Back Pain Treatment in Bartlett, TN
Get Back to Moving Without Pain
Understanding Your Spine
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain is discomfort anywhere along the spine, most often in the lower back, that comes from the muscles, ligaments, spinal joints, discs or nerves. Most cases are mechanical, meaning they come from how the spine moves and carries load rather than from serious disease.
When you feel a dull ache after a long day at a desk, a sharp catch when you bend to pick up your child, or stiffness that makes the first steps out of bed slow, you are feeling irritated tissue and muscles tightening to protect it. The pain may stay in one spot or spread into the hip, buttock or leg.
Many patients in Bartlett and across the Memphis area tell us their back pain comes and goes. It settles for a few weeks, then flares after yard work, a road trip or a bad night of sleep. That cycle is a sign the underlying problem has not been addressed, and it is exactly what good back pain treatment aims to break.
Table of Contents
- 01 Why Back Pain Happens
- 02 Core Strength, Posture and Your Back
- 03 What Makes Back Pain Worse?
- 04 Why Choose Worthington Chiropractic for Back Pain Care in Bartlett, TN
- 05 Treatment Options Comparison
- 06 You May Be Experiencing Back Pain If...
- 07 Related Services
- 08 Frequently Asked Questions
- 09 Scientific References
The Science
Why Back Pain Happens
Your spine is made of 24 movable vertebrae stacked on the pelvis, with a disc between each pair and small facet joints at the back of every level. When one segment stops moving well, the levels above and below have to work harder, and the muscles around it tighten to guard it. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains that most low back pain is mechanical and often improves with conservative care.
That guarding creates a cycle: stiff joints lead to tight muscles, tight muscles limit movement further, and reduced movement means less blood flow to the tissues that need to heal. Restoring motion to the restricted segment with chiropractic adjustments for back pain is often the first step in breaking that cycle.
Discs add another layer. Over time they lose water and height, and a disc can bulge or herniate and press on a nearby nerve root. When pain is disc-related, spinal decompression therapy in Bartlett, TN uses gentle, computer-controlled traction on our Triton 6M table to reduce pressure on the disc and the nerve.
When low back pain comes with pelvic floor weakness after pregnancy, the Emsella Chair can be part of the plan.
Deeper Understanding
Core Strength, Posture and Your Back
The spine relies on deep core and back muscles to share the load with its discs and joints. When those muscles are weak or slow to switch on, which is common after an injury or years of sitting, the spine absorbs more force with every lift and twist. That is why some people feel better after a few visits but keep re-injuring the same spot. Rehabilitation therapy with targeted exercises rebuilds that support so relief lasts longer, and electrical muscle stimulation may help calm muscle spasm and guarding in the early phase.
Back pain also overlaps with conditions that deserve their own evaluation. Pain that shoots below the knee may be sciatica, a disc pressing on a nerve root may be a herniated or bulging disc, and a slow, worsening ache with stiffness may point to degenerative disc disease.
Contributing Factors
What Makes Back Pain Worse?
Identifying Your Triggers
Prolonged Sitting
Long hours at a desk or behind the wheel load the lower back discs and let the hip flexors and core muscles tighten or weaken.
Lifting and Twisting
Bending and twisting at the same time, like loading a car or moving furniture, is a common trigger for sudden muscle strain.
Weak Core Support
When the deep abdominal and back muscles do not engage well, the spinal joints and discs take on more force with every movement.
Poor Posture Habits
Slouching over phones and laptops shifts weight forward and keeps the muscles along the spine working overtime all day.
Past Injuries
An old sports injury, fall or car accident can leave a segment stiff or unstable, making it more likely to flare again.
Disc Changes
Discs naturally lose water and height with age, which narrows the space for nerves and can make the back more sensitive to load.
Why Worthington
Why Choose Worthington Chiropractic for Back Pain Care in Bartlett, TN
Expert Care in Bartlett
Answers on Day One
On-site X-rays, when needed, and a full exam help pinpoint the cause of your back pain at your first visit.
Many Techniques
Diversified, Gonstead, Thompson and Cox Flexion Distraction let Dr. Worthington match the adjustment to your back.
Decompression On Site
Our Triton 6M table offers non-surgical spinal decompression for disc-related back and leg pain under one roof.
Trusted Locally
Winner of the 2025 Memphis Most Award for best chiropractic clinic, with nearly 300 five-star Google reviews.
Logan University Graduate
Dr. Worthington earned his Doctor of Chiropractic at Logan University College of Chiropractic.
Walk-Ins Welcome
Open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 6 PM on Stage Road in Bartlett, with walk-ins welcome.
Treatment Options Comparison
Is This You?
You May Be Experiencing Back Pain If...
Recognizing When to Seek Help
Morning Stiffness
Your back feels tight and slow when you get out of bed, and it takes a while of moving around before it loosens up.
Pain After Sitting
Standing up after a long meeting or drive brings a sharp or aching pain that makes it hard to straighten up right away.
Pain That Travels
The ache spreads into your hip, buttock or down the back of your leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness.
Muscle Spasms
Muscles along your spine lock up or twitch, especially after bending, lifting or sleeping in an awkward position.
Recurring Flare-Ups
The pain settles for a while, then returns after yard work, travel or a busy week, and each flare seems to last longer.
Limited Movement
Tying your shoes, getting in the car or turning in bed is harder than it used to be because your back will not bend easily.
Treatments
Related Services
Explore the non-surgical treatments we use for back pain.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Precise, hands-on spinal adjustments that restore alignment, ease pain and help you move freely.
Learn More
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Gentle, computer-controlled traction on the Triton 6M to ease disc pressure and nerve pain.
Learn More 
Shockwave Therapy
Acoustic wave therapy for stubborn tendon, heel and soft tissue pain, without drugs or surgery.
Learn More Your Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
About Back Pain Treatment
When should I see a chiropractor for back pain?
See a chiropractor if back pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or limits daily activities like sitting, sleeping or lifting. If you have red flags such as loss of bladder control, groin numbness, fever or worsening leg weakness, get urgent medical care first.
What happens at my first back pain visit?
Your first visit includes a consultation, a full chiropractic exam and X-rays if needed, followed by your first adjustment when it is appropriate. Your first visit covers all of it. Dr. Worthington explains what he finds and outlines a plan before treatment begins.
Do chiropractic adjustments hurt?
Most patients find adjustments comfortable and feel relief or looseness afterward. You may hear a pop, which is simply gas releasing from the joint. Some people feel mild soreness for a day, similar to after a workout. Gentler techniques like Cox Flexion Distraction are available if you prefer.
How many visits will I need?
The number of visits depends on how long you have had back pain, what is causing it and how your body responds. Many patients notice change within the first few weeks. Dr. Worthington reviews your progress regularly and adjusts your plan so you are not coming in longer than you need to.
Is spinal decompression right for my back pain?
Spinal decompression may help if your back pain is related to a bulging or herniated disc, degenerative disc changes or pain that travels into the leg. It is not right for everyone, so Dr. Worthington checks your exam and imaging findings first before recommending it.
Can I be seen the same day?
Yes, walk-ins are welcome Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 6 PM at our Stage Road office in Bartlett. You can also book an appointment online or call (901) 519-7777 to reserve a time that fits your schedule.
Do you offer financing for back pain treatment?
Yes, we offer financing through Cherry and CareCredit so you can spread the cost of your care plan over time. Our team reviews your options with you before any treatment starts, so there are no surprises.
- Hours
- Monday to Friday, 8AM to 6PM
- Phone
- (901) 519-7777
Ready to Feel Better?
Schedule Your Appointment
Scientific References
- Qaseem A et al., Annals of Internal Medicine. (2017). Clinical practice guideline recommending noninvasive, nonpharmacologic treatments such as spinal manipulation first for acute, subacute and chronic low back pain. PMID: 28192789.
- Paige NM et al., JAMA. (2017). Systematic review and meta-analysis finding spinal manipulative therapy associated with modest improvements in pain and function for acute low back pain. PMID: 28399251.
- Rubinstein SM et al., BMJ. (2019). Systematic review of randomised trials reporting benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low back pain. PMID: 30867144.
- Hartvigsen J et al., Lancet. (2018). Review describing low back pain as the leading global cause of years lived with disability. PMID: 29573870.
- Foster NE et al., Lancet. (2018). Review of prevention and treatment of low back pain, emphasizing education, exercise and nonpharmacological care. PMID: 29573872.