Welcome to Hermann Wellness: Your Solution for Lower Back Pain
Understanding Lower Back Pain
Low back pain is a common issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. As a chiropractor at Hermann Wellness in Bloomington, Illinois, we specialize in diagnosing and treating lower back pain to help you regain your quality of life.

Causes of Low Back Pain
- Low back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Muscle or Ligament Strain: Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments.
- Bulging or Ruptured Discs: Discs act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disc can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
- Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions such as scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, can lead to back pain, but generally not until middle age.
Pain-Generating Areas
Understanding the specific areas that can generate pain is crucial for effective treatment. Here are some key pain-generating areas.
Facet Joints
Facets: These are the small joints located between and behind adjacent vertebrae. Facet joint pain is often described as a deep, aching pain in the low back. The pain is one-sided. The low back pain a facet joint generates is usually about the size of a quarter or half dollar. Chiropractic treatment is very successful in treating back pain from facet joint irritation. Chiropractic manipulation is very gentle and easy.
Facet joints are often aggravated by:
- Extending your back backward or leaning back.
- Rotating to the affected side.
- Pushing on the affected facet joint about one inch to the side of your spine.

Sciatica

Sciatic Nerve Problems: Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down through the legs, is compressed or irritated. This can cause sharp, shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down one or both legs. A pinched nerve can eventually cause weakness in the affected leg. The lower back and leg pain are usually on one side but can occur on both sides.
Low back surgery is usually performed to relieve sciatica-related leg symptoms; it is not usually performed for lower back pain alone.
The most common way to pinch the nerve is with a disc herniation. See disc injuries lower on this page.
At Hermann Wellness, several types of gentle, successful treatments for sciatica are available. After a history and exam, a treatment plan for your specific problem is recommended. Occasionally an MRI scan is ordered. MRIs can visualize the soft tissues in your spine. This can give us valuable information to personalize your treatment.
Sacroiliac Joint and Low Back Pain
Sacroiliac Joint: The sacroiliac joint connects the lower spine to the pelvis. Dysfunction in this joint can cause pain in the lower back and buttocks, and sometimes in the legs, but not past the knee.
Sacroiliac pain is often aggravated by:
- Sleeping on your side with the painful side down.
- Waking up in the middle of the night and feeling good, but turning over aggravates the lower back.
- Discomfort in the sacroiliac while walking every time you put weight on the affected side’s leg.
- Getting in and out of a car.
Hermann Wellness has a special adjusting technique for adjusting sacroiliac joints easily and painlessly.

Disc Buldges or Herniations
Discs are the soft, rubbery pads between the vertebrae. When these discs are damaged, they can cause significant discomfort. Common disc injuries include herniated discs and degenerative disc disease. Disc herniations can cause sciatic nerve pinching and pain radiating into the leg.
The discomfort for a disc is usually in the middle of the lower back on both sides.
Disc herniations can be aggravated by:
- Coughing or sneezing.
- straining while having a bowel movement.
- Bending forward, especially with the knee straight.

Chiropractic Care for Low Back Pain
At Hermann Wellness, our chiropractic care focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Our approach includes:
Spinal Adjustments: Realigning the spine to improve function, increase range of motion, and reduce pain.
The adjusting techniques Hermann Wellness uses are:
- Gonstead
- Diversified
- Thompson drop table
- Cox flexion distraction
- Activator
Physical Therapy: Exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine
Modalities: Physical therapies such as electrical muscle stimulation or EMS, ultrasound, diathermy may be used to reduce inflammation and normalize muscle tone.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture is best for reducing chronic pain and involves inserting small needles into the skin. Acupuncture treatment is not painful.
Lifestyle Advice: Guidance on posture, ergonomics, and activity modifications to prevent further injury.
Why Choose Hermann Wellness for Back Pain?
Experienced Professionals: Dr Hermann is one of only ten chiropractors with board certification in orthopedics. This makes Dr Hermann uniquely qualified to help you eliminate your back pain.
Our team of chiropractors has extensive experience in treating low back conditions.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We create customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Holistic Approach: We focus on treating the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms.
Contact Us:
If you’re experiencing back discomfort, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Hermann Wellness today to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free life.
Phone: (309) 663-2423
Email: forms@hermannwellness.com
2415 East Washington Suite F Bloomington, Illinois 61704
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At Hermann Wellness, we’re committed to helping you live a healthier, pain-free life. Let us help you find relief from low back pain and get back to doing the things you love.