Top 5 Signs Your Back Pain Might Be More Than Just a Strain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention—and for good reason. Whether it stems from a weekend of yard work, sitting at a desk too long, or just a wrong twist, back discomfort can seriously affect your quality of life. But how do you know when your back pain is just a minor strain—or something more serious?
At Murphy Chiropractic & Wellness in Plainfield, IL, we help patients every day who wait too long to get help because they assumed their pain would go away on its own. Here are five signs your back pain might be more than just a simple strain—and why you should consider seeing a chiropractor before it worsens.
1. The Pain Doesn’t Improve After a Few Days
It’s normal to feel sore for a day or two after overexertion, but if your back pain sticks around for more than 72 hours, it could be a red flag. A typical muscle strain from lifting something the wrong way or sleeping in an odd position will often start to improve with rest, light stretching, and hydration.
However, if your discomfort lingers, worsens, or becomes more intense, it could signal:
Herniated disc
Joint inflammation
At Murphy Chiropractic & Wellness, we use a hands-on approach to identify the root cause of persistent pain, not just mask the symptoms.
2. The Pain Radiates Down Your Legs or Arms
If you’re feeling back pain that travels—especially down your legs, buttocks, or arms—you may be dealing with more than muscle soreness. Radiating pain often points to nerve compression, such as sciatica, which can cause burning, tingling, or numbness.
This is a common sign that:
The sciatic nerve may be irritated
A spinal disc may be bulging or herniated
There’s inflammation pressing on nerves
Chiropractic adjustments can relieve nerve pressure and restore function without invasive procedures or long-term medication use.
3. You Experience Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness
These symptoms are your body’s way of alerting you that something deeper is happening—possibly with your nervous system. If you experience numbness or tingling in your legs, arms, or even feet, don’t ignore it. These sensations often indicate nerve involvement, which left untreated can lead to long-term damage or reduced mobility.
At Murphy Chiropractic & Wellness, we’ll evaluate your spinal health and check for subluxations (misalignments) or disc issues that could be interfering with proper nerve communication.
4. The Pain Gets Worse With Movement or Certain Positions
Pain that changes when you:
Sit or stand
Lean forward or backward
Lie on one side
Walk or exercise
…may indicate that your spine is not functioning properly. While muscle soreness may be consistent regardless of movement, pain that spikes with certain motions could suggest issues like:
Facet joint dysfunction
Disc degeneration
Spinal misalignment
Our chiropractic care plans are designed to not only ease pain but correct underlying structural imbalances that may be causing it. This helps prevent re-injury and promotes long-term wellness.
5. You’ve Had Back Pain Multiple Times Before
If your back pain seems to come and go in cycles—especially after simple activities like housework, driving, or exercising—it may be a sign of chronic dysfunction. Recurring pain often means your spine is out of alignment or your muscles are overcompensating for structural issues.
Rather than relying on pain meds or stretching alone, it’s important to treat the root cause. Chiropractic care helps restore balance to your musculoskeletal system, improving posture, mobility, and pain tolerance over time.
Why Choose Murphy Chiropractic & Wellness in Plainfield?
At Murphy Chiropractic & Wellness, we understand how frustrating chronic or mysterious back pain can be. Our team focuses on natural, effective care that gets to the core of what’s causing your discomfort. We offer:
Personalized treatment plans
Gentle, safe spinal adjustments
Postural analysis and ergonomic recommendations
Education on lifestyle and movement habits to prevent future issues
Located conveniently in Plainfield, IL, we proudly serve patients throughout the surrounding community who are ready to feel better, move better, and live healthier—without relying solely on medications or surgery.
Don’t Wait Until the Pain Gets Worse
If you’re experiencing any of the signs above, it’s time to stop guessing and start healing. Chiropractic care is not just about pain relief—it’s about total body wellness and prevention. The sooner we identify the problem, the easier it is to correct and get you back to doing the things you love.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Take the first step toward a pain-free life. Call Murphy Chiropractic & Wellness or book your visit online to get started.
