Back pain
Evaluation and conservative care for common mechanical causes of low and mid-back pain.
Artesia, New Mexico · Walk-ins welcome
Feel Better. Move Better. Get Back to Living.
Experienced chiropractic care and non-surgical spinal decompression in Artesia, New Mexico, with Dr. Thomas M. Andrews, DC, CCST, FIAMA. Patients visit us for help with common musculoskeletal complaints including back pain, neck pain, sciatica, posture problems, and selected bulging or herniated disc-related symptoms.
Years of experience
Two decompression tables
Digital X-ray
Radial pulse wave therapy
Conservative, short-term care
Taught Chiropractic ProfessionalsScroll for more information
ConvenientWalk-in friendly care
AffordableFocused treatment, no unnecessary plans
MainstreamConservative care with clear explanations
Our commitment to you
“The primary goal on each and every visit is to evaluate you and determine if I can help you. If I can, I will tell you. If not, I will tell you that as well and make the proper referral.”
— Dr. Thomas M. Andrews, DC
Meet your chiropractor
Thomas M. Andrews, DC
A Southeastern New Mexico native, Dr. Andrews graduated from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1984 and has spent decades in clinical practice and postgraduate chiropractic education.
His professional background includes teaching postgraduate classes in examination, diagnosis, X-ray, rehabilitation, adjusting techniques, and spinal decompression. His professional background also includes extensive postgraduate training and fellowship training in multiple areas.
“My goal is to provide convenient, affordable, mainstream chiropractic care—without unnecessary long-term treatment plans or therapies.— Dr. Andrews
Back Pain Relief Chiropractic is built for patients who value direct explanations, efficient visits, and a conservative treatment plan based on what the examination shows. Every visit begins with the same question: Can I help you? If the answer is yes, Dr. Andrews will explain how. If another type of care is more appropriate, he will tell you and make the proper referral.
Featured service
Non-surgical spinal decompression in Artesia
For selected patients with disc-related back or neck symptoms, including some people with bulging discs, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, or radiating arm or leg symptoms, non-surgical spinal decompression may be considered as part of a conservative treatment plan. Our office has two non-surgical spinal decompression tables, allowing us to provide this service efficiently when it is clinically appropriate.
Decompression uses controlled traction to gently change pressure on the spinal discs and surrounding structures. It is not the right treatment for every person or every condition, which is why Dr. Andrews begins with an examination and determines whether decompression, chiropractic care, another conservative approach, or referral is the best next step. Bring recent X-ray, CT, or MRI reports if available.
People often ask us about spinal decompression for:
- Low back pain with disc involvement
- Neck pain with disc involvement
- Radiating arm or leg symptoms
- Degenerative disc-related discomfort
- Persistent pain that has not responded as expected
- Spinal stenosis — depending on the individual findings and clinical appropriateness
An examination is required. No treatment can guarantee a particular result, and some conditions require medical or surgical evaluation.
Chiropractic care
A practical approach to pain and function
Neck pain
Care directed toward restoring motion, reducing irritation, and improving day-to-day function.
Sciatica & radiating pain
A focused examination helps determine whether symptoms may be coming from the spine and whether conservative care is appropriate.
Spinal decompression
A non-surgical option for selected disc-related conditions after an appropriate examination.
Radial pulse wave therapy
A non-invasive therapy that uses focused mechanical pressure waves and is commonly grouped within the broader family of shockwave-type therapies.
Digital X-ray
On-site digital imaging when clinically indicated, with independent radiologist interpretation and convenient online image access.
Supportive therapies
Intersegmental traction tables and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) may be used when appropriate as part of a broader care plan.
Second opinions & referrals
If your condition is not a good fit for chiropractic care, the goal is to tell you that and help point you in the right direction.
Technology & supportive therapies
Modern tools to support better clinical decisions and care
Back Pain Relief Chiropractic combines hands-on chiropractic care with selected technologies that can help evaluate your condition and support treatment when appropriate.
Digital X-Ray
When X-rays are clinically indicated, digital imaging allows fast, high-quality image capture without film processing.
Digital X-ray studies obtained in our office are sent for independent radiologist interpretation and reporting, providing an additional professional review of your images.
View Your X-Rays Online
Patients can conveniently view their digital X-ray images and radiology reports online, making it easier to view, download, and keep your imaging records.
Images shown for educational purposes. Lumbar image used under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Spinal Decompression Tables
Our office has two non-surgical spinal decompression tables, helping us provide decompression efficiently for patients whose examination suggests it may be appropriate.
Radial Pulse Wave Therapy
Our office offers radial pulse wave therapy, a non-invasive treatment that delivers controlled mechanical pressure waves to targeted tissues. Radial pulse wave devices are commonly grouped within the broader family of shockwave-type therapies.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
EMS uses controlled electrical stimulation applied through surface electrodes and may be used as a supportive therapy for selected patients when clinically appropriate.
Intersegmental Traction
Intersegmental traction tables provide gentle, rhythmic movement through the spine and may be used as a supportive therapy to promote mobility and relaxation.
Your first visit
Clear answers before treatment
- 1Tell us what is happening.
We start with your symptoms, history, goals, and anything that changes or aggravates the problem.
- 2Get examined.
Dr. Andrews evaluates your movement, orthopedic and neurologic findings, and other factors relevant to your complaint.
Posture Assessment: Your examination also includes careful assessment of posture and alignment, including head tilt, shoulder height, and hip height. These findings help identify postural imbalances and are considered along with the rest of your examination.
X-rays or Other Imaging: Not everyone needs X-rays or an MRI, but some patients do. The need for X-rays or other imaging can only be determined after a proper consultation and examination.
- 3Understand the options.
You will hear what the findings suggest and, most importantly, whether Dr. Andrews believes he can help. If chiropractic care, decompression, another conservative approach, imaging, or referral makes more sense, he will explain why.
- 4Start only when appropriate.
Treatment recommendations are based on the examination and your individual situation.
Save time on your first visit
New Patient Office Forms
You can complete much of your new-patient paperwork before coming to the office.
Download the appropriate patient packet, print it at home, fill it out, and bring the completed forms with you to your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
Before you call
Do I need a long treatment plan?
Back Pain Relief Chiropractic emphasizes conservative, short-term care when appropriate. The number and type of visits depend on your examination, response to care, and goals.
Can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome. For a first visit, calling ahead is recommended so enough time can be set aside for the evaluation.
Is spinal decompression the same as surgery?
No. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a form of controlled traction. It does not replace surgery when surgery is medically necessary, and it is not appropriate for every patient.
Do you treat sciatica?
Dr. Andrews evaluates patients with sciatica, radiating leg symptoms, and symptoms sometimes described as a pinched nerve to help determine whether conservative chiropractic care or decompression may be appropriate, or whether further medical evaluation is indicated.
Do you accept insurance?
The office works with insurance, but participation and benefits differ by plan. Please bring all of your current insurance information with you to your first visit so our office can verify your benefits for you.
Do you offer non-surgical spinal decompression for bulging or herniated discs?
Spinal decompression may be considered for selected patients with disc-related back or neck symptoms after an examination determines that it is appropriate.
Do you offer shockwave therapy?
Our office offers radial pulse wave therapy, a non-invasive pressure-wave treatment that is part of the broader shockwave family of therapies.
Do you have digital X-ray in the office?
Yes. Digital X-ray is available when clinically indicated, with independent radiologist interpretation and online access to your X-ray images.
If X-rays are necessary, can I view my X-rays online?
Yes. We can provide you with a secure link so you can view or download your X-ray images, as well as the written radiologist report.
Ready to be evaluated?
Call Back Pain Relief Chiropractic.
1026 S. 13th St · Artesia, New Mexico 88210
Contact
Back Pain Relief Chiropractic, PC
Dr. Thomas M. Andrews, DC, CCST, FIAMA
1026 S. 13th St
Artesia, NM 88210
Office hours
| Monday–Thursday | 9:00–12:00 2:00–5:00 |
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