Back Pain Treatment in Glendale, AZ
Low back pain and the facet joints, explained
Dr. Tim explains one common source of low back pain. Your visit starts with a history and assessment so care fits your back.
Looking for back pain treatment in Glendale, AZ? At Muscle Chiropractic, Dr. Tim Ballitch examines your back first, explains what he finds in plain language, and recommends care only when it fits your situation. Most low back pain is not caused by a serious disease, and many people improve with conservative care.
Dr. Tim sees people with low back pain, mid-back pain, stiffness after lifting or sitting, and pain that travels toward the hip or leg (see also numbness and tingling).
Muscle Chiropractic is at 7155 W. Campo Bello Dr., Building B, Suite B-115, Glendale, AZ 85308. We see patients from Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Sun City, Sun City West and North Phoenix.
Ready to have your back checked? Choose the visit that fits:
- Already a patient? Book an Existing Patient Visit — $67 (card presented in person).
- New to Muscle Chiropractic (ages 12+)? Book a New Patient Visit — about 30 minutes: history, exam, and an adjustment and corrective exercise when appropriate. $154.13 (card presented in person). See what to expect and bring.
Prices shown are for card payments made in person. A cash discount is available when paying at the time of service. Stored or manually entered card payments have different pricing; please confirm before payment.
Questions first? Call or text 480-740-9619.
Get medical care first if you have…
- loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- new or worsening weakness in a leg or foot
- fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer
- back pain after a significant fall or accident
- severe pain at night that does not change with position
These can signal problems that need urgent medical evaluation rather than chiropractic care.
How Dr. Tim assesses back pain
Your first visit covers how the pain started, what makes it better or worse, your work, training and goals, and your health history. Dr. Tim then checks how you move, where you are tender, and, if pain travels into the leg, your reflexes, strength and sensation. If anything suggests that imaging or another specialist would help, he will tell you.
Treatment options
- Chiropractic adjustments, by hand or with the ProAdjuster instrument
- Soft tissue therapy such as instrument-assisted work (IASTM) and cupping
- Exercises and movement advice you can do at home or in the gym
- Mechanical Motion Therapy when your movement assessment shows it could help
Not every patient needs every option. Your plan depends on your exam and goals, and it changes based on how you respond.
What the research shows
- The American College of Physicians recommends starting with non-drug treatments for most low back pain. For acute or subacute pain these include superficial heat, massage, acupuncture or spinal manipulation; the evidence for spinal manipulation was rated low quality, with small benefits (Qaseem et al., Ann Intern Med, 2017).
- A systematic review found spinal manipulation was associated with modest improvements in pain and function for acute low back pain; temporary soreness was a common minor side effect (Paige et al., JAMA, 2017).
- In a trial of 750 active-duty military personnel, adding chiropractic care to usual medical care produced moderate short-term improvements in pain and disability (Goertz et al., JAMA Netw Open, 2018).
Results vary from person to person, and no treatment can guarantee a specific outcome.
Common questions
Do I need an X-ray or MRI first?
Not usually. Dr. Tim will recommend imaging or a referral if your history or exam suggests it.
How quickly will I feel better?
It depends on the cause and how long you have had it. Dr. Tim rechecks your progress at each visit and changes course, or refers you, if you are not improving as expected.
Can I keep training?
Often yes, with temporary changes to load or exercise selection. Dr. Tim will tell you what to modify.
Do you take insurance?
Muscle Chiropractic is a cash-based practice and does not bill health insurance. HSA/FSA cards are accepted.
Related care
Neck pain · Sports injuries · Chiropractic care · New patient center
Have back pain that is not settling? Book online or call/text 480-740-9619.