Back Pain Relief in West Los Angeles: How the Main Options Compare
Back pain relief in West Los Angeles starts with a clear diagnosis, not a guess. At West Los Angeles Chiropractic®, Dr. Karr takes in-office digital X-rays on your first visit. As a result, your care plan targets the actual source of your pain, whether that is a joint, a disc, or a nerve.
Quick Facts
- Doctor: Dr. Michael C. Karr, D.C., a UCLA Kinesiology graduate who has treated patients in West LA since 1989.
- Radiology credentials: California X-Ray Supervisor and Operator License (California Department of Public Health), plus a completed 100-hour postgraduate program in spinal and skeletal radiology under American Chiropractic Board of Roentgenologists curriculum standards.
- Imaging: in-office digital X-rays on your first visit.
- Technology: the DRX9000 is an FDA-cleared non-surgical spinal decompression system. Its manufacturer, Excite Medical, reports more than 20 peer-reviewed publications on it.
- Location: 11340 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite 165, Los Angeles, CA 90064.
Back Pain Relief: How the Main Options Compare
Back pain has several possible treatments, and they do not all have the same evidence behind them. For example, the American College of Physicians rated the options for acute and subacute low back pain in its 2017 guideline.
| Option | Type | Evidence rating in the 2017 ACP guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Superficial heat | Non-drug | Moderate quality |
| Massage | Non-drug | Low quality |
| Acupuncture | Non-drug | Low quality |
| Spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustment) | Non-drug | Low quality |
| NSAIDs or skeletal muscle relaxants | Drug | Moderate quality, suggested if drug treatment is desired |
| Spinal decompression | Non-drug | Not rated in this guideline |
The guideline (Qaseem et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2017) points out that most acute episodes improve over time, whatever the treatment. Because of that, it advises starting with non-drug options. However, the evidence for massage, acupuncture, and manipulation is rated low quality, so read this as support for trying conservative care first, not as a promise of results. You can see more of the studies we rely on on our chiropractic research page.
What Happens at Your First Visit
- We review your health history and when and how the pain started.
- We run a focused exam.
- We take in-office digital X-rays, which Dr. Karr reads himself.
- We explain what we found in plain language.
- We build a care plan together.
Depending on your findings, care can include chiropractic adjustments, massage, physio-therapy, acupuncture, or Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression with the DRX9000. Spinal decompression candidacy is determined by clinical evaluation, and Medicare does not cover spinal decompression.
Serving West LA, Brentwood, Bel Air, Westwood, Venice, Santa Monica and Culver City
West Los Angeles Chiropractic® has served patients since 1989. Our office is easy to reach from West LA, Brentwood, Bel Air, Westwood, Venice, Santa Monica, and Culver City.
Back Pain FAQ
Can a chiropractor help with back pain?
Spinal manipulation, which chiropractors provide, is one of the non-drug options named in the 2017 ACP guideline for acute and subacute low back pain. However, the guideline rates that evidence as low quality, and whether it fits you depends on your exam and X-rays.
How long does back pain usually last?
According to the same guideline, most acute episodes improve over time. If your pain lasts more than a few weeks or keeps coming back, get it evaluated.
What is the DRX9000, and is it right for my back pain?
The DRX9000 is an FDA-cleared non-surgical spinal decompression system used for disc-related back pain and sciatica. It is not right for everyone. Dr. Karr reviews your X-rays and history first, then decides whether you are a candidate.
Does insurance cover chiropractic care for back pain?
We accept Medicare, most PPO plans, Workers’ Comp, and MedPay. Call Betty at 310-914-9400, and we will verify your specific coverage before your first visit. Medicare does not cover spinal decompression.
When is back pain an emergency?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, new leg weakness, or fever, or if it follows major trauma. Do not wait for an appointment.
✅ In-office digital X-rays on your first visit
✅ $99 new-patient special
✅ Medicare, most PPO plans, Workers’ Comp, and MedPay accepted
📞 Call Betty: 310-914-9400
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Individual results vary. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before beginning treatment. Spinal decompression candidacy determined by clinical evaluation.
