Back Pain Treatment Options in Delray Beach: What Each One Is For
A plain-language guide to back pain care in Delray Beach: self-care, chiropractic, spinal decompression, physical therapy, injections and surgery, and who each fits.
Back Pain · November 9, 2026
Short answer: most back pain gets better with conservative care, so it makes sense to start there. In Delray Beach your main options are self-care, chiropractic care, spinal decompression, physical therapy, massage or acupuncture, pain-management injections and, for a small group of people, surgery. The right one depends on what is actually causing your pain, which is why a good exam comes first.
If your back hurts, the hard part usually isn’t finding help. It’s figuring out which kind of help you need. Delray Beach has chiropractors, physical therapists, pain-management clinics and spine surgeons within a few miles of each other, and they all treat “back pain.” This guide explains what each option is for, who usually provides it, and how to decide where to start.
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Dr. Ryan Alter, DC, has practiced chiropractic in Delray Beach since 2006.
First, rule out an emergency
Go to an emergency room, or call 911, if back pain comes with any of these:
Loss of bladder or bowel control, or new trouble urinating
Numbness in the groin, inner thighs or buttocks (the “saddle” area)
Leg weakness that is getting worse
Fever, or pain after a serious fall or car accident
A history of cancer, or weight loss you can’t explain
These are uncommon, but they need medical attention right away. Everything below is for the much more common kind of back pain: sore, stiff, aching or shooting pain without those warning signs.
Start conservative
The American College of Physicians, which writes guidelines for medical doctors, recommends that most people with low back pain start with treatments that don’t involve drugs, such as heat, massage, exercise and spinal manipulation, before moving to stronger options. That’s a useful rule of thumb: try the lower-risk options first and step up only if you need to.
Your options at a glance
Option
Usually best for
Who provides it
At Alter Chiropractic?
Self-care
Mild, recent strains
You, at home
We can show you what to do
Chiropractic care
Back and neck pain, stiffness, joint problems
Chiropractors (DC)
Yes
Spinal decompression
Herniated or bulging discs, sciatica
Some chiropractic offices
Yes, Triton and DRX9000-SL
Physical therapy
Rebuilding strength and movement
Physical therapists (PT)
No, but we can recommend local PTs
Massage or acupuncture
Muscle tension, chronic aches
Massage therapists, acupuncturists
No, but we can recommend local providers
Injections
Nerve pain that hasn’t eased with conservative care
Pain-management physicians (MD/DO)
No
Surgery
Specific problems that haven’t responded to other care
Spine surgeons
No
1. Self-care and time
What it is: staying gently active, heat or ice, short walks, and avoiding long stretches of sitting or bed rest.
Who it’s for: mild pain from a recent strain, such as overdoing it at the gym or lifting something awkwardly.
Good to know: if over-the-counter pain relievers are part of your plan, check with your doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take other medications. If pain isn’t clearly improving after a week or two, or it keeps coming back, it’s time to get it checked.
2. Chiropractic care
What it is: a chiropractor examines how your spine and joints are moving, then uses hands-on adjustments and related techniques to restore movement and ease pain.
Who it’s for: low back pain, neck pain, stiffness, and pain that keeps returning.
At our office: every new patient starts with a history and exam, and digital spinal X-rays when they’re needed. Dr. Alter uses the Gonstead technique and the Activator Method, which is a gentler, low-force option, and he is board certified in Atlas Orthogonal. Learn more about chiropractic care.
3. Non-surgical spinal decompression
What it is: a computer-controlled table gently stretches the spine in slow cycles to take pressure off irritated discs and nerves.
At our office: we have two systems for the neck and the low back: Triton tables and the DRX9000-SL, our most advanced system. Dr. Alter examines you first and tells you honestly which table fits your problem, if either does. See spinal decompression and how the DRX9000 compares with other tables.
4. Physical therapy
What it is: a structured exercise program to rebuild strength, flexibility and movement.
Who it’s for: people who need to strengthen the muscles that support the spine, recover after an injury or surgery, or prevent pain from coming back.
Good to know: chiropractic care and physical therapy often work well together. We don’t offer physical therapy ourselves, but our patient resources page lists local physical therapists we recommend.
5. Massage and acupuncture
What they are: hands-on muscle work, and the use of very fine needles at specific points.
Who they’re for: muscle tension and long-standing aches. Both appear on the American College of Physicians’ list of non-drug options for low back pain.
Good to know: we don’t provide these, but they can be helpful additions to a plan. Our patient resources page lists local massage therapists and acupuncturists.
6. Pain-management injections
What it is: a medical doctor injects medication, often a steroid, near an irritated nerve or joint to calm inflammation.
Who it’s for: nerve pain, such as severe sciatica, that hasn’t improved with conservative care.
Good to know: injections can ease pain while other care does its work. They’re provided by pain-management physicians, not chiropractors.
7. Surgery
What it is: procedures such as a discectomy or laminectomy that remove what is pressing on a nerve.
Who it’s for: a small group of people with specific findings, such as severe or worsening nerve damage, or pain that hasn’t responded to other care. Most people with back pain never need surgery.
Good to know: if your exam suggests you need a surgical opinion, Dr. Alter will tell you. For a closer look, read spinal decompression vs. back surgery.
How to choose where to start
Recent, mild strain with no warning signs: start with self-care for a week or two.
Pain that keeps coming back, or stiffness and aching that won’t settle: start with a chiropractic exam.
Shooting pain, numbness or tingling down a leg or arm: get examined for a disc or nerve problem. Decompression may be an option.
Pain that hasn’t improved after a few weeks of conservative care: ask about physical therapy, injections or a specialist referral.
Any of the emergency warning signs above: go to the ER.
What a first visit at Alter Chiropractic looks like
Your first visit takes about 30 minutes. Dr. Alter asks about your history, examines you, and explains clearly what he thinks is going on. If he believes another provider would help you more, he’ll tell you. If you’re a candidate for care here, he’ll explain any costs before anything moves forward.
Consultation: free
Referral: not needed
Insurance: we’re out-of-network with all insurances, and your plan may reimburse you. We also offer affordable care plans.
Location: 15132 S Jog Rd, Delray Beach, in the Home Depot Plaza. Book a visit or call (561) 819-2225.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for back pain in Delray Beach?
There isn’t one best treatment for everyone. Most people do well starting with conservative care such as chiropractic care, exercise and heat. Disc-related pain may respond to spinal decompression. Injections and surgery are usually for pain that hasn’t improved with other care.
Should I see a chiropractor or a physical therapist for back pain?
Either is a reasonable place to start. Chiropractors focus on restoring joint movement with adjustments, while physical therapists focus on exercise and rehabilitation. Many people benefit from both. A chiropractic exam can help you decide which fits your problem.
When is back pain an emergency?
Go to the ER for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, leg weakness that is getting worse, fever with back pain, or pain after a serious accident. These signs are rare but need immediate care.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Florida?
No. You can see a chiropractor directly in Florida without a referral from another doctor. At Alter Chiropractic, new patients start with a free consultation.
Is spinal decompression the same as traction?
They’re related. Both stretch the spine, but decompression tables are computer-controlled and cycle between pulling and relaxing to ease pressure on discs and nerves. Our office uses Triton tables and the DRX9000-SL.
