Lower back pain treatment in Edgeworth
Most people get lower back pain at some point, and most of it gets better. The job is working out what's driving yours, calming it down, and getting you moving again with confidence. That's what we do at our Arnott Street clinic.
How it can feel
Lower back pain shows up differently for everyone. You might notice:
- A dull ache across the belt line that builds through the day
- Sharp, catching pain when you bend, twist or get out of a chair
- Stiffness first thing in the morning that eases once you get going
- Pain that spreads into the buttock or the back of the thigh
- Trouble sitting, driving or standing for long
What's usually behind it
Back pain rarely comes from one single thing. Common contributors we see include:
- Lifting, bending or twisting under load, at work or at home
- Long hours sitting, driving or operating machinery
- A sudden awkward movement, or doing far more than usual in one weekend
- Irritated joints, discs or muscles in the lower spine
- Being less active than usual, poor sleep and stress, which all turn up the volume on pain
For most people, a scan isn't needed to get started. What shows on an X-ray or MRI often doesn't match how much pain someone is in, so we go by how you move and feel, and refer for imaging only when it would change what we do.
Our approach to lower back pain
Assess
We take a proper history, check how your back, hips and nerves are working, and screen for anything that needs a GP or a scan. You'll leave the first visit knowing what we think is going on.
Treat
Hands-on care matched to you: manual adjustment, soft tissue work and, for many disc and nerve-related backs, our flexion-distraction tables, which stretch the low back gently with no twisting.
Keep you moving
Staying active is one of the best-supported things you can do for a sore back. We give you simple exercises and advice for work, sleep and lifting, and adjust the plan as you improve.
What does the research say? Current clinical guidelines for low back pain put staying active, reassurance and exercise first, with hands-on treatment such as spinal manipulation as an option alongside them. That's how we use it: as one part of a plan, not the whole plan. We go through the research on our flexion-distraction tables in this article.
When to get urgent help
This page is general information only and isn't a substitute for an individual assessment. Healthdirect, the Australian government's health information service, has more on back pain.
Lower back pain: your questions answered
Do I need a referral or a scan before I come in?
No. You can book directly, and most back pain can be assessed without imaging. If you already have X-ray, MRI or CT reports, bring them along. If your examination suggests a scan would change your care, we'll refer you.
How many visits will I need?
It depends on how long the pain has been there and what's driving it. After your assessment we'll give you an honest estimate, and we review progress at every visit. If you're not improving as expected, we change the approach or refer you on.
Will the treatment hurt?
Treatment is adapted to your comfort. Some people feel a little sore for a day or so afterwards, a bit like after exercise. If you're nervous about adjustments, tell us: there are gentle, low-force options, including flexion-distraction.
Should I rest or keep moving?
For most back pain, gentle movement is better than bed rest. Short walks and changing position regularly often help. We'll show you what's sensible for your back while it settles.
Can I claim on my health fund?
Rebates are available on the spot for most extras policies that include chiropractic. Bring your health fund card to claim at the clinic.
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Ready to get your lower back pain looked at?
Start with a proper assessment at our Edgeworth clinic. No referral needed.