Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can be caused by many different diseases and conditions. Some of these conditions can be very serious but fortunately they are for the most part uncommon. These serious conditions include; cancer, tumors, neoplasm, inflammatory arthritis and infection. Several common conditions that can cause back pain are listed below.

Fractures and Dislocations

Fractures and dislocations can occur anywhere in the body. The vertebral bodies which help support the weight of the upper body can break resulting in a compression fracture. These types of fractures can be very painful and even disabling.

It is important for the physician to determine the nature of these fractures. Some fractures can be caused by dangerous or serious conditions such as cancers, malignancies, or advanced osteoporosis. These are called pathological fractures. Other types of fractures may occur through traumatic events.

A dislocation is a term used to describe a condition where a joint has been disrupted and has separated to the point where the two adjacent bones are no longer aligned or touching. When a joint is dislocated the spine becomes unstable and is unable to protect the spinal cord or nerves.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) is a natural condition of the body that causes deterioration of the intervertebral discs. This is a gradual process that may compromise the spine. Although DDD is relatively common, its effects are usually not severe enough to warrant significant medical intervention. The intervertebral disc is one structure prone to degenerative changes associated with aging. Long before Degenerative Disc Disease can be seen radiographically, biochemical and histologic (structural) changes occur. Over time the collagen (protein) structure of the annulus fibrosis weakens and may become structurally unstable. Additionally, water and proteoglycans(PG) content decreases. PGs are molecules that attract water. These changes are linked and may lead to the disc’s inability to handle mechanical stress.

Herniated Disc

Herniation of the nucleus pulposus (HNP) occurs when the nucleus (gel-like substance) breaks through the annulus fibrosis (tire-like structure) of an intervertebral disc (spinal shock absorber). Injury to the disc may result in pain, numbness, tingling or loss of muscle strength. Disc injuries in the neck region may affect the arms or hands while disc injuries in the low back may affect the legs or feet. People between the ages of 30 and 50 appear to be vulnerable because the elasticity of the disc and water content of the nucleus decreases with age.

Facet Syndrome

Facet syndrome is a common spinal disorder affecting the posterior joints that results in pain, stiffness and inflammation. Increased stress at the facets results in stretching of the ligamentous capsule, deterioration of the smooth cartilaginous surfaces and increased friction at the joint. In facet syndrome, the symptoms of pain, discomfort and weakness frequently localize to the spine, nonetheless a small percentage may be felt in the extremities or other body areas.

Foraminal Stenosis

The spinal nerves pass through openings on the side of the spine called intervertebral foramen. Foraminal stenosis occurs when these openings are smaller than normal. This condition can be the result of injury, degenerative change or congenital anomaly. The smaller opening may result in compression of the nerve. This irritation often causes symptoms of numbness, weakness, burning or tingling in the involved extremity. Long standing or severe stenosis may result in a functional loss.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the size of the spinal canal is reduced. This may lead to compression of the spinal cord. Symptoms often include pain, numbness, tingling and weakness. Severe cases may actually cause loss of function and may even lead to disability. Spinal stenosis is more common in patients over fifty years of age. Many factors can cause stenosis including injury and degenerative change.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder associated with widespread soft tissue pain, tenderness and fatigue. A person with fibromyalgia will experience pain when up to 18 specific areas called tender points are pressed. Pushing carefully on these specific points during an examination causes discomfort or pain. The pain of fibromyalgia is more than normal muscle aches common after physical exertion. Fibromyalgia often can be severe enough to disrupt a person’s daily work and activities. The cause of fibromyalgia is not known.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is commonly called the “fragile bone disease.” It is due to loss of bone density caused by a deficiency in such bone-building nutrients as calcium, vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals. The most common complication of osteoporosis is compression fracture. In people with advanced osteoporosis, compression fractures can occur as the result of simple daily activities such as bending, carrying heavy loads, or a minor fall.

Osteoarthritis (DJD)

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the most common type of arthritis. OA can occur in almost any joint of the body but most commonly occurs in the fingers, hips, knees and spine. Over time changes occur within the smooth cartilaginous surfaces of the joint. These changes lead to a loss of elasticity and the cartilage becomes stiff or brittle making it susceptible to injury. This will lead to stiffness, pain and crepitation at the joint. Advanced cases may actually result in significant damage to the bone itself.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebrae slips forward (translation) in relation to the adjacent vertebrae. Stability is inversely proportional to the degree of translation. The ability of a vertebrae to “slip” in relation to its neighbor can be caused by many factors, including facet or disc degeneration, trauma or a defect in a region of the vertebrae called the pars interarticularis. Severe cases may result in spinal cord or nerve compression and can require surgical intervention.

Sprain/Strain

Sprains and strains are two of the most common causes of back pain. They can be caused by trauma, overuse, lack of conditioning, and improper body mechanics. The term sprain is used when this injury occurs in a ligament. Conversely, strain is used when the affected tissue is muscle or tendon. Typically, patients will complain of increased pain with activity and relief at rest. Treatment will often include a period of rest followed by a therapeutic exercise program to increase flexibility and strength.

Compression Fracture

Compression fractures can occur in any vertebra (spinal bones) and is described as a collapse of the vertebra.

Symptoms –

The first symptom of a compression fracture may be sudden and severe back pain that remains in one local area. Some persons may experience numbness/tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs if the spinal cord or nerves leading away from the fracture have been compressed. If multiple fractures occur in an area of the back, the person will develop a forward hump-like curvature to the back.

Causes –

There are many possible causes of compression fractures. Car accidents, falls, and weakening of the bone due to pathology (i.e. cancer), or Osteoporosis are common.

Diagnosis –

The diagnosis is based on observation of the aforementioned symptoms and x-rays of the spine. Additional tests (i.e. bone scan, blood tests) may be needed to diagnose the actual cause of the compression fracture.

Cancer

If you have severe back pain, it is natural to wonder whether or not the pain might be a sign of cancer. Tumors in the spinal column may cause pain from expansion of the bone or from weakening the bone, which in turn can result in spinal fractures, compression (pinching) of the nerves, or spinal instability.

Discitis

Discitis, or disc space infection, is an inflammatory lesion of the intervertebral disc that occurs in adults but more commonly in children. Its cause has been the subject of debate, although most authors believe it to be infectious. The infection probably begins in one of the continguous end plates, and the disc is infected secondarily. Severe back pain that begins insidiously is characteristic of the disease.

Discitis in Children

Although most children will continue to walk in spite of the pain, young children may refuse to ambulate. The characteristic finding is extension of the spine and the child’s complete refusal to flex the spine. Children with discitis usually are not systemically ill. They rarely have an elevated temperature and their white blood cell count is frequently normal. However the erythrocyte sedimentation rate is usually increased. Lateral radiographs of the spine usually will reveal disc space narrowing with erosion of the vertebral end plates of the contiguous vertebrae. bone scanning may be helpful in localizing a lesion that is difficult to diagnose clinically. Some bone scans are falsely negative, so the diagnosis of disc space infection should not be excluded simply because the bone scan is normal. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) seems to be helpful in identifying a disc space infection.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis is the abnormal forward bending of the spine. In kyphosis, the curve of the spine is abnormal, forming a hump.

What is going on in the body?

The normal spine rounds slightly in the chest area, with arching in the lower back and neck regions. Excessive kyphosis can occur mainly in the chest area of the spine, causing the roundness of the back to appear exaggerated.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Symptoms are usually minimal, unless the deformity is severe. In that case, the back may ache or, rarely, nerve problems may arise. The hamstrings, or muscles at the back of the thigh, may also be tight.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Kyphosis is generally caused by an abnormal posture. Other possible causes include: · a significant fracture of the vertebra, which can cause the back to angle forward · spinal surgery · Scheuermann’s disease, which results in wedging of the vertebrae. This disease is usually seen in teenage boys, and its cause is unknown. Pott’s disease, which refers to kyphosis due to collapse of the vertebra when tuberculosis infects the spine · osteoporosis in elderly women, which causes a type of kyphosis known as dowager’s hump · spinal tumors, or surgery to remove them · nerve disorders

Lordosis

Lordosis is a disorder defined by an excessive inward curve of the spine. It differs from the spine’s normal curves at the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, which are, to a degree, either kyphotic or lordotic. The spine’s natural curves position the head over the pelvis and work as shock absorbers to distribute mechanical stress during movement.

Lordosis can be found in all age groups. It primarily affects the lumbar spine, but does occur in the neck (cervical). When found in the lumbar spine, the patient may appear swayback, the buttocks more prominent, and in general an exaggerated posture. A lumbar lordosis can be painful sometimes affecting movement.

Certain disease processes can adversely affect the structural integrity of the spine and contribute to lordosis. Some common causes include achondroplasia, discitis, kyphosis, obesity, osteoporosis, and spondylolisthesis.

Ligamentous Hypertrophy

Ligaments run up and down the spinal column. Hypertrophy of the ligaments in the vertebral canal (the posterior longitudinal ligament — runs up and down along the back side of the vertebral bodies, and the ligamentum flavum — runs up and down under the posterior bone ring made up of the lamina and spinous process) can increase their mass enough that they narrow the canal (stenosis) sometimes to the point that the spinal cord and/or nerve roots running through the canal are compressed. When the posterior longitudinal ligament in front and ligamentum flavum behind the spinal cord hypertrophy the cord is almost “circumferentially” surrounded and compressed).

Hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum laterally near the facet joint can also contribute to foraminal narrowing (stenosis) with potential nerve compression (pinching).

Obesity

According to the American Obesity Association (AOA) 64.5 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are categorized as being overweight or obese (1). The unfortunate truth is that obesity is becoming a global epidemic affecting adults and children.

Connection to Back Pain
Most people know that obesity contributes to the development of coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. However, did you know that obesity is a contributing factor to back pain? It is true. Being overweight or obese can significantly contribute to symptoms associated with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), degenerative disc disease (DDD), spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.

The spine is designed to carry the body’s weight and distribute the loads encountered during rest and activity. When excess weight is carried, the spine is forced to assimilate the burden, which may lead to structural compromise and damage (e.g. injury, sciatica).

One region of the spine that is most vulnerable to the effects of obesity is the low back; the lumbar spine. Lack of exercise and bodily conditioning leads to poor flexibility and weak muscles in the back, pelvis, and thighs. This can increase the curve of the lower back causing the pelvis to tilt too far forward. Further, this is detrimental to proper posture and as posture weakens, other regions of the spine (neck) may become painful.

You may try to dismiss the cause of some of these spinal disorders to the process of normal aging. It is true that with age body tissues can cause changes to spinal anatomy (2). However, if you are overweight or obese, chances are you have, or will have, back pain.

Trauma

Trauma to the spine refers to injury that has occurred to bony elements, soft tissues and/or neurological structures. The two things that surgeons are most concerned about, in the case of spinal trauma, are instability of the vertebral column and actual or potential neurological injury.
Stability to the spinal column can be compromised when bony elements are injured or there is disruption to soft tissues such as ligaments. Instability causes the back to become unable to successfully carry normal loads, which can lead to permanent deformity, severe pain and in some cases catastrophic neurological injuries. Most often the instability comes from a fracture in one of the bony parts of the vertebra, specifically the vertebral body, the lamina or the pedicles.

In the case of trauma, dislocations and fractures happen simultaneously and can result in a very unstable spinal column. They can occur in any region of the spine and are associated with a degree of neurological injury. A surgeon needs to restore the mechanical stability of the spine to try and prevent more neurologic injury, progressive deformity or prolonged incapacitation pain.

Back pain in pregnancy

Introduction to back pain during pregnancy
For pregnant women, back pain during pregnancy is not a trivial matter. If not addressed, it can have a negative impact on your daily lifestyle, cause missed time from work, and make your delivery more difficult. Back pain in the course of your pregnancy can also create problems that will continue for an extended period after delivery.

Addressing back pain during pregnancy

While it is fairly common, back pain during pregnancy should definitely not be accepted as just part of the process. To help make your pregnancy as pleasant as possible and facilitate an easier delivery, back pain should be always be addressed as quickly as possible and managed throughout your pregnancy.

Low back pain of long duration (several weeks or months) during pregnancy is a predictor for post partum back pain (pain after birth). For this reason, pregnant women are encouraged to seek appropriate treatment for back pain during pregnancy.

Likewise, any post partum pain that lasts longer than six to eight weeks should be treated in order to avoid chronic or recurring back problems.

Radiculopathy

lumbar radiculopathy, which refers to pain in the lower extremities in a dermatomal pattern. A dermatome is a specific area in the lower extremity innervated by a specific lumbar nerve. This pain is caused by compression of the roots of the spinal nerves in the lumbar region of the spine. Diagnosing leg and back pain begins with a detailed patient history and examination.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is defined as a side-to-side deviation from the normal frontal axis of the body. Although traditional, this definition is limited since the deformity occurs in varying degrees in all three planes: back-front; side-to-side; top-to-bottom. Scoliosis is a descriptive term and not a diagnosis. As such, a search is made for the cause. In more than 80% of the cases, a specific cause is not found and such cases are termed idiopathic, i.e., of undetermined cause. This is particularly so among the type of scoliosis seen in adolescent girls. Conditions known to cause spinal deformity are congenital spinal column abnormalities, neurological disorders, genetic conditions and a multitude of other causes. Scoliosis does not come from carrying heavy things, athletic involvement, sleeping/standing postures, or minor lower limb length inequality.

In managing AIS, the judgment of the surgeon and the participation of informed patients and families are as important in determining treatment outcome as surgical techniques. Decision-making in the management of AIS remains complex despite the availability of data on natural history, prognosis of different curve patterns, brace treatment factors, and surgical innovations.

The management of AIS includes several steps and treatment options:
· screening and early detection of deformity,
· observation of changes in deformity over time with informed judgment regarding prognosis, orthotic and non-operative interventions,
· surgical planning and operating.

Sciatica

This is a condition which causes pain down the back of one or both thighs. Inflammation of the sciatic nerve (which is the largest nerve in the body-about the diameter of your little finger) can be either constant or intermittent. Success in solving this problem is directly correlated to the diagnosis. Sciatica can be caused by a pinched nerve as it exits the low back spine or it can be caused by prostatic cancer. Odds are usually that the cause is some structural imbalance, but there are so many potential causes, some serious and some benign, it is better to at least know that there may be a grave cause to the symptoms.

This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t immediately incorporate a strategy to eliminate any structural imbalances. In most cases, this will resolve the problem. If the problem doesn’t respond to these basic efforts, then professional assistance may be needed. The first effort in relieving sciatic symptoms should be to review Hip Pain.

Trigger points can accumulate in the piriformis muscle forcing a contraction and strangulation of the sciatic nerve. The tennis ball exercise should be incorporated to help to relax the piriformis muscle. Stretching may be beneficial, but that is more of a “try an see” exercise.
If there are no improvements with this approach, refer to Low Back Pain to better understand the relationship between the sciatic nerve and the low back spine. Seeking help from a chiropractor or orthopedist may be indicated if the solution can’t be found at home.

Medical Evaluation and Diagnostic Testing procedures should be performed prior to beginning any treatment in order to determine the treatment process that will be most effective. The following describes some of the evaluation testing procedures that can be performed to help confirm the cause of back pain.

Resources

Lakeland Disc Center
4.9
Based on 256 reviews
powered by Google
Stephanny LeClaire
Stephanny LeClaire
17:21 16 May 23
Love Dr. Kern and his whole staff. They are very professional and treat you with kindness. The areas of focus started feeling better almost immediately after treatment. They focused on me and my... issues without pushing unnecessary treatment on me. 10/10 would recommend!read more
Roger Harcourt
Roger Harcourt
10:44 13 Apr 23
Dr. Kern is the best. Very caring and professional. The Soft Wave treatment was amazing for my long standing back pain. I highly recommend Dr. Kern if you are having any type of pain in your back or... other joints and muscles.Roger L. Harcourt, MDread more
S M
S M
18:13 09 Mar 23
You’re in great hands with Kern Chiropractic Clinic..All around great staff, environment, and professionalism. Throughout my back recovery journey I have been through doctors, physical therapy,... chiropractors, back specialists, and spinal shots but I am happy to finally have found a winner with their noninvasive decompression therapy. I have found hope again and thank them deeply for all they do!read more
Becky Hutchinson
Becky Hutchinson
17:52 19 Jan 23
I have only seen Doctor Kern for a consult so far, but I was totally impressed, from the time I stepped into the office. The office was clean, the staff was friendly and there's lots of information ... for you to read while you wait to be seen.When doctor Kern brings you back for the consultation you feel like you are his only patient. He truly listens to what you say and truly wants to help you. I haven't felt so comfortable with a Dr. In a long time.I will be seeing him a soon to start treatment.Thank you Dr. Kern and staffread more
Gary Beaver
Gary Beaver
17:12 13 Jan 23
I highly recommend Dr Graham Kern. I have been a patient with Kern Chiropractic Clinic for 5 years. They are the most thorough and professional Chiropractic Clinic I have ever used. They are patient... first, friendly and kind. They have the most modern equipment available able in Chiropractic care today and the expertise to use it properly to get you pain free.read more
Treasa Towson
Treasa Towson
19:20 21 Dec 22
Absolutely love Dr Kern, Rebecca and his entire staff. After only 1 Softwave treatment I feel so much better. I am blessed to have found them and highly recommend them to anyone who has been in pain.... I look forward to visiting them for the rest of my treatments and I really look forward to getting my healthy life back. Thank you Kern Chiropractic staff...for your kindness and TLC.read more
Anne Noyola
Anne Noyola
16:18 15 Oct 22
What a Great experience! Dr. Kern is amazing. He Really cares about his patients - He's Really in this to help people! If you have back, neck, leg or any other pain GO SEE DR. KERN!!
Brenda Cannon
Brenda Cannon
17:29 18 Sep 22
Dr Kern and the entire staff were very friendly and made me feel that they were glad that I chose to come see them. They all listened to the information that I gave them. Then we discussed what would... happen next. I am very excited to move forward with my healing with this awesome team.read more
Michael Savage
Michael Savage
16:12 25 Aug 22
Dr Kern and the entire staff at Disc Center are outstanding. From the first consult and down through my current treatments, they’ve been attentive and professional. Every person on the team gets to... know you with genuine caring, and the decompression benefits are noticeable within a few visits. I felt that Dr Kern was thorough and appreciated his diagnostics before moving me into the right treatment. I’ve done chiropractic for general health for decades, so when it came time to seek out some pain relief I was extremely critical of who I’d use, and Dr Kern is by far the DC that stood out as the go to. I am about half way in on my treatment plan and excited at the progress.read more
Rhonda Bolender
Rhonda Bolender
17:10 17 Aug 22
From my first phone call for an appointment through my initial consultation, I was impressed with the truly caring and thoughtful treatment I received. Over the years I have been treated by several... Chiropractors but this office does more and has stayed in touch with the latest technics. I truly feel that everyone in this office has my best outcome at heart. I am so happy that I did my research and chose Dr. Kern and his team to help me.read more
william charon
william charon
16:07 20 Jul 22
Great People and they are always there to help you. The treatments have helped me and I fully have trust in Dr Kern and his Staff.
Sam Jordan
Sam Jordan
21:12 14 Jul 22
Great place, very personal each and every time you visit. They listen to your concerns and make every effort to elevate your issues. I’ve had lower back issues for many years and this is the first... time that I can say each time I go in now “ My back feels great”read more
Jamie Waring
Jamie Waring
20:06 14 Jul 22
Randomly found this place when I was in so much pain that I literally couldn’t walk. Dr. kern really took the time to get the right images to safely take care of my injury and within 4 sessions of... the spinal decompression therapy I was able to walk again! I still have many more sessions to go to get to the point I used to be at but what a change within just a week. Dr. Kern really cares for his patients, each and every one of them and went above and beyond the expectations I had. Thank you!read more
Marc Cardoso
Marc Cardoso
20:07 13 Jul 22
Keep sending me text messages to be here at 1:30 for my appointment and they open at 2 pm . Missed work to be here at 1:30 arrived at 1:10. Rebeca and Dr. Kern were nice after I give the place a... chance for a treatment on my arm and shoulder. Thank you againread more
Blair Clarke
Blair Clarke
22:53 13 Jun 22
Professional and friendly staff, and very effective treatments. I highly recommend.
KEN
KEN
16:16 05 May 22
Time and time again Dr.Kern has kept me on my feet. I'm very grateful.In my personal experience with several other chiropractors over the years, Dr.Kern is one of the best in the area.
Julianne Albrecht
Julianne Albrecht
16:06 27 Apr 22
Kern chiropractic is amazing! I have been a patient for 3 years now. They help me through every Injury I incur. They definitely put their patients needs above themselves. I am currently in... decompression therapy for 2 herniated disks. I went from not being able to walk without crutches to being my normal self! I always recommend Kern. If you haven’t started your healing, what are you waiting for?!read more
Shylah Ward
Shylah Ward
16:35 29 Mar 22
Very nice office and the staff was very welcoming and friendly. I have to return to go over options. Dr. Kern took his time explaining all the issues I have going on in my neck region. This is the... first detailed explanation I have received since learning of all I have managed to do to myself. I will be returning to go over treatment options, this is a 4th opinion prior to surgery. Staff and Dr. Kern 5 stars!read more
LeEtta Oyen
LeEtta Oyen
18:58 22 Mar 22
Kern Chiropractic is first class! From the time you step foot in the door with a warm greeting to leaving with a goodbye, excellent care is given at every step in the process. Dr. Kern is one of the... most compassionate, honest and knowledgeable individuals I know. After inquiring and listening to me, he treats, educates and answers my questions. He is excellent in his field.read more
Rita Gorham
Rita Gorham
16:28 15 Mar 22
I came to Dr Kern last year with a damage discs in my back with a lot of pain 8 years ,it was my last alternative before surgery ,so I begin 36 treatments.I recently had an MRI done and 3 of my... bulging discs has gone and I’m able to do things I could not before, with this disc decompression it has outstanding results. I recommend Dr kern @ Lakeland disc Center and his staff treat you like family.read more
Rodney Harrell
Rodney Harrell
12:44 06 Mar 22
Everyone else said the next step is surgery I went to see Dr.Kern he said let me help you. He said NO SURGERY after going over my MRI and 17 sessions no more pain and off all those pain pills my life... has truly been wonderful the crazy thing about it Dr.Kern told me to drink plenty of water ? after every session I didn't believe it but I listened and did everything what Dr.Kern told me to do it's good back at 95% the other 5% is being lazy when I can THANK AGAIN Dr.Kernread more
Eva Joiner
Eva Joiner
17:23 18 Nov 21
I don’t even know where to begin .I get teary-eyed thinking about it .I have suffered with lower back pain since I was 12 after falling on ice and breaking my tailbone .It just got progressively... worse as I got older. I would pull my back out two , three times a year .could barely walk . only relief I had was laying in bed flat .by the grace of God I was on Instagram and found decompression at Dr. Kerns office which I’ve been thinking about doing for quite a while finally decided to do it went in for treatment and since the treatment I have gotten such a great relief . my back hasn’t gone out in the last eight months since I’ve been going . I plan on going in for a tweaking probably for the rest of my life just like a car you’ve got to get serviced .so I am thrilled beyond words . I love the Kern family and their associates ..they are like family to me I love them all ❤️❤️❤️❤️read more
Talia Needham
Talia Needham
16:38 23 Oct 21
All of the staff was extremely nice, including the Doctor. I'm looking forward to getting started with my back.Update**Thoroughly DISAPPOINTED with my results!! ? Dr. Kern was excited about... getting me started on treatment and explained to my fiance and me that afterward, we could do a post-treatment MRI to see how much "good" the treatment did. At first, I felt a little better but then hit a plateau where I just didn't get any better throughout the treatments..and was just having a lot of pain! At the end of treatment it was a completely different "tune" from the doctor. He would NOT send me for a post-MRI scan saying that my case was too "involved to see the results we were expecting" and "I needed to take a couple of weeks to break then come back for more treatment bi-weekly".. for MORE money of course (not covered by insurance)..then just MAYBE we would see results!!?? ??? still nothing was ever said about an MRI for proof that any "good" and disc repair was actually being done. Very disappointing experience with the amount of money I paid. 3800$ CASH TO BE EXACT! If you have more than a few minor disc issues then DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY!I will add this since this review triggered a phone call to us today.If the doctor would have been 100% upfront and honest in our initial consultation, (instead of half-truths)...Explaining that my case was way more involved than the average person AND that he suspected my treatment plan would take a lot longer than one single round, resulting in more money, than maybe my fiance and I wouldn't have been so upset with the first result at the end of treatment. However, I believe the Doctor knew that if he was 100 percent honest with us during the initial consultation, then we probably would have never started treatments too begin with. He claimed today on the phone while speaking to my fiance that the issues of my caliber could take a long time to resolve. Well, guess what Doc?? You never said that upfront!!!. We both were told, I WOULD see a difference. Maybe, if you would have been completely honest from the beginning, NONE of this would be happening. Now, you've left a horrible taste in my mouth from the way you attempted to resolve this. Do I think you care about me and your other patients, yes. However, I personally think you care MORE about the money.read more
douglas andress
douglas andress
16:58 06 Aug 21
First class organization ! Super nice staff with a heart felt family atmosphere , and very thorough ! Office is clean and neat ! Your not just a number here , Dr Kern and his staff really care . If... your looking for all of the above and the latest technology in chiropractic care , hands down they are the best . Thank you for what you , you've been a Godsend !read more
Winston Wraps
Winston Wraps
23:36 04 Aug 21
Amazing team, QUALITY CARE, exceptional customer service...the entire staff whole heartedly cares about helping you feel better and love a better quality of life pain free! It’s very refreshing to... find a doctor who is compassionate and has outstanding “bedside manner”. I love Dr.Kern’s office and tell everyone about them!read more
Jen Ortiz
Jen Ortiz
16:12 27 Jul 21
I’ve been to a dozen chiropractors and none of them have helped me as much as Kern Chiropractic. I am so grateful for all the time and care that they have invested in me feeling my best. I will never... go anywhere else.read more
Liz Martin
Liz Martin
15:07 16 Jun 21
Quality care team that truly cares about your full recovery. Knowledgeable caring staff all throughout my treatment here. Happy uplifting atmosphere with top notch treatments available. This was my... first time ever going to a chiropractor and Dr. Kern and staff genuinely care and make the entire experience comfortable by fitting all my personal needs. I’ve been going here for 6 months and never need to look any further for my chiropractic care. As I like to say, “best popcorn poppin’, snap, crackle, pop, my back has ever experienced.” ? I would recommend this office to anyone and everyone.read more
kelly baer
kelly baer
22:49 21 Jul 20
I was not a patient but was in a lot of pain. I called Dr. Kern's office and they fit me in on the same day. The office staff and the Dr. went out of their way to make me feel appreciated. They set... me up for x-rays the next day and I was able to go that afternoon with the x-rays back to the office for treatment. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for caring, competent professional chiropractic care.read more
Kris Wing
Kris Wing
16:28 10 Jul 20
Dr. Kern spent an hour with us on our first visit! How many doctors do this these days? Most of the time doctors usher me in and out and take no time to really understand what is going on in order to... help me get better. Not Dr. Kern. He truly cares about your health and helping you get better any way he can.read more
Hector Alicea
Hector Alicea
20:36 12 Jun 20
Amazing staff. Dr. Kern listens to you and tries his best to help you understand your pain and the procedure that needs to be taken. Best chiropractor I have seen yet. Highly recommend!
Paul Thomas
Paul Thomas
16:36 22 Apr 20
I must say that the staff at Kern Chiropratic are very polite friendly caring they are awesome!!! DR Graham Kern is a doctor who takes his time explaining procedures and the process for the health... care that is provided and the health care you need. Doctors like DR Graham Kern are hard to find!!! I have had two consultation and with my findings DR Graham Kern gives you hope and I believe he is a man with a big heart and truly cares for his patients!!! Thank you to the great staff and a Great doctor DR Graham Kern!!!read more
Scott farrington
Scott farrington
03:17 20 Mar 20
De Kern and his staff are extremely friendly and professional. They make you feel at ease the moment you walk in the door. Especially liked the thorough intake interview and testing that was done.... Highly recommend this fine organization. They make you feel like your the only client they have.read more
rmrsm79
rmrsm79
17:13 25 Feb 20
First medical office I have been in since I was child where I didn't and never have felt like just a number or the next invoice for profit. Yes while this is a business to make money and rightly so... in America, they take the time to make you feel comfortable, welcome, and that they are trying the best they can to actually help. I feel like my concerns are listened to and in return I trust the medical insight and expertise among all of the staff. Highly recommend this establishment.read more
Next Reviews
js_loader
Free Pain Guide
Download our Disc Centers of America App
IDEA Member 2019-2020
IDEA Member 2021-2022
IDEA Member 2022-2023
IDEA Member 2023