whose back pain began after a collision. Our auto accident chiropractic approach includes a thorough assessment and gentle, progressive care designed to help restore mobility and reduce discomfort after even low-speed impacts.
Knowing When It’s More Serious
While most low back pain responds well to conservative care, Dr. Kim and her team know when symptoms require urgent attention. Sudden difficulty controlling bladder or bowel function, numbness in the saddle area, worsening leg weakness, or pain with fever should prompt immediate medical evaluation.
“Patient safety is always our top priority,” Dr. Kim emphasizes. “If we see signs of something outside our scope, we’ll refer you right away.”
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Recovery from low back pain doesn’t follow a perfect timeline. Some people improve within a few visits, while others need a gradual approach. Our care plans are reviewed and adjusted to fit your progress.
Serving Portland since 1950, our clinic has built a trusted reputation that Dr. Kim and her team continue with pride. Our bilingual Spanish-speaking staff ensures language is never a barrier, and same-day appointments mean you don’t have to wait in pain. Book an appointment today and get back to what you love!