What's actually behind low back pain
Low back pain rarely comes from one single event. It's usually the endpoint of a pattern — a disc, joint, or set of muscles taking on more load than they're prepared for, until something finally complains.
That pattern can come from a specific lift or misstep, but just as often it builds slowly: long hours sitting, a training block that ramped up too fast, or months of the same compensations going unaddressed. Rest alone rarely fixes it — pain eases, then returns the next time you sit too long, lift wrong, or get back to training, because the underlying mechanics never changed.
Signs you might be dealing with it
- Stiffness that's worse first thing in the morning or after sitting for a while
- A dull ache that flares into something sharper with certain movements
- Pain that's better one week and back the next, never fully gone
- Tightness that spreads into the hips or glutes
- Pain that's changed how — or whether — you lift, run, or train
The V-A-S-T Approach to get you out of pain
Vision
Discover the root cause: A hands-on exam and movement assessment to find what's actually driving the pain — the disc, joint, or movement pattern, not just where it hurts.
Alignment
Restore balance: Adjustments and soft tissue work to reduce pain and inflammation and restore the motion the joint has lost.
Strength
Build lasting capacity: Rehab and progressive strength training so the tissue that failed once can hold up under real life — sitting, lifting, running, all of it.
Transformation
Live without limits: You sit, lift, and move through your day without bracing for your back to go out again.
What relief looks like
"I've been a patient of Dr. Mae Li for over 3 years and I highly recommend her - she is fantastic. Dr. Mae is professional, thorough, empathetic, and fun! She's gotten me through multiple injuries, always with a gentle touch, even keel, and appropriate sense of humor. I'm so grateful to work with her."
"Dr. Mae Li DC, cured my left shoulder pain in only four visits. I was blessed to have received such exceptional care which included spinal adjustments- manipulations, exercises to improve my posture and help control my stress. Thank you Dr. Li."
"Dr. Li is magnificent. Kind, smart, gentle. She diagnosed my problem correctly before the x-ray came in, and is teaching me how to take care of myself."
"Dr. Mae Li is great! She provided very specific guidance for a hamstring issue, which improved it materially in the first month. Thanks!"
"Visiting with Dr. Li is always a highly positive, multi-faceted experience. Not only was the issue for which I was visiting quickly and accurately diagnosed, we discussed diet and proper squat form as well. Though I often fail, Dr. Li, I promise to do the exercises you prescribed!"
"Dr. Mae Li is really wonderful. She is thorough, effective and a great listener. She gives great suggestions about stretches and preventative exercises. She also really gets to know her patients."
"When I was diagnosed with sciatica at age 50 my doctor sent me to see these incredible sports medicine experts so they could tailor my rehab and exercise to my very active lifestyle. I didn't have a sports injury but they helped me heal & rehab through prescribed activity (so I didn't need to go to a PT) and I got stronger than ever while healing! They also taught me how to prevent reoccurrence. Being in my late 50s now, I've contended with various issues -- radiculitis, broken foot, knee strain, back pain -- and I always feel relief even after one visit. The primary technique they use (Active Release) feels amazing! They really listen and explain everything and it's all very easy to understand. Dr Mae Li is brilliant, funny, and extremely effective. (I'm always a little sad when she says I don't need to come back.) I'd recommend this woman to anyone in a heartbeat."
"Dr. Mae Li is absolutely wonderful. I've been going to her for the better part of two years to manage my back and neck pain and stiffness and she's been a valuable part of my physical therapy and maintenance routine."
"I am a former collegiate tennis player, I have had knee tendinitis for the past 6 years. After seeing five physical therapists, I was almost convinced there was no fix for my ailment. In a matter of four visits, Dr. Li discovered a simple solution to the problem, involving a slight modification to my movement pattern while playing. This was without time-intensive rehabilitation exercises. I am forever grateful to Dr. Li for keeping me on the court."
"I love Mae! She's a fanatic listener and clinician. She's the best."
"Have a leg injury getting worse over time. Dr. Mae Li helped me first relieve the pain and then have been constantly helping me in recovering and getting better with PT homeworks! Highly recommended."
"Dr. Mae Li is caring, professional, friendly and knows how to apply the right technique at the right time. She takes the time to explain the details and her care is genuine."
"Dr. Li is the absolute best! She has taken care of my neck and more recently my broken elbow, she takes the time to understand what my issues are and works magic. I had been struggling to find help for my elbow and Dr. Li scheduled me in ASAP and has provided great care and I can see tremendous improvement with her!"
"Dr. Li was super-helpful with effective adjustments, exercises, and advice that kept me moving."
"Mae did a great job (again) getting a hurt part back in order. Good insights and advice on what to do as well as therapy."
"Mae listened carefully as I described my pain and worked with me through a series of questions and motions, to determine my flexibility. She quickly assessed the situation, and began treatment. After that, she gave me some "homework" exercises, so I could address my pain on my own at home. All the while, Mae was attentive, interested, and focused. I felt very comfortable with her, and I'm looking forward to my next treatment."
"Mae has done amazing work for me. I had a debilitating upper back issue that left me writhing in pain during a long run where I had to limp about two miles home. After three procedures I am back to nearly 100% normal, which I find remarkable. Thank you for the great work, Mae!"
Low back pain, answered
Click a question for the answer — or see the full FAQ for pricing, insurance, and what to expect.
Is it safe to get adjusted if my low back is already in pain?
Yes — the assessment on your first visit tells us exactly what's irritated and how it should be approached. Care is matched to what your back can handle that day, not a one-size-fits-all adjustment.
How many visits until I feel relief?
It varies with how long you've had it and what's driving it, but most people notice a change in the first few visits. Lasting relief usually takes longer, since it means rebuilding the movement pattern and strength behind the pain, not just calming the current flare-up.
Can I keep working out or running with low back pain?
Often yes, with some modification while we work through it. We'll tell you what to scale back and what's fine to keep doing — the goal is getting you back to full training, not sidelining you longer than necessary.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI before I come in?
Not usually. Most low back pain can be assessed hands-on. If something about your exam suggests imaging is needed, we'll refer you out for it.