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Chiropractor Sydney Approach to Low Back Pain
The vast majority of people with low back pain are classified as having “non-specific low back pain.” This simply means there isn’t one clearly identifiable structure or single cause responsible for their symptoms.
The lower back is an integrated system made up of spinal joints, muscles, fascia, tendons, discs, nerves and other structures that all work together. Because of this, it’s often too simplistic to attribute persistent back pain to just one structure. In many cases, several factors may be contributing to or aggravating the pain at the same time.
Why Treating Just the Muscles or Joints May Not Be Enough
If you have persistent tension and sensitivity in the muscles and connective tissues supporting your spine, simply adjusting the spinal joints may have limited effect on these tissues. This can help explain why some people experience immediate relief from an adjustment, only for the same stiffness and discomfort to quickly return.
The reverse can also occur. You might receive extensive massage or other soft-tissue treatment and feel that your muscles have relaxed, yet still experience a deep, localised stiffness or ache through the spinal joints. In some people, these symptoms respond better when treatment also includes targeted spinal mobilisation or manipulation.
This is why Kieran takes a combined muscle-and-spine approach, rather than assuming every episode of back pain needs the same treatment.
Treating the Spine as an Integrated System
Treatment may combine hands-on muscle and soft-tissue therapy with targeted treatment of stiff or painful spinal joints, depending on what appears relevant to your symptoms.
Just as importantly, treatment isn’t only about what happens in the clinic. Education and practical advice can help you understand the factors that aggravate your back and how to manage them day to day.
The aim is to help you move comfortably, build confidence in your back and reduce unnecessary reliance on ongoing treatment, rather than repeatedly treating the same symptoms whenever they return.
