CHIROPRACTIC AND REMEDIAL MASSAGE FOR CHRONIC BACK PAIN IN ADELAIDE
Chronic back pain can affect almost every part of daily life, from sitting at work and driving to exercising, sleeping and simply getting comfortable.
When back pain continues for months or repeatedly returns, it can become difficult to understand what is causing it or which treatment approach may help.
At Chiropractic On Winston, chiropractic care and remedial massage are used as part of an individualised approach to managing chronic back pain in Adelaide.
Treatment focuses on understanding the factors contributing to your symptoms, improving movement and helping you develop strategies to better manage your back over time.
Chronic back pain does not always have one single cause. It can develop following an injury, repeated physical strain, prolonged sitting, reduced physical activity or a combination of several factors.
Understanding why your back hurts is an important first step towards managing it.
Understanding Chronic Back Pain and What Causes It
Chronic back pain generally refers to back pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, although the experience can vary considerably between individuals.
Unlike short-term back pain, which may settle as the body recovers from an injury or irritation, chronic back pain can become persistent or occur as recurring episodes.
Some people experience a constant dull ache, while others notice stiffness, muscular tension, sharp pain or discomfort that becomes worse with particular movements or activities.
Chronic back pain may affect the:
- Lower back
- Middle or upper back
- Muscles surrounding the spine
- Joints of the spine
- Areas around the pelvis and hips
- Buttocks
- Legs when nerve-related symptoms are also present
Assessing Chronic Back Pain and Choosing the Right Treatment
An appropriate assessment is an important part of chronic back pain management.
At Chiropractic On Winston, an assessment can consider your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, daily activities, physical demands and movement patterns.
Your chiropractor may assess:
- Spinal movement
- Joint mobility
- Muscle tension
- Strength and movement control
- Postural habits
- Hip and pelvic movement
- Activities that aggravate or ease symptoms
- Previous episodes of back pain
- Functional limitations
The purpose of an assessment is not simply to locate where you feel pain. It is to build a broader understanding of the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Where symptoms indicate that further medical assessment or investigation may be appropriate, referral to another healthcare professional can be recommended.
Managing Chronic Back Pain, Flare-Ups and Everyday Movement
For some people, combining chiropractic care with remedial massage provides a broader approach to managing persistent back pain.
Chiropractic treatment may address movement and joint-related considerations, while remedial massage may focus more specifically on muscular and soft-tissue factors.
Your management plan may involve:
Assessment → hands-on treatment → movement advice → exercise → ongoing management
The emphasis is on care that is appropriate for your symptoms rather than following a standard treatment routine.
Preventing Recurring Back Pain and Knowing When to Seek Help
There is no guaranteed way to prevent every episode of back pain. However, several habits can support a healthier and more resilient back.
- Regular physical activity can help maintain strength and mobility.
- Building exercise capacity gradually can also improve your tolerance for everyday tasks.
- If your work involves sitting or driving, change positions and move regularly throughout the day.
- Rather than concentrating on maintaining one perfect posture, aim to avoid remaining in the same position for prolonged periods.
- When lifting, consider the weight, distance, position and frequency of the task.
- Building your capacity to perform lifting activities comfortably can be more useful than relying on one rigid lifting technique.
- Sleep and recovery are also important considerations. Consistent sleep habits may be particularly useful when back pain is interfering with rest.
When Should Chronic Back Pain Be Assessed?
Persistent back pain deserves appropriate assessment, particularly when it is interfering with work, sleep, exercise or everyday activities.
Prompt medical attention is appropriate if back pain occurs alongside:
- New loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around the groin or saddle region
- Significant or progressive weakness in the legs
- Severe symptoms following significant trauma
- Fever or unexplained systemic illness
- Unexplained weight loss
- A history of cancer together with new unexplained back pain
- Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
These symptoms can require urgent medical assessment.
For less urgent but persistent symptoms, speaking with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional can help determine appropriate next steps.
FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions About Chronic Back Pain Treatment In Adelaide
See all the answers below about chronic back pain treatment in Adelaide
What is considered chronic back pain?
Chronic back pain is generally described as pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer. It may be continuous or occur as recurring episodes. Persistent pain can have multiple contributing factors, so an individual assessment can help determine an appropriate management approach.
Can a chiropractor help with chronic back pain?
Chiropractic care may help some people manage chronic back pain by addressing movement, joint mobility, muscular tension and physical function. Treatment may include direct techniques, exercise recommendations and advice about gradually returning to activities.
Is remedial massage good for chronic back pain?
Remedial massage may be useful when muscular tension or soft tissue discomfort contributes to back pain. It can be incorporated into a broader management plan and may complement movement and exercise based strategies.
Can chiropractic treatment and remedial massage be used together?
Yes. Chiropractic care and remedial massage can form part of the same management plan when appropriate. Chiropractic treatment may focus on movement and joint-related factors, while remedial massage can address muscular and soft-tissue tension
Should I rest when my chronic back pain gets worse?
Prolonged bed rest is generally not recommended for most episodes of back pain. Gentle movement and gradually returning to normal activities can be helpful, provided the activity does not significantly aggravate symptoms. A healthcare professional can provide individual advice when symptoms are severe or unusual.
Can chronic back pain go away?
Some people experience significant improvement in chronic back pain, although symptoms can sometimes recur. Long term management may involve physical activity, strengthening, movement strategies, lifestyle considerations and appropriate professional care.
How long does chronic back pain treatment take?
There is no single treatment time. It depends on factors including how long you have experienced symptoms, the factors contributing to them, your physical capacity and how you respond to treatment. Your treatment plan can be reviewed as your symptoms and function change.
What exercises are best for chronic back pain?
There is no single exercise that is suitable for everyone with chronic back pain. Walking, strengthening, mobility exercises, Pilates and resistance training can all be useful depending on the individual. Exercises should be introduced progressively and adapted to your symptoms and physical capabilities.
Can poor posture cause chronic back pain?
Posture alone does not explain all cases of chronic back pain. However, spending extended periods in one position, particularly when combined with limited movement and other physical or lifestyle factors, may contribute to discomfort. Regular movement and changing positions can be more useful than trying to maintain one perfect posture.
When should chronic back pain be medically assessed?
Back pain should be medically assessed when it is persistent, significantly affecting daily activities, worsening or accompanied by concerning symptoms. Urgent medical assessment is appropriate for symptoms such as new bladder or bowel problems, saddle-region numbness, significant weakness or severe symptoms following major trauma.
If chronic back pain is affecting how you work, exercise, sleep or enjoy everyday activities, an assessment can help identify appropriate next steps.
Chiropractic On Winston provides chiropractic and remedial massage services in Adelaide, with treatment tailored to your individual presentation, movement and goals.
At Chiropractic On Winston, we’re committed to helping you regain a pain free life.
Contact us today to start your journey toward lasting chronic back pain relief in Adelaide.
