Ask Dr. Weiland: Why Am I Still Living With Pain?

Answers from Dr. Katrina Weiland of Mountainside Chiropractic

If you've ever found yourself wondering why your pain keeps coming back—or why nothing seems to provide lasting relief—you're not alone.

Many patients come to Mountainside Chiropractic after trying medications, stretches, physical therapy, injections, or simply hoping the problem will go away on its own. While some of these approaches can provide temporary relief, they often fail to address the underlying cause of the problem.

We sat down with Dr. Katrina Weiland, chiropractor and owner of Mountainside Chiropractic, to answer some of the most common questions she hears from patients throughout Fishersville, Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and the Shenandoah Valley.

Q: What is the biggest misconception people have about pain?

Dr. Katrina: One of the biggest misconceptions is that pain is the problem.

Pain is actually your body's warning signal. It's telling you that something isn't functioning properly. The challenge is that many people focus solely on getting rid of the pain rather than identifying why it's happening.

At Mountainside Chiropractic, we focus on how your body is functioning—not just how you feel today. When we improve function, pain often improves naturally.

Q: Why does my back pain keep returning?

Dr. Katrina: Because the underlying cause hasn't been corrected.

Many people experience temporary relief from medications, massages, injections, or even rest. While those can be valuable tools, they often don't address the mechanical dysfunction causing the problem.

If joints aren't moving properly, muscles become imbalanced, nerves become irritated, and the body compensates. Eventually, those compensations create recurring pain patterns.

Our goal is to identify what's causing the problem and create a plan that supports long-term healing and stability.

Q: What conditions do you commonly help patients with?

Dr. Katrina: We see patients experiencing:

• Neck pain

• Lower back pain

• Sciatica

• Herniated and bulging discs

• Headaches and migraines

• Shoulder pain

• Hip pain

• Joint stiffness

• Pregnancy-related discomfort

• Postural issues

• Chronic pain conditions

Many patients are surprised to learn that chiropractic care can help improve mobility, function, and overall quality of life—not just pain levels.

Q: What makes your approach different?

Dr. Katrina: I take time to listen.

Many healthcare visits today feel rushed. Patients often tell me they feel unheard or like they're being pushed through an assembly line.

I also use techniques that are gentle and highly effective, including the Thompson Drop Technique and Cox Flexion-Distraction, which are excellent options for patients who may not be comfortable with traditional manual adjustments.

Q: What is Cox Flexion-Distraction?

Dr. Katrina: Cox Flexion-Distraction is a specialized chiropractic technique designed to help patients with disc-related conditions.

This treatment uses a specially designed table to gently stretch and decompress the spine. It can help reduce pressure on spinal discs, improve mobility, and relieve irritation affecting nearby nerves.

Patients dealing with:

• Herniated discs

• Bulging discs

• Sciatica

• Degenerative disc disease

• Chronic lower back pain

often find this approach both comfortable and effective.

Q: Is chiropractic care only for people who are already in pain?

Dr. Katrina: Not at all.

Many of our patients continue care after their symptoms improve because they want to maintain healthy movement and function.

Think about chiropractic care the same way you think about exercise, dental care, or healthy eating. You don't wait until everything falls apart before taking care of yourself.

Maintaining proper spinal function can help support overall wellness and prevent future issues from developing.

Q: How do I know if chiropractic care is right for me?

Dr. Katrina: If pain, stiffness, limited mobility, or recurring discomfort is affecting your daily life, it's worth having a conversation.

You don't need to "wait until it gets worse."

Many patients tell me they wish they had come in sooner. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes and can help prevent small issues from becoming larger problems.

Q: What should a new patient expect during their first visit?

Dr. Katrina: Your first visit is focused on understanding your health story.

We'll discuss your concerns, review your history, perform an examination, and determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your situation.

If I believe I can help, we'll discuss a personalized treatment plan. If I feel another healthcare provider would better serve your needs, I'll tell you that as well.

My goal is always to provide honest recommendations that support your long-term health.

Ready to Stop Chasing Symptoms?

At Mountainside Chiropractic, we believe your body was designed to function well. When movement is restricted, joints become irritated, and the nervous system isn't operating optimally, pain often follows.

Dr. Katrina Weiland helps patients throughout Fishersville, Waynesboro, Staunton, Harrisonburg, and the Shenandoah Valley identify the root causes of discomfort and develop personalized care plans that support lasting results.

If you're tired of temporary fixes and ready to discover what's really causing your pain, schedule an appointment with Mountainside Chiropractic today.

Mountainside Chiropractic

Helping You Function Better So You Can Live Better.