Pain often starts after lifting something heavy, a sudden twist, a long drive or hours at a desk. Think about what you want back: a full night’s sleep, a round of golf, a full workday, time with your kids. Bring those goals to your first visit.
What we help with
Lower back pain care in Pittsburgh’s North Hills
Back pain can make sleeping, driving or lifting your toddler feel like hard work. Dr. Steven K. LeGault, DC treats it with gentle adjustments, targeted exercise and clear advice. Your first visit at our Ross Township office, just off McKnight Road, starts with a careful history and examination. You leave with a clear explanation and a plan built around your goals.
- Family practice since 2011
- Certified in the Webster Technique
- UPMC, Highmark, Aetna and Medicare accepted
What does back pain feel like, and what usually causes it?
Back pain can feel like a dull ache, a sharp pain, or tingling or burning. New low back pain most often comes from a strain or spasm in the muscles and ligaments that support your back.
How does Dr. LeGault examine your back at the first visit?
Dr. LeGault starts with a detailed health history and a careful physical examination of your back. He then explains what he finds in plain words and recommends a plan.
First, you talk through your back pain and your goals with Dr. LeGault. The exam includes orthopedic and neurological tests when they are needed, such as for pain that travels down the leg (sciatica). Read what happens at your first visit, step by step.
X-rays are taken when your exam shows a need for them, at an off-site facility.
If you notice sudden numbness, weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control, see a medical doctor before your visit.
Ready to book your first visit?
How does Dr. LeGault care for back pain?
Dr. LeGault combines gentle spinal adjustments with exercises and clear, practical advice for your back.
He offers spinal adjustments in three ways. Together you choose the one that fits your exam, your comfort and your goals:
- Diversified: Dr. LeGault adjusts by hand with a quick, controlled movement.
- Thompson drop table: sections of the adjusting table drop a short distance as the adjustment is given.
- Instrument adjusting (ArthroStim): a hand-held instrument gives the adjustment instead of the hands, an option if you prefer instrument-assisted care.
Dr. LeGault explains each step as he goes. He checks your progress with you and updates your plan to match how you are doing.
Which exercises will I do for my back?
Dr. LeGault chooses exercises for your back and teaches each one in the office, so you can do them at home.
You get a home exercise program in the Physitrack app or on printed handouts. Dr. LeGault builds on it from visit to visit.
Is chiropractic care for back pain safe?
Chiropractic adjustments are gentle, well-studied care for back pain. Dr. LeGault starts your care with a careful history and examination.
Most patients find adjustments comfortable; you may feel pressure or movement. Mild soreness can occur, especially early in care, and typically settles within a day or so.
Your first visit
- Booking
- Book online with Dr. LeGault, or call 412-364-4100. You complete the agreements and privacy notice electronically when you register.
- Your visit
- You’ll hear a clear explanation of what we found. If chiropractic care is appropriate, treatment may begin the same day.
- What to bring
- Photo ID
- Your insurance card, if you’re using insurance
- A list of your current medications
- Any imaging or records you have
- Insurance
- We accept UPMC, Highmark, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans, Medicare, Pennsylvania auto insurance and workers’ compensation; coverage depends on your plan. Insurance plans we accept
- Location
- LeGault Chiropractic is at 120 Three Degree Rd, Suite C, Pittsburgh, PA 15237, in Ross Township, just off McKnight Road, with on-site parking. Directions and parking
- Hours
- Dr. Steven K. LeGault sees patients on Monday 8 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday 2 PM – 6 PM, Wednesday 8 AM – 6 PM, Thursday 9 AM – 12 PM and Saturday 8 AM – 12 PM. Dr. LeGault’s hours
Questions, answered
How many visits will I need?
Every plan is different. Dr. LeGault suggests a number of visits after your exam. He reviews your progress with you and adjusts the plan as you go. Book online or call 412-364-4100 to get your plan started.
Will I need an X-ray or MRI for back pain?
Usually not. Guidelines advise against routine scans for low back pain. Dr. LeGault will tell you at your exam whether you need X-rays, which are taken off-site. Bring any scans or reports you already have. Questions before your visit? Call 412-364-4100.
Is it normal to feel sore after an adjustment?
Mild soreness can occur, especially early in care, and typically settles within a day or so. Tell Dr. LeGault how you felt at your next visit, and he will fine-tune your care. Ready to start? Book online.
Can a chiropractor help pain on one side of my lower back?
Chiropractic care can help one-sided lower back pain, because most new lower back pain, on one side or both, comes from a strain or spasm in the muscles and ligaments that support the back. Dr. LeGault also checks for spinal fixations, joints in the lower back that are stiff and not moving freely, which his adjustments are designed to address. He checks where your pain starts and what eases or worsens it, then explains your options at your first visit. Book online any time.
Do you see upper and mid-back pain?
Yes. Dr. LeGault treats pain between the shoulder blades and in the middle of the back, as well as low back pain. Book online, and he will check it at your first visit.
What will my first visit cost?
Your cost depends on your insurance plan. We can check your benefits before your first visit, or you can ask your insurer directly. Not using insurance? Self-pay options are available; call 412-364-4100 to ask.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is needed: you can book directly with Dr. LeGault. Some insurance plans require one for coverage, so check your plan.
Have another question? Browse more answers in our FAQ or call 412-364-4100.
Who treats this
- Dr. LeGault (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday)
What does the research say about chiropractic care for low back pain?
Guidelines from the American College of Physicians (2017) and the World Health Organization (2023) included spinal manipulation for low back pain. Reviews of trials found it eased pain and improved day-to-day function in the first weeks of care.
Dr. LeGault follows this approach, pairing hands-on adjustments with exercise and clear advice.
References
What new low back pain feels like, its common causes and usual recovery.
UK national guideline on low back pain and sciatica: X-rays and MRI scans are not routinely offered outside specialist care.
US guideline for adults with low back pain: start with non-drug treatment, with spinal manipulation among the options for new and chronic pain, and exercise for chronic pain. ACP has since moved this 2017 guideline to its inactive list.
Guideline for adults with chronic low back pain, including older adults: supports spinal manipulation, structured exercise and education within a broader care plan; short-term gains in pain and function with manipulation.
Review of trials in new (acute) low back pain: spinal manipulation improved pain and function for up to six weeks; the trials reported no serious side effects.
Review of 76 trials in adults with chronic low back pain: compared with placebo or no treatment, spinal manipulation eased pain and improved function at one month; compared with other conservative care, similar pain relief plus a further gain in function, also at one month.
Mild, short-lived reactions are common and serious complications are rare; a careful history and examination come first.