If you Google “lower back pain relief,” stretching is usually the first thing you’ll see.

So, it makes sense why most people try hamstring stretches, hip flexor stretches, and yoga videos when their back tightens up.

But here’s the problem:

If stretching alone fixed back pain, hardly anyone would still have it.
Yet low back pain remains one of the most common reasons patients walk through our doors — often after months (or years) of trying to stretch it away.

So why does your back still hurt?

Let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense — and leads to results.

The Real Reason Stretching Doesn’t Work for Most Back Pain

The majority of lower back pain cases we see in our clinic are NOT caused by muscles that are too tight.

They’re caused by:

Instability around the core
Weak glutes
SI joint or pelvic imbalance
Movement compensations
Poor spinal mechanics

Think of it like this:

Stretching a weak or unstable area is like loosening bolts on a wobbly table.
It may temporarily feel better, but the problem still exists.

This is why stretching feels good for an hour—and then the pain comes right back.

Signs Your Back Pain Isn’t Actually a Tightness Problem

If any of these sound familiar, stretching alone won’t get you where you want to go:

Pain after standing a long time
Pain with bending or twisting
Pain after sitting too long
Pain returning soon after stretching
Pain that shifts sides or locations

These are classic patterns of mechanical dysfunction and weakness, not flexibility issues.

So What Actually Helps Chronic Low Back Pain?

Instead of trying to lengthen tissues, most patients need:

Corrective Movement + Stability

Exercises that activate inhibited muscles
(think glutes, deep core stabilizers)

Chiropractic Adjustments

To improve joint motion and mechanics

Soft Tissue or Shockwave Therapy

To speed tissue repair and calm inflammation

Lifestyle & Ergonomic Modification

So you’re not constantly aggravating the issue

Our patients often see 50–70% improvement within 3–4 weeks when stability, mobility, and movement correction are combined — rather than stretching alone.

Real Patient Story: Mark, 38

“I had back pain for years. I stretched every day and it would get a little better but always came back. Turns out I had SI joint instability. After 4 weeks of adjustments and rehab, I was coaching basketball again without pain.”
– Mark, 38, Sioux Center

His story is extremely common.

He didn’t need to stretch more — he needed better movement support.

What to Expect If You Come See Us

At Sioux Center Chiropractic, we start with a movement assessment, not just a symptom check.

We look for:

• Core activation
• Hip and glute function
• Pelvic alignment
• Nerve tension patterns
• SI joint mobility

Based on what we find, your care may include:

Chiropractic adjustments
Rehab exercises (glute activation, core stability, etc.)
Shockwave or laser therapy to speed healing
Mechanical traction or decompression
Home exercise plan