Back Pain Treatment in Tempe, AZ Find the Cause. Eliminate the Pain. Get Back to Life.
Back pain is one of the most common and disruptive conditions affecting athletes, working adults, and active families throughout Tempe, AZ . Whether yours is the result of a sports injury, muscle imbalance, disc problem, poor posture, or years of repetitive stress, back pain rarely resolves on its own — and masking it with medication only delays the real solution. At Sports Docs Family Chiro, Dr. Porman takes a root-cause approach to back pain, identifying the precise structural, neurological, or muscular drivers of your discomfort and building a personalized, non-surgical treatment plan designed to deliver lasting relief. Call (480) 812-9000 or request an appointment today.
Request an AppointmentWhat Causes Back Pain?
Back pain can originate from a wide variety of sources, and accurately identifying the cause is the essential first step toward effective treatment. At Sports Docs Family Chiro in Tempe, AZ , Dr. Porman conducts a thorough functional evaluation to determine exactly what is driving your pain before recommending any course of care. Common causes of back pain we address include:
- Muscle and ligament strain: Sudden movements, heavy lifting, or awkward twisting can overstretch or tear the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine, causing sharp or aching back pain that worsens with movement.
- Muscle imbalances and core weakness: When certain muscle groups are significantly stronger or tighter than others — a common finding in athletes and sedentary adults alike — the spine is placed under uneven stress that leads to pain and injury over time.
- Disc problems: Bulging, herniated, or degenerated spinal discs can compress nearby nerves and cause local back pain as well as referred pain, numbness, or tingling into the legs (sciatica).
- Poor posture and ergonomics: Hours of sitting at a desk, looking at screens, or performing repetitive occupational tasks places chronic stress on the spinal joints and surrounding tissues — a leading driver of non-athletic back pain in Tempe.
- Sports-related biomechanical problems: Runners, weightlifters, golfers, and athletes in rotational sports frequently develop back pain from repetitive spinal loading, improper movement mechanics, or training volume that exceeds the body’s recovery capacity.
- Spinal joint dysfunction: Restrictions or misalignments in the facet joints of the spine reduce mobility, create local inflammation, and contribute to chronic back stiffness and pain.
- Nerve involvement: When spinal dysfunction compresses or irritates spinal nerves, pain can radiate into the glutes, hips, and legs — requiring careful evaluation to differentiate from purely local back conditions.
Back Pain in Athletes vs. Non-Athletes
While the underlying anatomy is the same, back pain presents differently in athletes and non-athletes — and treating them effectively requires an understanding of both contexts. For athletes in Tempe, AZ , back pain is often tied to sport-specific demands: a pitcher’s rotational mechanics, a cyclist’s sustained forward flexion, a weightlifter’s axial loading, or a basketball player’s repeated jumping and landing. Dr. Porman evaluates back pain through a sports performance lens, addressing not only the immediate pain but the biomechanical contributors that would put an athlete at risk of re-injury upon return to sport. For non-athletes, postural habits, workplace ergonomics, sedentary behavior, and lifestyle factors are typically more central to the evaluation and treatment approach.
How We Treat Back Pain at Sports Docs Family Chiro
Dr. Porman’s back pain treatment approach is comprehensive, individualized, and entirely focused on non-surgical solutions whenever possible. Treatment plans are built around your specific diagnosis, activity level, and recovery goals, and may include any combination of the following:
Targeted Frequency Therapy (TFT)
Inflammation is the primary driver of most back pain — and Targeted Frequency Therapy is one of the most effective tools available for addressing it at the cellular level. Dr. Porman programs specific frequencies matched to the affected tissues of the back — muscles, ligaments, discs, nerves — to reduce inflammation, restore cellular balance, and accelerate natural healing. TFT is particularly effective for chronic back pain and disc-related conditions that have not responded well to conventional treatments.
Spinal Chiropractic Adjustments
When spinal joint dysfunction is contributing to back pain, precise chiropractic adjustments restore proper joint mechanics, reduce local inflammation, relieve nerve compression, and improve spinal mobility. Dr. Porman’s adjustments are thorough, targeted, and performed only when indicated based on your evaluation findings — never as a reflexive default. Many patients experience immediate improvement in pain and range of motion following spinal adjustments as part of a broader treatment plan.
Soft Tissue Mobilization and Laser Therapy
Muscle tension, fascial restrictions, and scar tissue from old injuries are common contributors to persistent back pain. Dr. Porman uses soft tissue mobilization techniques, dry needling, and High-Powered Class 4 Laser Therapy to release these restrictions, improve blood flow to the affected area, break up adhesions, and reduce deep tissue inflammation. These therapies are especially effective when back pain is driven primarily by muscular or soft tissue causes.
Rehabilitation and Core Strengthening
Once pain is under control, rebuilding the muscular support system of the spine is essential for preventing recurrence. Dr. Porman prescribes targeted rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the core, correct postural imbalances, and restore proper movement mechanics. These exercises are sport-specific for athletes and functionally oriented for non-athletes, ensuring that you return to your daily activities and sport with a stronger, more resilient back. For a proactive approach to back health, see our injury prevention and recovery program.
Education and Lifestyle Guidance
Dr. Porman believes that informed patients heal faster and stay healthier longer. As part of every back pain treatment plan, he provides education on proper body mechanics, safe lifting techniques, optimal posture, workstation ergonomics, and training modifications that protect the spine during sport and daily activities. These practical tools empower patients to take an active role in their recovery and maintain the results of their treatment long-term.
Also Treating Lower Back Pain
If your pain is localized to the lumbar region, our dedicated lower back pain treatment page provides more specific information on how we approach lumbar conditions. For patients experiencing pain that has spread to the shoulders or neck as well, see our neck pain treatment page.
Get Back Pain Relief at Sports Docs Family Chiro in Tempe
You should not have to live with back pain — and you do not have to. At Sports Docs Family Chiro in Tempe, AZ , Dr. Porman has the experience, the technology, and the personalized approach to help you find lasting relief and get back to the life and activities you love. Call (480) 812-9000 or schedule your appointment online. New patients can visit our New Patients page to get prepared for your first visit.
Ready to Move Better, Feel Better & Perform Better?
At Sports Docs Family Chiro in Tempe, AZ , Dr. Porman and his team are ready to help you find lasting relief from pain and get back to the life and sport you love. Whether you are an athlete recovering from injury or an individual seeking better health, personalized care is just one appointment away.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain Treatment in Tempe, AZ
What are the most common causes of back pain treated at Sports Docs Family Chiro?
We treat back pain caused by muscle strain and ligament injury, disc problems (bulging, herniated, or degenerated), spinal joint dysfunction, core weakness and muscular imbalances, poor posture, workplace ergonomic issues, and sport-specific biomechanical problems. For athletes, we also address back pain related to overtraining, improper movement mechanics, and sport-specific repetitive stress. Visit our lower back pain page for more specific information on lumbar conditions.
Can chiropractic care really fix back pain, or is it just temporary relief?
The goal of Dr. Porman’s back pain treatment is always lasting relief — not just short-term symptom management. By identifying and addressing the root cause of your pain through a combination of Targeted Frequency Therapy, adjustments, soft tissue work, and rehabilitation, we aim to resolve the underlying dysfunction so your pain does not simply return. Patient education and home exercise guidance further support long-term results beyond your treatment period.
Do I need an MRI or X-ray before my first appointment?
No — you can come in without prior imaging. Dr. Porman conducts a thorough clinical evaluation at your first visit to assess the nature and source of your back pain. If diagnostic imaging is indicated, he can provide referrals for X-rays or MRI. If you already have existing imaging, please bring it along as it can be helpful. Visit our Your First Visit page for more details.
Can back pain be treated without surgery or pain medication?
Yes — and that is exactly our approach. Dr. Porman is committed to non-surgical, drug-free solutions for back pain whenever possible. The combination of Targeted Frequency Therapy, chiropractic adjustments, laser therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and rehabilitation exercises available at our Tempe clinic provides a powerful alternative to medication and surgical intervention for the vast majority of back pain conditions.
How long will back pain treatment take?
Treatment duration varies depending on the cause and severity of your back pain, how long you have been experiencing it, and how your body responds to care. Acute muscle strains may resolve relatively quickly, while chronic disc conditions or long-standing postural dysfunction may require a more extended treatment course. Dr. Porman will give you a realistic assessment of your expected recovery timeline after your initial evaluation.
Do you treat back pain in athletes and non-athletes?
Yes — we treat both, and we tailor the approach accordingly. Athletes receive sport-specific evaluation and return-to-play focused care, while non-athletes benefit from a more functionally oriented approach centered on daily life demands, workplace ergonomics, and long-term spinal health. See our athlete care and individual care pages for more information.
What is the difference between back pain and lower back pain treatment?
While back pain and lower back pain share many common causes and treatment approaches, lower back pain specifically refers to conditions affecting the lumbar spine — the five vertebrae between the ribcage and pelvis. This region bears the greatest mechanical load and has its own unique set of conditions including lumbar disc herniation, SI joint dysfunction, and lumbar facet syndrome. Visit our dedicated lower back pain treatment page for more specific information.