Low Back Pain

The spine, an incredible arrangement of bones, discs, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves, is designed to be strong, protective and flexible. Most people take what the spine naturally does for granted - until something goes wrong.

An estimated 80% of the population will experience lower back pain. It is one of the leading causes for missed work, which costs the United, States an estimated $25 billion annually.

Upper Cervical Care & Low Back Pain

Many treatments focus on the lower back when the actual cause of the problem may be in the upper spine. The upper neck can be a factor in the development of lower back pain for two reasons. First, the spine works and moves as one, continuous unit. The top two vertebrae, called the atlas and axis, are the most mobile segments in the spine. These two bones move in six different directions, allowing the head to move up or down, bend side to side or turn left to right. The other vertebrae move primarily in two directions, making them stronger and more stable than the top two vertebrae.

Secondly, the upper cervical spine (neck) has thousands of “sensors” responsible for maintaining both the proper posture and alignment of the spine, as well as the balance and stability of the head. These sensors are constantly monitoring the head position, making the necessary changes throughout the lower spine to assure that the head remains upright.

When the spine is aligned, it is extremely strong and stable. However, due to their mobility, the top two segments are especially vulnerable to injury or misalignment. When a misalignment occurs at the top of the neck, the spine compensates or adapts in an attempt to protect the vital nervous system it houses. This triggers a chain reaction from the top to the bottom of the spine. When the head is thrown off balance, the lower spine is compromised; the pelvis is tilted, or one leg may be drawn up or shortened, resulting in an internal weakness and a spine that is imbalanced. This chain reaction makes the spinal muscles, bones, and discs more vulnerable to injury – an accident waiting to happen. If neglected, an upper cervical misalignment can lead to premature arthritis and irreversible spinal degeneration.

Can Upper Cervical Care Help With Your Lower Back Pain?

For years, upper cervical chiropractors have been helping patients with low back pain. Most sufferers experience a phenomenal improvement in both the severity and frequency of their low back pain with upper cervical care.

Common Treatments For Low Back Pain

Standard treatment for lower back pain in the medical community may include rest, over-the-counter or prescription painkillers, muscle relaxants, physical therapy, spinal injections, and even surgery. However, a five-year study conducted by the United States Agency for Health Care Policy Research (AHCPR) found little evidence that these treatments are effective for acute back pain. This study also found that only 1% of the patients benefited from surgery for back pain. As part of the “first-line” treatment, the AHCPR panel recommends spinal adjustments and exercise.

Failed Back Surgery Syndrome

Dr. Peter Ullrich, a spinal surgeon with the NeuroSpine Center of Wisconsin, states that a common reason for failed back surgery is a condition called “transfer injuries.” These injuries occur when the areas above and below the location of the surgery begin to degenerate because of excessive stress and strain from spinal fusion.

Low Back Pain & Trauma

While some pain sufferers recall specific injuries that caused their lower back pain, the majority does not. Many state that one day they just woke up in pain. Some say they felt the onset of back pain when they coughed or sneezed, while others recall they were involved in an everyday activity like putting on shoes or taking a shower when they experienced terrible back pain. Movements like these should not injure a healthy back. When they do, it can be the first indication of a chronic, underlying weakness due to spinal imbalance.

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What Our Patients have to say...

  • Carlo R
    Neck Pain, Tingling in Fingers
    I experienced pain in my neck, shoulder, arm and hands to the point where my fingers would start tingling as a result of a weekend warrior injury. I saw an orthopedic surgeon who had referred me to a physical therapist. While the therapy helped relieve some of the pain and the tingling, the symptoms continued returning. Despite my hesitation regarding the chiropractic profession, I decided to give it a try since nothing short of surgery had worked. Dr. Roth had identified and pinpointed the exact cause of the problem. And after attending only two months of sessions with Dr. Roth, the symptoms went away and I have been pain and tingle free for over 2 years.

  • Ray M.
    Construction Worker in 3 Motor Vehicle Accidents
    Upper Cervical Chiropractic is amazing! I have been to many chiropractors over the years but I must say, Dr. Justin Roth and upper cervical adjustments have done wonders for me. I am 31 years old and have been in the construction business for over 13 years. I have been involved in several motor vehicle accidents including cars, snowmobiles and 4 wheelers. My neck and back have paid the price for that. Dr. Roth x-rayed my neck and has been adjusting my neck and back for 3 months now.
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  • Frank T.
    Pressure in Head, Chest Pain, Asthma, Headaches, Neck and Low Back Pain
    In late November 2010 I was involved in a serious rollover car accident. I suffered a life threatening Traumatic Brain Injury & luckily I pulled through. I was in physical therapy for months, & saw a barrage of doctors on a regular basis. It came to a point in my recovery that doctors couldn’t help me anymore. I told them about symptoms & they offered no answers other than “it will take time'. I had severe headaches on a regular basis, lower back pain, pressure in my head that never went away, severe asthma, neck pain, & a pain in my chest coming from my sternum.
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  • Mark M.
    Back Pain
    Whether you are believer, on the fence or skeptical of Chiropractic medicine you must visit Dr. Justin Roth at Kensington Naturopathic Medical Center. I have been to many Chiropractors but Dr. Roth was the only one to explain every detail of the x-rays and provide a complete explanation of the course of treatment. Within the first 5 minutes of my first visit I knew I made the right choice. I have never had another Chiropractor spend that much time on an appointment.
  • Mike B.
    Chronic Neck and Low Back Pain
    When I initially came to see Dr. Justin Roth I was unsure exactly what Upper Cervical Subluxation was and how it was affecting my quality of life. All I did know is that I have had erratic neck pain and continuous lower back pain for the better part of a decade. The pain started when I was in The United States Marine Corps from all the heavy equipment and had continually became worse over time with the other careers I had taken, all of which make you susceptible to injuries and muscle strain.
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  • Mark R.
    Lower Back Pain
    I first heard about chiropractic care while talking to a friend of mine. He had been experiencing some lower back pain over the course of several years. He finally gave chiropractic care a try and it helped him feel pain free. I had recently begun feeling some lower back pain myself and wanted to do something about it. After speaking with my friend I decided to give it a try. My lower back pain began slowly and was fairly mild. Over time the pain became more frequent and the intensity of the pain grew to intolerable levels.
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  • Marisa G.
    Low Back Pain
    I first went to see Dr. Roth about six months after giving birth to my son. I was in near-constant pain in my lower back, it got so bad that I sometimes had trouble bending to put the baby in his crib. It hurt too much to even practice yoga, something that used to feel good. After only a few adjustments by Dr. Roth, I started to feel better. Now I'm pain-free and back to enjoying all the activities I used to. Thanks to Dr. Roth, I'm no longer in pain!
  • Dave G.
    Chronic Neck, Lower Back and Shoulder Pain
    I was treated by another local chiropractor for almost two years, three times a week, and never saw any long term improvement. I would feel better for a short while after the treatment, but fell back to feeling the same pain shortly thereafter. In addition, my job requires me to carry 25 pounds of gear every day and the work conditions are less than ergonomically correct. Dr. Roth took x-rays to see how my spine looked and found all sorts of issues, including problems with my very top vertebrae, mid and low back. Dr. Roth has used many techniques to pinpoint and treat my problems and they have greatly improved. Since my treatment began, my neck pain is dramatically better.
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  • David R.
    Chronic Low Back Pain
    Although I’m only 31 yrs old, I’ve had chronic lower back problems for many years starting around the age of 17. Over the years, it’s progressively gotten worse. I’ve been “laid out” for days in my bed, not able to move while having back spasms. In late February 2009, I had the worst spasms of my life. I was on the floor for hours unable to move. My wife wanted to call 911 because she had never seen me in this type of pain before. I knew something had to be done. I have been seeing Dr. Justin Roth for a little over 2 months now. I’m virtually pain free. I feel great. I’m able to do the things I used to do before I had the constant agony.
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  • Geoff B.
    Lower Back Pain
    I initially visited a chiropractor to fix for some lower back pain that I had been experiencing for a few weeks prior. Within a few weeks of my initial examination; I began regular treatment visits, and I began to notice a significant reduction in my lower back pain. I have had other doctor’s mention that medication would be the best solution, or if it got worse, surgery. But with some basic chiropractic adjustments, I had no need to take any form of medicine. Within 2 months, the pain was all gone, and to-date, it has not returned. Even with just those minor adjustments, not only did my pain go away, but my posture showed noticeable improvement and I just felt more relaxed and at ease.
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  • Robin P.
    Extreme Lower Back Pain, Headaches, Poor Posture, Neck Soreness
    I first went to see Dr. Justin Roth this past fall when I was having severe pain in my back. Due to this pain, my movements were very limited and even sleeping was impossible. I called the office and was given an appointment for that same morning. Dr. Roth was very professional, personable, patient and empathetic. He took the time to explain Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care and how it differed from other types of chiropractic care. He then sent me for x-rays. Due to the severity of my pain he even fit me into his schedule later that afternoon to read my x-rays and give me an adjustment. I felt immediate relief from the pain. It wasn’t one hundred percent gone but it was amazing the difference after just one adjustment.
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  • Sarah M.
    Low Back Pain, Knee and Foot Pain, Fatigue
    On July 29, 2009, I had my first visit to Dr. Roth. At the time of my first visit, I was suffering from extreme lower back, knee and foot pain which was keeping me from performing simple, everyday tasks. I was very tired and lifeless and all I could concentrate on was the throbbing pain. A relative of mine was (and still is) a patient of Dr. Roth’s. I had some knowledge of chiropractic care, and honestly the thought of having my neck and back “twisted and turned” caused me tremendous anxiety. Yet I reached a point where the pain outweighed my fears and I made the call. My first appointment was nothing like I expected. I was so nervous about getting adjusted and having my neck “snapped” at my first visit; but that’s not what happened.
    Read More
  • Thomas O.
    Lower Back Pain
    For about 5 years I have endured pain in my lower back and left leg. At first the pain felt like a sore muscle and only occurred from time to time. It lasted for about 2 years. After those two years the soreness in my leg diminished and the pain in my lower back became more constant. My back was always sore and I became less flexible. This past year I started to limp slightly and both my back and leg hurt almost all the time. I was not able to lift my leg more than 20 degrees. Daily activities as simple as getting in and out of a car were very painful. I was consuming almost 10 Aleve a day! This was not a typical life of a 23 year old!
    Read More
  • Roberta C.
    Chronic Left Hip Pain, Chronic Low Back Pain, Chronic Neck Pain, Constipation, Asthma, Headaches...
    Before I came in to see Dr. Justin Roth, I had been seeing chiropractors for over 25 years. Most of my discomforts and complaints have not gone away; they have just been made more tolerable. Over the past 2 years my pain has become so severe that ordinary, everyday activities have become grueling to deal with. Simple things like getting out of a chair and out of bed in the morning were not only painful, but took a lot of time and care just to perform. I not only suffered from extreme neck and lower back pain but also from other ailments such as; left hip pain, constipation, asthma, headaches, sinus issues, depression, ringing in ears, anxiety, mood swings and bi-polar disorder.
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  • Kendall E.
    Spondylolisthesis
    I’ve been struggling with lower back pain for 12-13 years. During that time I’ve seen 5 different chiropractors. They all had one thing in common, they all treated the painful area, not trying to discover the origin of the problem. When I came to Dr. Roth, I was suffering from the same painful lower back pain. It was painful to bend over, put on socks and tie my shoes. I couldn’t sit or stand for more than 30 minutes at a time. When I met Dr. Roth on a Friday afternoon, he sent me to get x-rays to determine the cause of the problem. He wasn’t able to help me that day which was frustrating. I just wanted him to adjust my back to lessen the pain as all of my previous chiropractors did.
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  • Kathryn F.
    Headaches Everyday for 7 ½ Years
    After suffering from headaches for 7 ½ years, my family naturopath suggested I see Dr. Roth as my last chance since I had begun to give up the hope of living without daily headaches. After just a few short visits I found my headaches reduced by 60%. This has given me back hope and lowered my stress levels more than I could have wished for.

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