Back pain and Chiropractic
Back pain is widespread, and while it can be painful, it’s usually not serious. Here’s a practical guide to understanding it, how chiropractic can help, and what you can do day to day to manage and prevent it.
What Is Back Pain?
Back pain affects many people - up to 20% see their GP each year because of it. Most episodes are short-term, resolving within a few days or weeks, but for some, they can recur or become chronic if they last longer than 12 weeks. Back pain is classified into two main types:
Mechanical (simple) back pain is the most common. It affects muscles, joints, or ligaments and isn’t caused by anything serious. Poor posture, long periods sitting, or even emotional stress can trigger it.
Sciatica: Less common but often more intense, this happens when a nerve - usually the sciatic nerve - is compressed or irritated. Pain can spread down the leg and cause tingling, numbness, or weakness.
Back pain may appear suddenly or develop gradually. Age can contribute, as spinal discs wear down, leading to stiffness.
Why Do I Get Back Pain?
There’s usually no single cause; many things can contribute:
Low fitness or overdoing it: Not moving enough or jumping into activity too quickly both reduce spine support.
Work habits: Heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or long hours sitting in poor posture all put pressure on your back.
Stress and tension: Emotional stress can tighten back muscles or slow healing.
Previous injury: An old injury can be reactivated, triggering pain.
These factors can cause discomfort, stiffness, or sharp pain, either locally or in your legs. If symptoms last more than a few days or worsen, it’s a good idea to seek professional help.
How Can Chiropractors Help With Back Pain?
Chiropractors specialise in spine and joint issues and are trained to treat back problems and refer you on if needed. You don’t need a GP referral to see one - they are primary care professionals.
What to Expect:
Assessment: Your chiropractor will ask about your history, health, symptoms, and lifestyle, and conduct a physical exam. They may suggest tests such as X-rays or MRIs if needed.
Treatment: Techniques might include spinal manipulation (gentle adjustments), joint mobilisation, massage, and soft‑tissue work. You’ll also be given targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch key muscles.
Guidance: Expect practical advice on posture, lifestyle, and ergonomics to support your natural healing and reduce future episodes.
Chiropractic care is aligned with NHS NICE guidelines for treating back pain, avoiding unnecessary medication or rest. If beyond their scope, chiropractors refer to GPs or specialists and can even keep your GP up to date, ensuring full care coordination.
Practical Tips for Managing Back Pain
Here’s what you can do at home to ease and prevent back pain:
Stay moving: Walking or gentle exercise helps keep the spine mobile. Avoid prolonged lying down or sitting.
Take regular breaks: Change position every 20–30 minutes - stand, stretch, walk about - to reduce stiffness.
Try heat or cold therapy: Use ice to reduce swelling, or a warm wrap to help with tightness and spasms.
Improve posture: Sit with your back supported, feet flat on the floor, and arrange your desk so you’re comfortable.
Strengthen and stretch: Include core-strengthening exercises and gentle spinal stretches in your routine - these support posture and reduce recurrence.
Manage stress: Stress reduction helps ease muscle tension—techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness are beneficial.
When to See a Chiropractor or Doctor
Get help quickly if pain lasts more than a few days or keeps getting worse.
Seek GP care urgently if you experience warning signs: high fever, unexplained weight loss, lumps, severe or worsening night/day pain, trauma, or issues with bladder/bowel control.
Call emergency services (999) if you have loss of leg sensation, bladder/bowel problems, chest pain, or nerve changes around your genitals or buttocks - these could be serious.
In Summary
Back pain is common and usually not serious. Simple mechanical issues or nerve-related pain like sciatica often respond well to early treatment and self-care.
Chiropractic care offers expert assessment, safe hands-on treatment, and structured advice to support healing. Combined with movement, posture management, stretching, and stress reduction, it’s a practical way to reduce pain and lower the risk of recurrence.
If you’re dealing with back pain, take action early - stay active, seek qualified chiropractic help if needed, and use these home‑based strategies to help you feel better, faster.
We offer a free assessment if you are unsure chiropractic is right for you.