What is the quadratus lumborum and why is it so important for low back pain?+
The quadratus lumborum (QL) is the deepest muscle of the lower back, originating on the last rib and the transverse processes of the upper lumbar vertebrae and inserting on the iliac crest of the pelvis. It is one of the primary stabilizers of the lumbar spine and one of the most common sources of deep, aching low back pain. When the QL develops trigger points, it creates pain that is often mistaken for disc pain or kidney pain — and it compresses the lumbar spine, contributing to disc degeneration over time. The challenge: the QL sits beneath two layers of muscle and thick thoracolumbar fascia, making it virtually impossible to reach effectively with manual massage. Trigger point injections are one of the most reliable and effective ways to release it.
What makes the ReGen back protocol different from a standard chiropractic adjustment?+
A standard chiropractic adjustment corrects joint position — but it does not address the deep muscle trigger points in the QL, gluteus medius, and para-spinals that pull the lumbar vertebrae back out of alignment within hours. The ReGen protocol adds lumbar spinal decompression (to reduce disc pressure before the adjustment), EMS and therapeutic ultrasound (to reduce spasm and pre-relax the muscles), and trigger point injections into the three key muscle groups (to remove the tensile forces pulling the spine out of position) — before the chiropractic adjustment. The result is an adjustment that holds significantly longer and a spine that is progressively more stable with each session.
Can you help with sciatica?+
Yes. Sciatica — radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness from the low back through the buttock and into the leg — is typically caused by lumbar disc herniation compressing a nerve root, or by tight musculature (particularly the gluteus medius and piriformis) compressing or irritating the sciatic nerve. The ReGen protocol addresses both mechanisms: lumbar decompression reduces disc pressure on the nerve root, trigger point injections release the gluteal and piriformis tension that may be compressing the sciatic nerve, and chiropractic adjustment restores proper lumbar alignment. Most sciatica patients see meaningful improvement with consistent treatment.
Why does my back keep going out?+
The back that periodically goes into acute spasm is almost always a lumbar spine that is sitting under chronic, excessive tension from QL and para-spinal trigger points. The spine is already at or near its tolerance threshold — so any ordinary movement (bending, twisting, sneezing, lifting something light) pushes it into spasm. Cortisone and pain medication address the acute episode but do nothing about the underlying trigger point tension that sets up the next one. Releasing those trigger points through injection therapy and maintaining that release over time dramatically reduces the frequency of acute episodes — and many patients who have been having episodes regularly for years find they stop having them entirely.
Is lumbar spinal decompression the same as traction?+
They are related but different. Traditional traction applies a steady, continuous pulling force. Modern computerized lumbar decompression uses a precise alternating distraction-relaxation cycle that creates true negative intradiscal pressure — causing the disc to act like a pump, drawing hydration and nutrients back into the nucleus and pulling herniated material toward the center. The alternating cycle also prevents the paravertebral muscles from guarding against the distraction, which limits the effectiveness of sustained traction.
Will trigger point injections hurt?+
The injection itself is a small, quick needle. Most patients describe the sensation as a brief pinch, followed by a momentary muscle twitch as the trigger point releases — which is actually a positive clinical sign confirming the needle has located the active trigger point. Because EMS and therapeutic ultrasound are applied to pre-relax the tissue immediately before injections, the procedure is more comfortable than it would be on cold, tense muscle. Most patients are surprised by how tolerable it is.
How many sessions will I need for back pain?+
Every treatment plan is different. Patients with acute low back pain often respond quickly — sometimes within 2–4 sessions. Patients with chronic low back pain, significant disc involvement, or long-standing QL trigger points typically require more. Dr. Andrew outlines a clear care plan with a realistic timeline and defined milestones during your free consultation. We do not do indefinite, open-ended treatment without clear goals.
Do you accept insurance for back pain treatment?+
ReGen Chiropractic operates as a cash-based practice. This allows Dr. Andrew to offer the full ReGen back protocol without restriction — including trigger point injection therapy and spinal decompression, which insurance often does not cover. All costs are discussed openly and completely during your free consultation.
