If back pain has been making it hard to sit, sleep, or get through your day comfortably, you’re not alone — it’s the single most common reason people come to see Lisa at Zest Chiropractic in Moseley. Back pain can affect the upper, middle, or lower back, and the underlying cause is rarely the same for any two people, which is why working out what’s actually going on matters before deciding on a plan of care.
“Back pain” isn’t a single condition — it’s a general term for pain felt anywhere along the spine, from the base of the neck down to the pelvis. The cause, and the right approach to it, can be quite different depending on which part of the back is affected.
Upper back pain (sometimes called thoracic back pain) is felt between the shoulder blades and the base of the neck. It’s often linked to posture — particularly time spent looking down at a phone or hunched over a desk or screen — and tends to build up gradually rather than appear suddenly.
Middle back pain sits between the upper and lower back, around the mid-section of the spine. It’s less common than lower back pain and is often related to muscle tension, joint stiffness, or prolonged poor posture. Because the mid-back is also close to organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and gallbladder, persistent middle back pain that doesn’t seem connected to movement or position is worth getting checked out.
Lower back pain (lumbar back pain) is the most common type, and is often linked to lifting, prolonged sitting, or strain on the joints and discs of the lower spine. Lower back pain can sometimes spread into the buttock or leg — if that’s happening for you, our sciatica page may be more relevant.
Back pain can develop for a number of reasons. Common contributing factors include:
In many cases, back pain builds up gradually from ongoing stress on the spine, rather than from a single injury. Read more in our guide to back pain causes and prevention.
Most back pain settles with time and the right care, but in certain cases it can be a sign of something that needs urgent attention. Please contact your GP, call 111, or go to A&E — rather than waiting for a chiropractic appointment — if you experience any of the following red flags:
These can be signs of conditions such as cauda equina syndrome, a spinal fracture, infection, or cancer, all of which need prompt medical assessment. In the case of any of the first 4 points above, seek same day attention at A&E.
Chiropractic can help with back pain. At Zest, Lisa’s focus is on working out what’s actually causing your pain — whether that’s in the upper, middle, or lower back — rather than just treating the area that hurts.
Lisa practises Advanced Biostructural Correction (ABC™), a specific method that looks at the whole structure of the body — not just the painful area — to identify misalignments that the body cannot correct on its own. You can read more about her approach to ABC™ and why she practises it.
For more information about what to expect at your first appointment click the button below.
“Back pain is what most people come to see me about - and it isn’t always where you’d expect. Someone with lower back pain might actually need work higher up the spine, and vice versa. A detailed physical assessment is usually the first step towards understanding what’s really going on.”
It’s worth getting things checked if:
You don’t need a GP referral to see a chiropractor. That said, if you’re experiencing any of the urgent symptoms listed above, please see your GP or go to A&E first.
Yes – in the absence of red flags. Chiropractic can help with back pain. Lisa assesses the whole spine — upper, middle, and lower back — for the structural causes of your pain and uses hands-on techniques where appropriate. She’ll always start with a thorough assessment before recommending a plan.
Upper back pain is felt between the shoulder blades and is often linked to posture. Middle back pain sits below that, around the mid-spine, and is often related to muscle tension or stiffness. Lower back pain, the most common type, is usually linked to lifting, sitting, or strain on the lower spine, and can sometimes spread into the leg.
This varies a great deal from person to person, depending on the underlying cause, how long it’s been present, and your general health. Lisa will give you an honest, realistic picture once she’s assessed you, rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Chiropractic adjustments are generally gentle and well-tolerated. Lisa will always explain what she’s planning to do and why, and will take a full case history before tailoring her approach to what’s appropriate for you.
This depends on your individual situation — how long you’ve had symptoms, what’s causing them, and how your body responds to care. Lisa won’t recommend more sessions than she genuinely believes are in your interest, and she’ll review your progress with you regularly.
Based in Moseley, Lisa regularly sees patients with back pain from across South Birmingham, including Kings Heath, Hall Green, Edgbaston, Stirchley, Shirley, and Solihull.
Book a free 10-minute call with Lisa. She’ll listen to what’s been going on and give you an honest, no-pressure view on whether chiropractic care is likely to help with your back pain.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute medical advice. Chiropractic can help with back pain, but individual results vary and depend on individual circumstances. If you are experiencing numbness around the groin or inner thighs, new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, severe or worsening leg weakness, back pain following significant trauma, or pain accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss, please contact your GP, call 111, or go to A&E immediately. Lisa Archer is a chiropractor registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and a member of the United Chiropractic Association. GCC registration does not imply a general medical qualification.
