Low Back Pain & Sciatica Treatment in Bend
Back to Training
Long trail runs, steep climbs, heavy lifts and big ski days all load the spine. When back pain or sciatica shows up, we combine gentle spinal decompression, adjustments, soft tissue work and rehab to get you back to training.
Sound familiar?
- Low back tightness after a ride, run or hike
- Pain that travels into the buttock or down the leg
- Stiffness after heavy lifting or a hard ski day
- Pain that keeps coming back between training blocks
Lumbar flexion-distraction
Flexion-distraction is a gentle, non-invasive decompression technique done on a specialized chiropractic table. The lower half of the table moves slowly to flex and stretch the spine, creating space between vertebrae and reducing pressure inside the discs. There is no twisting, popping or forceful pressure, so it suits sensitive patients and athletes in an acute flare-up. It is often used for:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Facet syndrome
- Nerve root irritation and sciatica
- Chronic low back tension
Who benefits most
- Runners: ground impact repeatedly compresses the lumbar spine.
- Cyclists: long hours in a rounded position load the discs.
- Lifters and CrossFit athletes: squats, deadlifts and snatches can irritate discs and tighten the posterior chain.
- Skiers and snowboarders: hard landings, rotation and low back fatigue after big mountain days.
The full plan
Flexion-distraction is one part of a plan built on a movement and posture assessment: chiropractic adjustments to restore joint motion, Active Release Technique for the muscles around the spine and hips, WinBack TECAR therapy for stubborn low back pain, and functional rehab with core stabilization so it stays better.
Summer back pain
Hiking Tumalo Mountain, long miles on the bike or half-marathon training can all build into lumbar strain, stiffness or disc-related discomfort. It usually starts small, tightness after a ride or soreness after a hike, then disrupts training. We pair decompression and adjustments with core stabilization so the cycle of pain and compensation stops.
What a visit looks like
A movement evaluation to find mobility restrictions and faulty patterns, time on the flexion-distraction table, soft tissue therapy, then sport-specific corrective exercises. Acute flare-ups are usually seen once or twice a week, then reassessed and spaced out.
Common questions
Does flexion-distraction hurt?
No. It is a slow, controlled movement of the table. Patients often comment on how gentle and comfortable it is.
How often will I need to come in?
Most acute back pain cases are seen 1 to 2 times a week, then reassessed and moved to a reduced schedule.
Do you treat sciatica?
Yes. Sciatica, disc herniations, radicular pain and other nerve-related complaints are common conditions we treat.