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Back Pain Chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Lasting back pain relief in Fort Lauderdale from Spine & Joint Center — Gonstead-technique adjustments and spinal decompression that target the source of lumbar, disc, and sciatic pain.
Back pain most often originates from mechanical dysfunction in the lumbar spine — the five vertebrae from L1 to L5 — and the sacroiliac joints that connect the spine to the pelvis. When a vertebra loses its normal position and motion, the resulting joint restriction can irritate nearby spinal nerves and produce referred pain through the lumbar plexus into the buttock, hip, or leg. Disc-related pain follows a similar pattern: the lowest two segments, L4/L5 and L5/S1, carry the greatest mechanical load and account for the large majority of lumbar disc herniations. The Gonstead technique addresses this by identifying the primary restricted segment through motion palpation, then delivering a specific, controlled adjustment along a defined line of drive rather than a generalized manipulation. The American College of Physicians’ 2017 clinical practice guideline places spinal manipulation among the first-line, non-drug options recommended before medication for low back pain.
Spine & Joint Center is located at 410 NE 44th St in Oakland Park, just minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, serving patients across Broward County. The practice has provided back pain care from this location for more than 46 years, and its chiropractors — Dr. Douglas Kellerman, DC and Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC — bring 77 years of combined chiropractic experience.
Living with daily back pain? Relief starts with one focused evaluation.
Common Causes of Back Pain We Treat
Back pain has many sources, and an accurate diagnosis is what makes treatment effective. Spine & Joint Center treats a range of related conditions at the Fort Lauderdale practice, each evaluated individually before any treatment begins.
Back pain often travels with other conditions we assess at the same visit. Where joint wear is the main driver, we also offer chiropractic care for arthritis pain. Pain that points higher in the spine brings in migraines headaches relief. Balance symptoms tied to the neck are addressed through vertigo dizziness treatment. Any clinical wording you meet is defined in our chiropractic terms explained.
Before your first visit, you can complete the patient intake form, or use the online patient intake form to send your details ahead.
Lower Back Pain and Lumbar Disc Problems
The discs of the lower lumbar spine act as shock absorbers. When one bulges or herniates against a nerve, pain can travel into the buttock or leg — a pattern addressed with our herniated disc treatment options.
Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain
Lifting, twisting, or one awkward movement can overstretch the muscles and ligaments of the lower back, leaving localized pain, stiffness, and protective spasm. Adjustments restore joint motion so strained tissue can settle.
Degenerative Disc Disease
With age, lumbar discs lose height and hydration, stressing the surrounding joints — a common source of chronic, activity-related back pain. For advanced cases, non-surgical spinal decompression relieves pressure and supports disc health.
Spinal Stenosis
Stenosis narrows the spinal canal and compresses lower-back nerves, producing pain that radiates into the legs with heaviness or cramping. When symptoms follow the sciatic nerve, care overlaps with sciatic nerve pain relief.
SI Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joints link the spine to the pelvis. When one is restricted or irritated, it produces pain low and to one side of the back — often mistaken for a disc problem. A specific adjustment restores normal movement.
Chiropractic Treatment for Back Pain
Back pain care at Spine & Joint Center begins with a full examination — health history, orthopedic and neurological testing, and motion palpation — to pinpoint which spinal segments are restricted and which structures are generating your pain. From there, your Doctor of Chiropractic builds a plan from several proven methods:
- Gonstead TechniqueThe foundation of back pain care — a detailed full-spine analysis and instrument-assisted readings guide a specific adjustment along a precise line of drive.
- Spinal Decompression TherapyA motorized table creates gentle negative pressure inside the disc, drawing herniated material off compressed nerves and helping the disc rehydrate — without surgery.
- Activator MethodA handheld instrument delivers a quick, controlled, light-force impulse to a single segment — a gentler option for acutely inflamed joints and recent flare-ups.
- Core-Stabilization RehabTargeted exercises strengthen the muscles supporting the lumbar spine, improving the durability of each correction and reducing the chance back pain returns.
Spine & Joint Center combines these methods based on your individual findings and reassesses as you improve. Where back pain is part of a wider spinal pattern, he may incorporate broader hands-on spinal adjustments to support overall alignment.
When to See a Chiropractor for Back Pain
Most back pain is mechanical and responds well to conservative chiropractic care, but certain symptoms call for prompt medical evaluation first.
Seek immediate medical attention if back pain follows a serious fall or collision, comes with fever, or is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive leg weakness, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs. These can signal a condition that needs urgent care beyond the scope of routine treatment.
For typical back pain, timing still matters. Acute back pain lasts under six weeks, subacute spans roughly six to twelve weeks, and pain persisting beyond twelve weeks is considered chronic. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that most acute low back pain improves with conservative care. Addressing pain early — while it is still acute — gives the spine the best chance to recover before muscle guarding and compensation patterns make the problem harder to resolve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain Treatment
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain usually comes from mechanical problems in the lumbar spine — disc bulges or herniations, joint restrictions, muscle strain, or sacroiliac dysfunction. At Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale, the two lowest spinal segments, L4/L5 and L5/S1, are the most common source because they carry the greatest mechanical load.
How does a chiropractor treat back pain?
A chiropractor treats back pain by restoring normal motion to restricted spinal joints. At Spine & Joint Center, the Gonstead technique, spinal decompression therapy, and the Activator method are used, paired with core-stabilization exercises. Back pain treatment in Fort Lauderdale is matched to your examination findings rather than a fixed routine.
How many chiropractic visits do I need for back pain?
Back pain plans at Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale usually begin with two to three visits per week and are then reviewed at set intervals. Your own schedule is set after the initial examination and adjusted as care progresses.
Is chiropractic effective for chronic back pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care is an evidence-based option for chronic low back pain. The American College of Physicians recommends spinal manipulation among first-line, non-drug treatments for pain lasting beyond twelve weeks. At Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale, chronic back pain care combines adjustments, decompression, and rehabilitation.
Can back pain be related to digestive issues?
Back pain and digestive discomfort can overlap. Nerves exiting the mid and lower back also supply abdominal organs, so spinal joint restrictions sometimes accompany digestive complaints. Chiropractic care does not treat digestive disease. If digestive symptoms are your main concern, they should be assessed by a physician who treats them.
Is chiropractic care safe if I have osteoporosis?
Chiropractic care can be appropriate with osteoporosis when the technique is adapted to the condition. At Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale, low-force methods such as the Activator instrument and spinal decompression are used instead of forceful manual adjustments. Always report an osteoporosis diagnosis before treatment begins.
What is the difference between a manual adjustment and non-surgical spinal decompression for back pain?
A manual adjustment is a hands-on technique in which a controlled force is applied to a specific spinal joint. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a table-based technique that applies a gentle, graduated traction to the spine. At Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale, which technique is used, or whether both are, is decided from your examination findings, and the plan is explained before treatment begins.
Does insurance cover chiropractic for back pain?
Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care for back pain, including Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield and Medicare for medically necessary spinal adjustments. Coverage varies by plan. Spine & Joint Center in Fort Lauderdale can verify your benefits before the first visit — call (954) 561-4700 to confirm what your plan includes.
Ready for Back Pain Relief? Schedule Today
You don’t have to keep working around back pain. Whether it began with one wrong movement or built up over years, Dr. Kellerman and Dr. Petrie will examine your spine, explain what they find in plain language, and build a clear plan around your goals. Spine & Joint Center serves Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and communities across Broward County.
Medically Reviewed By Dr. Michael F. Petrie, DC · Last Updated: September 2026
This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual results may vary. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning any treatment program.