Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is by far the most common form of back pain and one of the main reasons patients visit a chiropractor.  It's causes are many and varied.  Whilst herniated discs are a well known source of lower back pain, they are in fact far less common than other postural and work -related causes.  

How do chiropractors treat lower back pain ?

• Your medical history is taken to permit accurate diagnosis of the problem.
• Massage relaxes muscles.
• Chiropractic adjustments realign joints, and calm the nervous system.
• Preventive advice regarding your posture (at home and at work) is provided.
• Specific mobilisation exercises may or may not be prescribed. Good posture is the best use of spinal muscles. ****You do not need 'core-strengthening' exercises to strengthen your spine as your posture takes care of that.

What should be expected after the first treatment ?

• Improved range of joint movement
• Less pain
• Reduced muscle tension
• Improved sleep is a common effect because there is now less pain and muscle tension keep you awake.
• Improved concentration occurs as the nervous system relaxes and you're not distracted by discomfort.
• Digestion can improve as joint misalignments are often the cause of irritation to nerves that supply digestive organs.
• There can be some muscular 'soreness' - a bit like that you get from exercise. This is due to the massage if you're not used to it. You can relieve it with heat packs or hot showers.

Follow-up treatments: why are they necessary ?

• The first adjustment usually doesn't remove ALL of the muscle tension, especially if you've had the problem for a while.
• Follow-ups give the chiropractor a chance to check your progress and modify treatment if necessary.
• Follow-up treatment is gradually spaced out over longer periods to see how your body is responding.

It's important to remember that this treatment is drug-free, which means any progress is real ie pain and other symptoms are not masked by medications. If you feel better, it's a genuine response to treatment and accurate diagnosis of the problem.

What about check-ups ? Are they necessary in the absence of pain ?

• Joint misalignments build up gradually so when you have a check-up, areas of tension can be identified in your spine long before pain occurs.
• When the chiropractor presses on a tight area you will recognise it.
• After treatment your joints and muscles will feel 'freer' or 'looser' even if pain wasn't present. This is proof of the benefits of a check-up.

Dr. Sharon Wardle Chiropractor is located at:

Fitness First,  Loft level 4,  Macquarie Shopping Centre, in the heart of the Macquarie Park Innovation District.

This location is convenient for the following suburbs:  Macquarie Park, North Ryde,  Marsfield, Denistone, Denistone East,  Eastwood,  West Ryde,  Meadowbank,  Epping,  Gladesville,  Putney.  Non gym members are welcome.