Back Pain: Common Types and How Chiropractors Approach Them

Back pain rarely arrives at a good time. It might be a sharp twinge as you lift the kids into the car, a stiff lower back every morning that takes an hour to loosen up, or an ache that's been grumbling for months and now stops you from playing golf or getting through a full shift.

Back pain is one of the most common reasons Australians see a health professional. The good news is that most back pain isn't caused by serious damage, and many people improve with the right approach. Here's an overview of common types, what a chiropractor checks, and when to see your GP.

Acute vs persistent back pain

Acute back pain comes on suddenly, often after lifting, twisting or an awkward movement. It can be very painful, but many episodes settle within a few weeks.

Persistent (chronic) back pain lasts longer than about three months. It's often influenced by several factors together: physical load, fitness, sleep, stress and work demands. An approach that addresses more than one of these tends to work better than any single treatment.

Common types of back pain

• Non-specific or mechanical back pain. The most common type. Pain comes from the joints, muscles and ligaments of the back, and no single structure is to blame.
• Muscle strain. Overloading or awkward lifting can strain the back muscles, leading to pain and stiffness.
• Disc-related pain. Discs can bulge and irritate nearby tissue or nerves. Disc changes are also very common in people with no pain at all, so scans don't always tell the full story.
• Back pain with leg pain. When a nerve is irritated, pain can travel down the leg. See our article on sciatica.
• Pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain. Covered in our pregnancy article.

What a chiropractor checks

At your first visit, your chiropractor will:

• Ask about how the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and how it's affecting your life
• Examine how your back, hips and pelvis move
• Check nerve function, strength and reflexes where relevant
• Screen for warning signs that need medical attention
• Explain what they've found in plain language

What care may involve

If your chiropractor thinks they can help, care may include:

• Spinal adjustments or mobilisation
• Soft tissue work for tight or overworked muscles
• Exercises to build strength, flexibility and confidence in movement
• Advice on lifting, sitting, sleep and returning to activity

Clinical guidelines for low back pain recommend staying active, and list manual therapy and exercise among the options that may help some people. Your chiropractor will set clear goals with you and review your progress regularly.

When to see a doctor urgently

• Numbness in the groin or "saddle" area
• New trouble controlling your bladder or bowels
• Progressive weakness in the legs
• Back pain after significant trauma, such as a fall or car accident
• Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer

Everyday tips

• Gentle movement usually beats bed rest.
• Break up long periods of sitting.
• Bend your knees and keep loads close to your body when lifting.
• Build strength gradually. A stronger body tends to handle everyday loads better.

Book an assessment

If back pain is getting in the way of work, sleep or the things you enjoy, book an assessment. Learn more about back pain care at Vitality Chiropractic, or book online at our Yokine clinic.

This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for individual advice from a registered health practitioner.