Lower back pain
Lower back pain has a way of touching everything, from sitting at work to picking up the kids.
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people see us. For many people it settles with the right assessment and a clear plan, rather than rest and hoping it passes. We look at how your back, hips, and the rest of you move together, because the painful spot is not always the cause.
What it can feel like
- Aching or stiffness that is worse in the morning or after sitting
- Pain that flares with bending, lifting, or twisting
- A sense that your back feels weak or unreliable
- Discomfort that travels into the buttock or leg
Common contributing factors
- Long hours seated with little movement through the day
- A specific lift or movement that overloaded the area
- Reduced movement through the hips loading the lower back
- Periods of stress, poor sleep, or deconditioning
How we help
A thorough first appointment to understand what is driving it
Hands-on treatment to reduce pain and restore movement
A simple exercise plan so the progress holds
Honest guidance on what to expect and realistic timeframes
Our perspective
How we think about this
A lot of back pain advice tells you to brace and strengthen your core. For people who have had pain for years, that often misses the mark. The back is rarely weak. More often it is working overtime, gripping and bracing all day, and the answer is learning to let go and move freely rather than tightening up further.
We also pay a lot of attention to the glutes and hamstrings, which are easily the most underrated muscles in back and hip pain, and to how each segment of your lower back actually moves. The aim is to give your back access to the ranges it has stopped using, then build genuine capacity so the relief lasts.
Common questions about lower back pain
Can an osteopath help with lower back pain?+
Yes. Lower back pain is the most common reason people see us. We assess how your back, hips, and the rest of you move, treat hands-on in the same session, and give you a clear plan. If we think osteopathy is not the right fit for your situation, we will tell you honestly and point you in the right direction.
Should I get a scan before coming in?+
Usually no. Most lower back pain does not need imaging, and findings like disc bulges are very common in people with no pain at all. A thorough physical assessment tells us most of what we need. If your presentation does warrant imaging, we will say so and help organise it through your GP.
Is it better to rest or keep moving with back pain?+
For most back pain, gentle movement helps more than prolonged rest. Long periods of rest tend to slow recovery and build worry. The right amount and type of movement depends on your situation, which is exactly what we work out at your first appointment.
How many appointments will I need?+
It depends on how long the problem has been there and what you want to get back to. Recent, straightforward back pain often needs only a handful of sessions, while long-standing pain usually takes longer. You will get a realistic plan and timeframe at your first appointment, and we review it openly as you progress.
Dealing with lower back pain?
Book your 60-minute first appointment and we will help you get to the cause, or call the clinic for a chat. Real diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and a plan to follow. All in your first visit.
Online booking, instant confirmation. HICAPS rebates on the spot.