Back pain is incredibly common – in fact, about 80% of adults will experience significant back pain at some point in their lives. If you’re dealing with back pain in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Troy, Maryville, or Collinsville, you might be wondering: “Should I see a chiropractor, or will this go away on its own?”
While minor back pain from muscle strain often resolves within a few days, certain signs indicate you need professional chiropractic care. As the leading chiropractor serving the Edwardsville area, we see many patients who waited too long to seek treatment, making their recovery longer and more complicated.
In this article, we’ll cover the 5 key signs that it’s time to schedule a chiropractic appointment, plus what to expect during your visit at Infinite Wellness & Chiropractic.
Sign #1: Your Back Pain Lasts More Than 3 Days
WHAT IT MEANS:
Minor muscle strains typically improve within 2-3 days with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If your back pain persists beyond this timeframe, it may indicate a more serious issue requiring professional attention.
WHY IT MATTERS:
Persistent back pain could be caused by:
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal misalignment (subluxation)
• Facet joint dysfunction
• Sacroiliac joint problems
• Muscle spasms that won’t release
• Nerve compression
WHAT TO DO:
Don’t wait weeks or months hoping it will “just go away.” The longer you wait, the longer recovery typically takes. Many of our Edwardsville patients wish they had come in sooner rather than suffering through weeks of unnecessary pain.
Sign #2: Pain Radiates Down Your Leg (Sciatica)
WHAT IT MEANS:
If your back pain shoots down your buttock, thigh, or all the way to your foot, you likely have sciatica – compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.
SYMPTOMS TO WATCH FOR:
• Sharp, shooting pain down one or both legs
• Tingling or “pins and needles” sensation
• Numbness in your leg or foot
• Weakness in your leg muscles
• Pain that worsens when sitting or standing
WHY THIS NEEDS TREATMENT:
Sciatica doesn’t just cause pain – it can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. The good news is that chiropractic care is highly effective for treating sciatica without surgery or medications.
At Infinite Wellness & Chiropractic, we’ve successfully treated hundreds of sciatica patients from Glen Carbon, Troy, and throughout Madison County using gentle spinal adjustments, decompression techniques, and targeted exercises.
Sign #3: You've Been in an Auto Accident or Had a Fall
WHAT IT MEANS:
Even “minor” accidents can cause significant spinal injuries that don’t show symptoms immediately. Whiplash and other trauma-related back injuries often take 24-48 hours (or longer) to fully manifest.
WHY IMMEDIATE EVALUATION IS CRITICAL:
• Soft tissue injuries worsen without treatment
• Delayed treatment can complicate insurance claims
• Early intervention prevents chronic pain
• Hidden injuries need to be identified quickly
TIMELINE FOR SEEKING CARE:
We recommend seeing a chiropractor within 72 hours of any accident, even if you feel “fine.” Many of our Edwardsville and Collinsville patients who were in accidents initially thought they weren’t hurt, only to develop severe pain days or weeks later.
INSURANCE NOTE:
Most auto insurance policies cover chiropractic care for accident-related injuries. We work with attorneys and insurance companies to ensure you get the care you need.
Sign #4: Your Pain Is Affecting Your Daily Life
WHAT IT MEANS:
Back pain that interferes with work, sleep, exercise, or daily activities is not something you should “tough out.”
SIGNS YOUR BACK PAIN IS TOO SEVERE TO IGNORE:
- Can’t sleep through the night due to
- painDifficulty bending, lifting, or twisting
- Pain when getting in/out of car
- Struggling to sit at your desk for work
- Can’t exercise or play with your kids
- Relying on pain medication daily
- Missing work due to back pain
IMPACT ON QUALITY OF LIFE:
Chronic back pain doesn’t just hurt physically – it affects your mental health, relationships, job performance, and overall happiness. The longer you live with it, the more it impacts every aspect of your life.
OUR APPROACH:
At our Edwardsville practice, we don’t just mask pain with temporary solutions. We identify the root cause and create a treatment plan to get you back to normal life as quickly as possible.
Sign #5: Over-the-Counter Pain Relief Isn't Working
WHAT IT MEANS:
If ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other OTC medications aren’t providing adequate relief – or if you find yourself taking them daily – it’s time to address the underlying problem.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
• Long-term NSAID use can cause stomach problems, kidney issues, and cardiovascular risks
• Pain medication only masks symptoms without addressing the cause
• Your body is telling you something is wrong
• The longer the real problem goes untreated, the worse it can become
BETTER SOLUTION:
Chiropractic care addresses the root cause of your back pain, helping you heal naturally without relying on medications. Many of our patients from Troy, Maryville, and Highland are able to stop or significantly reduce their pain medication use after starting chiropractic treatment.
What Causes Back Pain? Understanding the Source
Before we can treat your back pain effectively, we need to understand what’s causing it. Common causes we see in our Edwardsville practice include:
MECHANICAL CAUSES:
• Poor posture (especially from desk work)
• Improper lifting technique
• Repetitive movements
• Muscle imbalances
• Spinal misalignment
STRUCTURAL ISSUES:
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Arthritis (osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis)
• Scoliosis
• Facet joint problems
INJURIES:
• Auto accidents (whiplash)
• Sports injuries
• Work-related injuries
• Slip and fall accidents
LIFESTYLE FACTORS:
• Obesity and excess weight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor sleep position
• Stress and tension
• Inadequate core strength
How Chiropractic Treatment Helps Back Pain
At Infinite Wellness & Chiropractic, we use a comprehensive approach to treat back pain:
1. THOROUGH EVALUATION
• Complete health history
• Physical and neurological examination
• Posture and movement analysis
• Digital X-rays if needed (on-site)
• Identification of pain source
2. PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLAN
Based on your specific condition, your treatment may include:
SPINAL ADJUSTMENTS:
Gentle, precise adjustments restore proper spinal alignment, reduce nerve pressure, and improve mobility.
SOFT TISSUE THERAPY:
Addresses muscle tension, trigger points, and adhesions contributing to back pain.
THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES:
Customized exercises strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and prevent future injuries.
LIFESTYLE GUIDANCE:
Education on proper posture, ergonomics, lifting techniques, and daily habits.
3. ONGOING CARE & PREVENTION
Once your acute pain is resolved, we provide maintenance care to keep you healthy and prevent recurrence.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
When you visit Infinite Wellness & Chiropractic in Edwardsville for back pain:
INITIAL CONSULTATION (45-60 minutes):
• Discuss your symptoms, medical history, and goals
• Comprehensive examination
• X-rays if necessary
• Diagnosis explanation
• Treatment plan recommendation
• First adjustment (if appropriate)
FOLLOW-UP VISITS (15-20 minutes):
• Progress assessment
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Additional therapies as needed
• Home exercise instruction
• Activity modifications if necessary
TYPICAL TREATMENT TIMELINE:
• Acute back pain: 2-4 weeks
• Chronic back pain: 6-12 weeks
• Maintenance care: Monthly or as needed
Most patients experience significant improvement within the first 2 weeks of treatment.
Success Stories from Local Patients
When you visit Infinite Wellness & Chiropractic in Edwardsville for back pain:
INITIAL CONSULTATION (45-60 minutes):
• Discuss your symptoms, medical history, and goals
• Comprehensive examination
• X-rays if necessary
• Diagnosis explanation
• Treatment plan recommendation
• First adjustment (if appropriate)
FOLLOW-UP VISITS (15-20 minutes):
• Progress assessment
• Chiropractic adjustments
• Additional therapies as needed
• Home exercise instruction
• Activity modifications if necessary
TYPICAL TREATMENT TIMELINE:
• Acute back pain: 2-4 weeks
• Chronic back pain: 6-12 weeks
• Maintenance care: Monthly or as needed
Most patients experience significant improvement within the first 2 weeks of treatment.
Success Stories from Local Patients
I threw my back out lifting my daughter and could barely walk. Dr. [Name] got me in same-day, and after just two visits I was back to normal. Highly recommend Infinite Wellness to anyone in Edwardsville dealing with back pain!
I suffered with chronic lower back pain for years, trying everything from medications to injections. Chiropractic care at Infinite Wellness has been life-changing. I'm finally pain-free and can enjoy activities with my family again.
After my car accident in Troy, I was referred to Infinite Wellness for my back and neck pain. They worked with my insurance company and attorney, and their treatment got me back to 100%.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients experience relief after their first adjustment, with continued improvement over the following weeks. Chronic conditions take longer than acute injuries.
Yes! Chiropractic is one of the safest treatments for back pain, with minimal side effects. We use gentle techniques appropriate for your condition.
Yes, we accept most major insurance plans including BCBS, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. We verify coverage before your visit.
While chiropractic helps the vast majority of back pain cases, if you don’t respond to treatment we’ll refer you to the appropriate specialist.
Yes! We treat all types of back pain – neck pain, upper back pain, mid-back pain, and lower back pain.
Only if medically necessary. We have digital X-ray equipment on-site for your convenience.
Don't Wait - Schedule Your Back Pain Consultation Today
If you’re experiencing any of the 5 signs discussed in this article, it’s time to take action. Back pain rarely resolves on its own, and waiting only makes treatment take longer.
