Back Pain Relief in Airdrie
Helping Airdrie families with back pain for over 35 years. From chronic stiffness to acute pain, disc problems and more, get expert chiropractic care for your specific needs.
Low back pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, tension or pain felt between the bottom of the ribs and the hips, your lumbar spine. It can range from a mild ache to sharp, very severe pain and spasms that can be extremely debilitating.
Some people may experience pain only in the lower back, while others may notice symptoms travelling into the hips, buttocks, or legs. Low back pain can come on suddenly after a specific activity or injury, or it may gradually develop over time.
Because the lower back plays such an important role in supporting movement and absorbing stress throughout the day, many different structures can contribute to pain in this area.
most cases of low back pain improve with the right approach. Even when symptoms have been around for a long time, many people can reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to the activities they enjoy. Low back pain does not always mean serious damage has been done. In many cases, your spine is still strong, adaptable, and capable of recovery when supported with appropriate movement, education, and care.
Common Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Sharp pain with certain movements
- Pain when bending, lifting, standing or sitting
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Pain that travels into the hips, buttocks or legs
- Difficulty standing up straight after sitting
- Morning stiffness that improves with movement
- Reduced mobility or flexibility
- Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or inactivity
Common Causes
- Disc Problems: the discs between vertebrae can become irritated, bulged, or herniated, sometimes causing pain that travels into the leg (sciatica). Disc problems are usually worse with sitting and better with standing.
- Muscle and Joint Strain: overuse, lifting, sudden movements, repetitive tasks, or prolonged positions can irritate muscles, ligaments, and spinal joints
- Spinal Narrowing (Stenosis): as we age, the tunnels our nerves pass through narrow, sometimes pinching the nerves and causing back pain, leg heaviness, or difficulty walking. Pain from stenosis is often worse with standing and better with sitting.
- Spinal Joint Restrictions: when the joints in your lower back are not moving as well as they should, surrounding muscles and ligaments can become tight, irritated, or uncomfortable
- Arthritis and Degeneration: normal age-related wear and tear can affect the joints and discs in your spine, causing stiffness, inflammation and reduced mobility. Think of it as "wrinkles on the inside."
- Weak Core or Glute Muscles: when these muscles are weak, the lower back takes on extra stress with activities like walking, bending, or lifting. Over time, this added strain can contribute to discomfort or injury.
- Tight Hamstrings or Hip Flexors: these muscles attach to the pelvis and affect the way you move. With limited mobility, the lower back may take on extra stress and cause discomfort.
- Poor Movement and Posture Habits: long hours sitting, repetitive bending, reduced physical activity, and deconditioning place increased stress on the lower back over time
- Stress and Lifestyle Factors: sleep quality, stress, physical inactivity, and overall health can all influence how your body experiences and recovers from pain
How Summit Spine Centre Treats Low Back Pain
Comprehensive History & Exam
First, we listen. We ask questions about your story, your day-to-day, and what may have led to your back pain. We then perform a thorough physical exam, orthopedic, neurological, and movement assessments, to determine what is actually causing your pain.
Cox Flexion-Distraction
A gentle, evidence-based technique used to decompress the spine and relieve pressure on nerves and discs. We can move the joints in a way that doesn't require the "crack", making it ideal for sensitive or acute presentations.
Chiropractic Adjustments
When joints are truly stuck, they need to move. Targeted adjustments restore spinal motion, reduce muscle guarding, and take pressure off irritated structures, sometimes with that satisfying pop.
Targeted Exercises
Depending on the cause, we prescribe exercises to build core and glute strength, restore flexibility, and give your spine the support it needs to stay well, not just feel better for a few days.
Lifestyle Modifications
Back pain is typically caused by many factors that accumulate over time. We look into your daily routine and suggest practical changes, posture, ergonomics, activity modification, to reduce what's loading your spine.
Why Choose Summit Spine Centre for Back Pain
35+ Years Serving Airdrie
Decades of experience treating low back pain right here in Airdrie, from acute flare-ups to chronic, long-standing conditions. We've helped patients across all ages and activity levels.
Specialized in Disc & Nerve Conditions
Cox Flexion-Distraction is one of the most effective evidence-based techniques for disc-related back pain. We are among the few certified Cox practitioners in Alberta.
A Plan Built Around You
Our goal is not just temporary relief but to equip you with the skills needed to return to the activities that matter most to you, with confidence and lasting results.
What to Expect at Summit Spine Centre
Tell Us Your Story
Your first visit starts with a detailed conversation about your symptoms and health history. We want to understand what's going on, how it's impacting your life, and where you'd like to be.
Thorough Assessment
Orthopedic, neurological, and movement assessments help us understand the root cause of your back pain, not just where it hurts, but why.
Clear, Personalized Plan
We explain our findings in plain language and recommend a care plan tailored to your goals and preferences. No guesswork, no pressure.
Treatment & Progress
We get to work, and we track your progress. If chiropractic care isn't the right fit, we'll connect you with another trusted provider in our community.
What Our Patients Say
“After dealing with neck and back issues for years with little success from other chiropractors and physiotherapists, I started going to Summit Spine Centre after a friend's referral. Their flexion distraction technique has significantly improved my range of motion, and I'm feeling better than I have in years. I'd forgotten what it felt like to move comfortably again.”
Keith B.
Airdrie Patient
“After one month of weekly visits my life is significantly different. My back feels great, I don't grunt and groan when I'm moving, I'm no longer hunched over or constantly protecting myself. I can do things care free like play with my kids, and be present in the moment with them. I'm not nearly as angry or frankly miserable and able to enjoy life again in a way I haven't for some time.”
Justin C.
Airdrie Patient
“This would be 12 stars if I could! Dr. Karl Louder is hands down amazing, and Dr. Ryan Lawrence is pretty amazing too! I have been coming here since 2020. I highly recommend any and everyone to go here for care. Your health is vital and they have played a huge part in my health as well as my husband's. They supported us so deeply while my husband went through cancer treatments. We are so grateful for this place.”
Chelsea D.
Airdrie Patient
Is low back pain common?
Yes. Low back pain is one of the most common health concerns worldwide and affects people of all ages.
Should I keep moving if my back hurts?
In many cases, staying active is helpful. Prolonged rest may actually slow recovery. The right type and amount of movement depends on the individual and cause of pain.
When should I seek professional help for low back pain?
If your pain is severe, persistent, worsening, or affecting daily activities, or associated with symptoms like numbness, weakness or pain travelling into the leg. Even with mild problems, seeing a healthcare professional can help get you on the path to recovery faster.
Can a disc bulge heal?
Many disc-related conditions improve over time, especially when combined with appropriate movement, activity modification, and care. Cox Flexion-Distraction therapy is a gentle and effective way to decompress the discs and help them recover.
Is cracking or popping my back harmful?
Not necessarily. Joint sounds are often simply changes in pressure within the joints. In most cases, occasional popping is normal and not harmful.
Can chiropractic care help low back pain?
Yes. In many cases chiropractic care is a very safe and effective way to manage low back pain.
Do I need imaging for low back pain?
Not always. Most cases of low back pain can be assessed and treated effectively without imaging. X-rays or MRI may be recommended in certain situations depending on your symptoms, history and exam findings.
Can pregnancy cause lower back pain?
Yes. Changes in weight, hormones, and posture may all contribute to low back pain during pregnancy.
Can perimenopause cause low back pain?
Yes. Reduced estrogen levels can cause joint pain, including in the lower back.
Will low back pain go away on its own?
Sometimes low back pain can improve with time, gentle stretching, movement, and therapies like ice or heat. However, if pain persists, worsens, or is impacting your day-to-day, we are here to help.
How do I know if my back pain is from muscles or nerves?
Muscle-related pain often feels like a dull ache, tightness, or stiffness that stays in one spot. Nerve pain often feels more sharp, and can cause burning or tingling sensations that travel down the leg.
Is it safe to get adjusted if I have arthritis?
In most cases, yes. There are many different treatment approaches our team can use to help you find relief. Many individuals with advanced arthritis benefit from Cox Flexion-Distraction therapy, which is gentle and helps improve movement while reducing pressure on spinal nerves and discs.
Can a chiropractor help with low back pain?
Yes! In most cases our team of chiropractors can help reduce tension, improve mobility, and get you on a path to recovery.