Spine Specialty

Expert, evidence-based care for neck, mid-back, and low-back pain

Back and neck pain can derail work, family time, sleep, and the activities you love. At Daviess Community Hospital’s CORE Center, our Spine Specialty Program pairs skilled manual therapy with targeted exercise and movement coaching to reduce pain, restore motion, and prevent flare-ups. Our therapists are trained in spine-specific assessment and evidence-based techniques—including joint mobilization/manipulation (when appropriate and consented), soft-tissue methods, neuromuscular conditioning, and posture/ergonomic retraining.

Care is available in Washington and Odon, Indiana, and we welcome patients from Daviess County and across Southern Indiana.

Conditions we treat

We personalize plans for a wide range of spine-related diagnoses and symptoms, including (but not limited to):

• Low-back pain (lumbago), neck pain (cervicalgia), mid-back pain
• Radiculopathy / sciatica; arm or leg pain/tingling/numbness from the neck or back
• Disc derangements (bulging/herniated discs), degenerative disc disease
• Spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis/retrolisthesis
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
• Facet joint restriction and postural stiffness
• Cervicogenic (tension-type) headaches
• Osteoarthritis/degenerative changes of the spine
• Scoliosis or kyphosis (adults); postural control impairments
• Post-surgical spine rehabilitation (per protocol)
• Work-related and sport-related spine injuries

Not sure if we treat your condition? Call (812) 254-8889—we’ll help you determine next steps and whether a referral is needed for your insurance.

Is the Spine Specialty Program right for me?

You may benefit from a spine evaluation if you have one or more of the following:

• Persistent neck, mid-back, or low-back pain
• Muscle spasm/tension or stiffness that limits movement
• Numbness or tingling into the arm or leg; pain with bending or turning
• Recurrent flare-ups that impact work, lifting, driving, or sleep
• A recent episode after lifting, sports, or a fall
• Post-surgical stiffness or weakness (as cleared by your surgeon)

Early, targeted therapy can help calm symptoms and reduce the chance of future flare-ups.

How our spine program helps

Your plan is tailored to your pain triggers, movement goals, and daily demands. Depending on your needs, we may include:

Manual therapy

• Joint mobilization/manipulation (by trained clinicians, when indicated and consented)
• Soft-tissue techniques (myofascial release, trigger-point work)
• Instrument-assisted methods (e.g., ASTYM®, Graston Technique®)

Corrective exercise & neuromuscular conditioning

• Spine stabilization (deep core, lumbopelvic control, cervical/scapular control)
• Mobility work for hips, thoracic spine, and shoulders to offload the back/neck
• Balance and proprioception to reduce fall risk and improve confidence

Dry needling

• To address focal muscle tension and pain as part of a comprehensive plan

Mechanical Traction

• Mechanical traction is a device-assisted technique that gently separates the vertebrae, reducing pressure on discs, facet joints, and nearby nerves. Your therapist sets precise forces and timing, and monitors comfort throughout the session.
• By creating a small, controlled stretch across the spine, traction can decompress irritated structures, calm nerve symptoms, and improve motion so you can participate more comfortably in exercise and daily activity.

Posture, body mechanics & ergonomics

• Practical coaching for desk setup, lifting/carrying, driving, sleep positions, and daily tasks

Education & self-management

• Simple strategies to calm flare-ups, pace activity, and prevent recurrences

We focus on the source of pain, not just the symptoms—so gains last beyond the clinic.

What to expect

Evaluation

Your therapist reviews your history, pain behavior, work/fitness demands, and goals. We screen posture, range of motion, joint mobility, neural tension, and movement quality (how you bend, lift, turn, and walk).

Personalized plan

Together, we set clear goals (e.g., pain with sitting <2/10, return to lifting, fewer headaches) and choose the right mix of hands-on care, exercise, and ergonomic changes. Your plan includes a doable home routine (5–10 minutes, 1–2x/day) so progress continues between visits.

Progress you can feel

We track outcomes—pain, flexibility, strength, function—and update your plan as symptoms improve. If needed, we coordinate with your primary care, spine, or pain-management providers.

Why choose CORE for spine care

• Spine-focused clinicians with advanced manual therapy training
• Evidence-based practice aligned with national guidelines
• One-on-one sessions that prioritize what moves the needle for you
• Preventive approach—we teach you how to keep pain away
• Two convenient clinics in Washington and Odon, serving Southern Indiana

Locations & scheduling

CORE Center | 421 E. Van Trees Street, Washington, IN
CORE Center at North Daviess | 800 S. West Street, Odon, IN

Call (812) 254-8889 to schedule a spine evaluation or ask about referral requirements. We serve patients from Washington, Odon, Jasper, Vincennes, Loogootee, Petersburg, Bloomfield, and neighboring communities across Southern Indiana.

FAQs

Do I need imaging before starting therapy?
Not always. Many spine conditions respond well to conservative care. We’ll review your history and advise if imaging or a medical consult is appropriate.

Is spine manipulation required?
No. We use a range of graded techniques. If manipulation isn’t right for you—or you prefer not to have it—we’ll select other effective options.

How long will it take to feel better?
Many patients notice improvement in the first 2–4 visits. Lasting change comes from combining hands-on care with exercise and habit changes that fit your life.

Will you show me how to prevent flare-ups?
Yes. We’ll teach self-management strategies, body mechanics, and a simple home routine so you can stay ahead of symptoms.