Back pain
If back pain is making it hard to sit, sleep or get through your day, you’re not alone. It’s the most common reason people come to see me.
Back pain can be felt in your upper, middle or lower back, and the cause is rarely the same for any two people. That’s why I start by working out what is going on and why.
Types of back pain
Upper back pain
Felt between your shoulder blades and the base of your neck. It's often linked to stuck posture, like looking down at a phone or hunching over a desk, and tends to build up gradually.
Middle back pain
Felt around the middle of your spine. It's less common and is often linked to muscle tension or stiff joints. Because your lungs and kidneys are close by, middle back pain that doesn't change with movement or position is worth getting checked out.
Lower back pain
The most common type. It's often linked to lifting, sitting for a long time, or physical strain on the lower spine from heavy work. If the pain travels into your buttock or leg, my sciatica page may be more helpful.
How it can feel
Back pain shows up differently for everyone. You might notice:
If that sounds familiar, a free call is a simple way to find out whether chiropractic is a good next step.
What can cause it
Back pain often builds up gradually rather than starting with one injury. Things that can play a part include:
Read more in my guide to back pain causes and prevention.
When to get urgent help
Most back pain isn’t serious. But some symptoms need medical help straight away, rather than waiting for a chiropractic appointment.
Go to A&E or call 999 if you have
Contact your GP or call 111 if your back pain
From Lisa
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 have a problem higher up the spine, and the other way round.
That’s why a thorough assessment always comes first.
My approach
My focus is on working out what’s causing your pain, whether it’s in your upper, middle or lower back, rather than only looking at the part that hurts.
I use Advanced Biostructural Correction (ABC™), which looks at your whole body. Find out more about ABC™
At your first appointment I take a full history, examine you and explain what I’ve found in everyday language. What to expect at your first appointment
When to book
It’s worth getting checked out if:
You don’t need a GP referral to see a chiropractor. If you have any of the urgent symptoms above, see your GP or go to A&E first.
Chiropractic can help with many kinds of back pain. I assess your whole spine, upper, middle and lower back, to find out what's causing your pain. I always start with a full history and examination before recommending anything.
Upper back pain is felt between your shoulder blades and is often linked to posture. Middle back pain is around the middle of your spine and is often linked to muscle tension or stiffness. Lower back pain is the most common and is often linked to lifting, sitting or strain on the lower spine. When it spreads into the leg, you might hear it called sciatica.
It varies from person to person, depending on what's causing it, how long you've had it and your general health. Once I've assessed you, I'll give you an honest, realistic picture rather than a one-size-fits-all answer.
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe for back pain when it's carried out by a qualified chiropractor registered with the General Chiropractic Council. Before any care begins, I take a full history and examine you, and I'll always explain what I'm planning to do and why. Some people feel a bit achy for a day or two afterwards, a bit like after exercise.
Try sitting with your hips higher than your knees, which helps stop you slouching. Sleeping on your side rather than your back can also help. I'll give you advice that suits you at your appointment.
It depends on how long you've had the pain, what's causing it and how your body responds. I'll explain what I recommend and why, then you decide. I'll review how you're getting on with you as we go.
My practice is in Moseley, and people come to see me from across south Birmingham, including Kings Heath, Hall Green, Stirchley, Edgbaston and Harborne.
Just because you can push yourself through the day doesn’t mean you have to.
Not sure if chiropractic is right for your back pain? Book a free call and tell me what’s been going on. It’s a relaxed, no-obligation chat. If I don’t think chiropractic is right for you, I’ll say so.
