What Does a Chiropractor Do for Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek help from a healthcare professional. It can affect your ability to work, exercise, sleep and enjoy everyday activities. We know it can affect your daily function and quality of life.

So, what does a chiropractor actually do for back pain?

A chiropractor assesses your symptoms, movement and physical function to help identify factors that may be contributing to your back pain. Depending on your individual presentation, treatment may include spinal adjustments, mobilisation, soft-tissue techniques, exercise advice and strategies to help you stay active.

How does a chiropractor assess back pain?

Your first appointment will usually begin with a detailed discussion about your symptoms and medical history.

Your chiropractor may ask:

• Where is your pain located?

• When did it start?

• Was there a specific injury or event?

• What activities make it better or worse?

• Does the pain travel into your buttock or leg?

• Have you experienced similar pain before?

• How is it affecting your work, exercise or daily activities?

A physical examination may then assess your spinal movement, joint and muscle function, and neurological function where appropriate.This assessment helps determine what may be contributing to your symptoms. In some cases, further medical assessment or investigation may be recommended.

What treatment does a chiropractor use for back pain?

Treatment depends on your individual symptoms and assessment. A chiropractor may use a combination of:

• Spinal adjustments – specific hands-on techniques designed to influence spinal joint movement to allow the nerves to signal and function better.

• Exercise and movement advice – recommendations to help support strength, mobility and recovery.

• Soft-tissue techniques – techniques aimed at reducing muscle tension and improving movement.

Your chiropractor will determine which approaches are appropriate for you based on your symptoms, examination and goals.

Can a chiropractor help with back pain?

For some people, chiropractic care may help reduce pain and improve function.

Research suggests that spinal adjustments can provide improvements in pain and function for people with acute or chronic low back pain. It is considered one of several non-drug approaches that may be used as part of back pain management.

The World Health Organization also includes spinal manipulative therapy among the physical interventions that may be offered as part of care for adults with chronic primary low back pain.

Importantly, back pain is not one single condition. The most appropriate approach depends on the individual, which is why assessment is an important part of chiropractic care.

What if my back pain travels down my leg?

Pain that travels from the lower back into the buttock or leg can sometimes involve irritation or compression of structures around the nerves in the lower back.

This is commonly described as sciatica, although not all leg pain associated with back pain is true sciatica.

If you have back pain with leg symptoms, your chiropractor can assess your symptoms and neurological function to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate and whether further assessment is required.

How many chiropractic appointments will I need?

There isn't a fixed number of appointments that everyone with back pain needs.

The appropriate frequency and duration of care can depend on factors such as:

• The severity and duration of your symptoms

• Your work and physical demands

• Your activity levels and goals

• Other relevant health factors

When should you see a chiropractor for back pain?

You may consider seeing a chiropractor if back pain is affecting your ability to work, exercise, sleep or participate in your normal activities.Our goal isnt just to get you moving better, but also functioning better so we can help you live a better functioning life. 

Seek urgent medical attention if back pain is accompanied by symptoms such as significant or progressive weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genital or anal region, major trauma, unexplained fever or other concerning symptoms.

What happens at your first chiropractic appointment?

At Beyond the Spine Chiropractic, your first appointment begins with understanding your symptoms, your history and what you want to achieve from care.

Your chiropractor will perform an appropriate examination and explain the findings with you.

If chiropractic care is considered appropriate, your treatment options will be discussed with you before treatment is provided.

The aim is not simply to treat your pain, but to understand your individual presentation and help you return to the activities that are important to you.

Chiropractic care for back pain in Auckland

If you're experiencing back pain and would like to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms, a chiropractic assessment can be a useful starting point.

At Beyond the Spine Chiropractic, we provide individualised chiropractic care for people experiencing back pain, stiffness and other musculoskeletal concerns in Auckland.

If your symptoms are appropriate for chiropractic care, we'll explain your options and work with you to develop a plan suited to your needs and goals.

Book an appointment with Beyond the Spine Chiropractic to discuss your back pain and find out whether chiropractic care may be appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?

Chiropractic care may help some people with lower back pain. Evidence suggests spinal adjustments can provide improvements in pain and function, although the most appropriate treatment depends on the individual and the cause of their symptoms.

What does a chiropractor do for a back injury?

A chiropractor will first assess the injury, symptoms and physical function. Depending on the findings, care may include manual treatment, movement advice and exercises. If the injury requires further medical assessment, referral may be recommended.

Is chiropractic treatment safe for back pain?

Spinal adjustments are considered to have a good safety record when appropriately used, although temporary effects such as increased soreness, stiffness or discomfort can occur. Your health history should be discussed with your chiropractor before treatment.

Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?

No, you can book with us anytime