Low Back Pain Rehabilitation in North Vancouver
Low back pain rarely comes from one single thing. Whether it's a dull ache after sitting all day or a sharp pain when you bend or lift, the actual driver is often somewhere in how your hips, core, and spine are sharing load, not just the spot where it hurts. I assess your whole movement system, not just the painful area, so we can identify what's actually contributing to your back pain and build a plan that addresses it, not just the symptom in front of us.
Same Pain. Different Culprit
Written and clinically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Wallace, DC, MSc.
Common reasons people seek care
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a chiropractor, and the same "back pain" label can mean very different things depending on what is contributing. An assessment helps guide the right next step. Here are some of the conditions I most commonly assess and treat:
Muscle Strain or Sprain
The most common cause of low back pain, usually from lifting, twisting, or a sudden movement, with pain ranging from mild to significantly limiting.
Sciatica
A sharp, burning, or shooting pain that travels from the low back through the glutes and down one or both legs. Sciatica can have several contributing factors, and an assessment helps determine which are relevant and whether further medical care is needed.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
A disc bulge or herniation can irritate a nearby nerve and may cause sharp pain that travels down one leg. Disc-related symptoms often settle over time, and care focuses on calming sensitivity and gradually rebuilding your tolerance for load.
SI (Sacroiliac) Joint Dysfunction
Irritation or dysfunction at the joint connecting the base of the spine to the pelvis, which causes low back and hip pain that's often mistaken for a disc problem.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Age-related changes in the spinal discs are common and do not always cause pain. When they are linked to stiffness or aching, a plan that combines movement, strength work and hands-on care may help.
Postural Back Pain
Long hours at a desk, poor ergonomics, or muscle imbalances placing chronic, low-grade stress on the spine, leading to persistent aching, especially through the mid and lower back.
What to expect during your session.
1
Comprehensive assessment
Your first visit includes a movement and clinical assessment of your back and how it connects to your hips, core, and overall movement pattern, so we understand what may be driving your symptoms before recommending any treatment.
2
A plan built around you
From there, we build an individualized plan that combines manual therapy with active, exercise-based rehabilitation. You'll know exactly what we're addressing, why, and what the process looks like going forward.
3
Built for long-term resilience
We track your progress at every visit, reassessing regularly and adjusting your plan as you improve. The goal is genuine, long-term resilience and a real return to the activities you care about, not an open-ended treatment plan.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery depends on your symptoms, how long they have been present and how they affect daily life. We set goals around activities that matter to you, such as sitting comfortably, lifting or returning to exercise. Progress is reviewed over time, and the plan is adjusted if symptoms are not improving or another type of assessment is needed.
Should I rest completely until my back feels better?
Not usually. For most presentations, staying appropriately active helps more than rest does, though the right level of activity depends on your specific symptoms, which is something we sort out together.
Why does my back pain keep coming back?
Recurring back pain usually comes down to more than one factor, movement patterns, activity load, and overall capacity all play a role. Identifying which of those apply to you is a core part of building a plan that holds up over time.
What should I bring to a back pain appointment?
Bring comfortable clothing and any relevant reports you already have. It also helps to note when the pain started, which activities affect it and what you would like to get back to doing.
When to seek medical care
New loss of bladder or bowel control, or new or worsening leg weakness, needs urgent medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine appointment.
Related care
Book an assessment
Appointments with Dr. Aaron Wallace are available in North Vancouver and West Vancouver. Choose a clinic to see contact details and booking options.