Back Pain

What is back pain?

Back pain describes discomfort anywhere along the spine — most commonly in the lower back, but it can also affect the mid-back and thoracic region. It may feel like an ache, stiffness, tightness or a sharper catch with movement, and can be short-lived or recurring.

Common symptoms

• A dull ache or tightness across the back
• Sharp discomfort with bending, twisting or lifting
• Stiffness in the morning or after prolonged sitting
• Discomfort that eases with gentle movement

Common contributing factors

The back handles a lot of load and moves in every direction. Long hours of sitting, sudden lifts, poor sleep, low activity, previous injuries or a build-up of small stresses can all leave the spine and surrounding muscles under-supported over time.

How back pain may be assessed

A chiropractic assessment typically includes a detailed history, movement and postural analysis, and orthopaedic testing. The goal is to understand the pattern of your symptoms and identify what may be contributing so care can be tailored appropriately.

General management considerations

• Keep gently active — walking is usually better than complete rest
• Alternate sitting and standing throughout the day
• Bend from the hips and knees when lifting, keeping loads close to you
• Use heat for tight, achy muscles and short bouts of ice for sharp flare-ups

When to seek professional advice

Consider seeing a healthcare professional if pain has lasted more than a few days, keeps returning or is limiting daily activities. Seek urgent medical care if back pain follows a significant trauma, is associated with fever or unexplained weight loss, or involves numbness in the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control.

How chiropractic care may help

At APEX. Chiro Gregory Hills we look at the whole picture — how you move, your posture, your work and lifestyle. Care is gentle, specific and tailored, and outcomes vary from person to person.