Understand your pain. Build a plan. Get back to moving.

Back pain can make everyday things harder—sitting through work, picking up your kids, getting through a workout, or enjoying a round of golf.

At Movement Matters Chiropractic in Novato, Dr. Nic Charlton takes a rehab-focused approach to lower back pain. Your care starts with understanding your symptoms, assessing how you move, and identifying what may be contributing to your discomfort.

From there, we create a clear plan that may combine chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and targeted exercise to help you move more comfortably and build strength for the activities you enjoy.

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What could be causing your lower back pain?

Lower back pain can involve muscles, joints, discs, or nerves. Sometimes several factors contribute, and pinpointing one specific tissue isn’t always possible—or necessary to make progress.

Your assessment helps distinguish between common musculoskeletal problems and symptoms that need further medical evaluation.

Some conditions we assess include:

• Muscle strains and sprains: Pain that develops after lifting, an unfamiliar workout, or a sudden increase in activity.

• Mechanical low back pain: Symptoms that change with movement, position, or loading.

• Disc-related pain: Back pain that may occur with or without irritation of a nearby nerve.

• Sciatica: Pain traveling into the leg, sometimes accompanied by tingling, numbness, or weakness.

• Facet joint pain: Irritation involving the small joints at the back of the spine.

• Sacroiliac joint pain: Symptoms around the connection between the pelvis and the base of the spine.

• Arthritis and degenerative changes: Findings that we interpret alongside your symptoms, examination, and daily function.

You don’t need to know which category you fit into before booking. Helping you understand your symptoms is part of the first visit.

A thorough assessment comes first

We begin by discussing when your pain started, what makes it better or worse, previous injuries, and how it affects your life.

Your examination may include:

• Back and hip range of motion.

• Joint mobility and muscle assessment.

• Movement patterns such as bending, squatting, and lifting.

• Orthopedic testing.

• Strength, sensation, and reflex testing when indicated.

We explain our findings, discuss whether chiropractic care is appropriate, and recommend next steps. If your symptoms suggest a problem that requires another provider, we’ll discuss a referral.

Our approach: Identify → Correct → Strengthen

Identify: Understand your condition

First, we assess your symptoms and the factors that may be contributing to them. We connect those findings to your goals, whether that means sitting more comfortably, returning to the gym, or walking without worrying about your back.

Correct: Address pain and movement limitations

Treatment is tailored to your examination findings, comfort, and preferences. Your plan may include hands-on care, changes to aggravating activities, and exercises you can begin practicing at home.

We explain what each part of your treatment is intended to accomplish.

Strengthen: Build confidence and capacity

As you progress, we help you build the strength and movement tolerance your daily life requires. That might involve practicing a hip hinge, developing trunk endurance, or gradually returning to lifting and recreational activities.

The goal is to give you practical tools to manage your back beyond the treatment room.

Treatment options for lower back pain

Chiropractic adjustments and joint mobilization

When appropriate, hands-on joint treatment may help reduce pain and improve movement. We select techniques based on your condition and comfort, alongside exercise and self-management guidance.

Soft tissue therapy

Treatment may include Active Release Technique, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, or cupping to help manage discomfort and movement limitations.

Targeted rehabilitation exercises

Your exercise plan is built around your starting point and goals. It may include trunk strengthening, hip mobility, lifting practice, or a gradual return to walking and other activities.

You’ll understand what to do, how much to do, and how to adjust if symptoms change.

Ergonomic and activity guidance

We look at the activities that matter to you—your workstation, commute, workouts, or household tasks—and discuss practical changes that may make them more comfortable.

Frequently asked questions

Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?

Chiropractic care may be an option for some types of lower back pain. At Movement Matters, we assess whether it is appropriate for you and combine hands-on treatment with exercise, education, and progress reviews.

Can you assess sciatica?

Yes. Dr. Charlton evaluates back and leg symptoms, including signs of nerve involvement. Your findings help determine whether conservative care is appropriate or whether further medical evaluation is needed.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI before my appointment?

Usually, you can start with a clinical assessment. Imaging is not routinely needed for uncomplicated lower back pain. We discuss it when there is concern about a serious condition or when the results could change your care.

How many appointments will I need?

That depends on your symptoms, examination findings, goals, and response to care. We discuss an initial plan and reassess your progress. If you aren’t improving as expected, we reconsider the approach and whether a referral is appropriate.

Will I need exercises?

Exercise is usually an important part of your plan. We aim to make it manageable, relevant to your goals, and appropriate for your current symptoms.

When should I seek urgent medical care?

Seek emergency care for back pain accompanied by new difficulty urinating, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or saddle area, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. Back pain following a serious accident also needs urgent evaluation.

Take the next step toward more comfortable movement

If lower back pain is interfering with work, exercise, or everyday life, start with a clear assessment and a plan you understand.

Dr. Nic Charlton, DC
Movement Matters Chiropractic | Novato, California

Book Your Low Back Pain Assessment

Healing Begins with Movement.

LOW BACK PAIN TREATMENTS IN NOVATO, CA