When should you see a chiropractor for back pain?

If you’re struggling to cope with a back pain or it’s interfering with your everyday activities, perhaps it’s time to get it looked at by a chiropractor.

What is back pain?

Back pain is one of the most common conditions people experience in Australia and it’s the reason many workers take sick days. In fact, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, one in six people suffer from chronic back pain every year.

If you have back pain, you’re likely to be feeling stiff, achy or tension in your back. It could be caused by simply bending down in the wrong direction, lifting something heavy, an accident or a sporting injury. Back pain can occur at any age but is most common among young and middle-aged adults.

When should I see a chiropractor for back pain?

If you are concerned about your back, struggling to manage the level of pain, or it has persisted for over six weeks it’s worth seeking the advice of a health provider. Chiropractors are highly skilled to effectively manage and treat back pain through spinal manipulation and mobilisation of the surrounding muscles and joints.

You should contact a chiropractor (or GP) if you experience any of the following symptoms for longer than a week:

• Constant or intense pain, especially when you are lying down or at night
• Pain radiating down one or both of your legs
• Weakness, tingling or numbness in one or both of your legs
• Unintentional weight loss
• Redness or swelling in the region of your pain

It is recommended you seek emergency treatment or call 000 if you experience:

• Back pain after a serious car accident, fall or major sports injury
• Bowel or bladder control issues that weren’t pre-existing
• A temperature

What can you expect at your first chiropractic appointment?

At your first chiropractic appointment, you can expect your practitioner will take an in-depth history of your back pain as well as a general medical history. You’ll be asked when you first experienced the pain, where it’s located and the type of pain you are feeling. You’ll also be asked about what helps relieve the pain and any treatments you’ve tried in the past.

The chiropractor will conduct a thorough physical exam which may include tests such as blood pressure, respiration and pulse. You may undergo several orthopaedic or neurological tests to determine your range of movement, posture, and your muscle strength and tone.

While uncommon, you may be required to have an X-ray or MRI scan to accurately diagnose your condition and rule out any structural abnormalities.

Once your chiropractor has evaluated your condition, you’ll be provided with a treatment plan with goals and recommendations to improve your back pain. This may include adjustments of joints, soft tissue healing, strengthening exercises, stretches and massage. Your chiropractor may begin this treatment through manipulation and adjustments at your first appointment.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have been enduring persistent back pain for over 6 weeks, it’s time to make an appointment with a chiropractor or your chosen health practitioner.

Next steps

HealthEngine can help you find and book an appointment with your regular chrio or another experienced professional at a practice near you.

• Find your chiropractor and book an appointment
• Book an appointment with a new chiropractor

Sources:

• Chiropractors’ Association of Australia – Chiropractic can help
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – Impacts of chronic back problems (PDF)
• Health Direct – Back pain
• Spine Health – Chiropractic Treatments for Lower Back Pain
• Mayo Clinic – Back pain symptoms

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine always recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.