Services / Lower back pain & Sciatica
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Lower back pain & Sciatica
One of the most common presentations we see -- and one we have significant experience treating.
WHAT IS IT?
Understanding lower back pain
1 in 6 Australians will experience back pain, that's 3.7 million people, and up to 90% will suffer from lower back pain in some form during their lives.
Despite being so common, it remains widely misunderstood and often poorly managed. Whether your pain is acute, chronic, or coming and going, osteopathic care focuses on understanding why it's there and addressing the contributing factors, not just settling the current episode.
Low back pain is often triggered by a simple strain of muscles or joints at a time when we are more vulnerable: when we are run down, stressed, inactive, or overactive. Often, what starts as a niggle can become more significant if left unaddressed.
A big flare-up or serious injury can be far more debilitating and take much longer to resolve, which is why attending to niggles early is always worthwhile.
Sciatica, disc-related pain, and sacroiliac dysfunction all fall within our scope.
WHO IT HELPS
You might recognise this
People with acute lower back injuries, chronic or recurring back pain, leg pain or sciatica, pain that worsens with sitting or standing, or back pain that hasn't responded to other treatment.
Lower back pain that has been present for years is still worth addressing; chronic pain responds well to a thorough, whole-person approach.
Common presentations we treat include:
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Lumbar facet sprains
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Lumbar disc issues
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Myofascial trigger points
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Spondylosis
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Arthritic degenerative change
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Muscle strains or tears
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Scoliosis
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Hip flexor issues
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Pelvic imbalances
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Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction
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Osteitis pubis
HOW WE TREAT IT
Our approach
Treatment addresses not just the local area but the broader contributing factors: structural, neurological, and lifestyle.
Soft Tissue Therapy
HVLA
MET
Articulation
Exercise Rehabilitation
Shockwave Therapy
Dry Needling
Rehabilitation
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your first appointment
Your first session includes a thorough history and physical assessment to identify what's driving your pain. Your osteopath will give you an honest explanation of what they're finding, including what imaging does and doesn't tell us.
In most cases, scans are not immediately needed, but where indicated, osteopaths in Australia can refer for bulk-billed spinal X-rays. You'll leave with a clear plan and practical advice for managing your pain between sessions.
SELF CARE
Managing your back pain
between sessions
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Avoid bed rest – it can do more harm than good as it can lead to shortened or weaker muscles, and joint stiffness
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Stay active as much as possible
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Stay at work, even if only on restricted duties. If required, discuss a return-to-work plan with your employer
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Pace yourself – try to do a similar amount of exercise every day
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Ice or heat packs may help in the first few weeks
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Learn about your pain – identify which activities make your pain worse or better and change your activities to suit
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Seek help early if you are fearful, anxious, depressed or stressed
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Relaxation and mindfulness strategies may help you cope
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Stop smoking – it can increase your chances of developing back pain
ALSO RELEVANT
Hip Pain
Acute & Chronic Injuries
Postural Concerns
Sciatica
Shockwave Therapy
WHO IT HELPS
Meet the practitioners
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What the evidence says...
Manual therapy, either alone or in combination with exercises, needling therapy, or GP care, may provide some relief from short term (acute) or long term (chronic) back pain. Relief may occur fairly quickly or in the days after treatment (Bronfort 2010, Hayden 2005; Kent 2010, Bronfort 2004, Rubinstein 2011a,b, Furlan 2005, Licciardone 2005). References Bronfort, G., et al (2010) Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic and Osteopathy 18, 3 Bronfort G., et al (2004) Efficacy of spinal manipulation and mobilization for low back and neck pain: a systematic review and best evidence synthesis. Spine Journal; 4 Hayden, J., et al (2005) Systematic Review: Strategies for Using Exercise Therapy to Improve Outcomes in Chronic Low Back Pain. Annals of Internal Medicine 142 (9) Kent, P., et al (2010) Does targeting manual therapy and/or exercise improve patient outcomes in nonspecific low back pain? A systematic review. BMC Medicine 8, 22 Rubinstein, M., et al (2011a) Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 16, (2) Rubinstein, M., et al (2011b) Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low back pain: an update of a Cochrane Review. Spine 36, (13) Furlan, D., et al (2005) Acupuncture and Dry-Needling for Low Back Pain: An updated Systematic Review within the framework of the Cochrane Collaboration. Spine 30, (8) Licciardone, J., et al (2005) Osteopathic manipulative treatment for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 6, 43