Complete Back Pain Treatment Preston
Back pain is a common issue that drives many patients to seek professional healthcare. It can begin as a minor discomfort that gradually worsens or develop suddenly. While some people may experience temporary relief, back pain often returns and can become more persistent. Without proper treatment, it can significantly impact your daily life.
If you’re suffering from back pain and need treatment in Preston, contact the team at Northside Chiropractic today to schedule an initial assessment or learn more about our customised treatment plans.
Symptoms of Back and Spine Pain
Symptoms of back pain will often vary depending on whether you’re suffering from acute or chronic pain.
Acute pain
Acute back pain can either occur suddenly after an injury or fall, or it can be gradual and present over time. The most common symptoms associated with acute back pain are:
- A sharp pain that may radiate from the lumbar spine and around your limbs
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
- Neck stiffness
Chronic pain
When back pain is persistent (chronic), it can present differently depending on the nature of the cause:
- Chronic low back pain can cause muscle aches and flare-ups and makes everyday tasks seem tedious.
- Difficulty sleeping – those with chronic lower back pain may struggle to find comfort when trying to sleep
- Sciatica – a common chronic back pain condition – can lead to leg pain and numbness in the extremities
Areas of Back Pain
Back pain can develop in different regions of the back – upper, middle and lower – and the symptoms will vary depending on the area affected. Understanding where the pain originates can help in identifying the underlying cause and designing a targeted treatment plan.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common forms of back pain with an estimated 4 out of 5 Australians experiencing low back pain at some point in their lives. The lower back, or lumbar region, supports much of the body’s weight and is essential for movement, flexibility and stability. Common causes of pain in the lower back include muscle strains, disc herniation or degeneration, and conditions like sciatica. Symptoms may range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pains that can radiate down the legs.
Middle Back Pain
Middle back pain occurs in the thoracic spine, the area between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage. This region is less prone to injury compared to the lower back due to its stability and limited range of motion. Poor posture, muscle strain or sprain, or conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis and scoliosis can lead to discomfort in the mid back region. Middle back pain may cause muscle aches, tightness or stiffness and can present with a dull, aching or stabbing sensation.
Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain affects the cervical and upper thoracic regions of the spine, including the neck. This area supports the head’s weight and allows for its movement, making it susceptible to strains and postural issues. Common causes of upper back pain include muscle tension from poor posture, especially with prolonged use of computers or mobile devices, leading to conditions like “tech neck”, as well as injury or degenerative conditions.
Our chiropractors use gentle techniques to manipulate your spine to give you pain relief and freedom of movement.
Common Causes of Back and Spine Pain
Mechanical
This includes traumatic injuries to the spine or the surrounding soft tissue. Examples of mechanical injuries include fractures (spondylolisthesis), lumbago (caused by excessive strain on the paraspinal muscles from injury or poor posture), and disc herniation (leading to nerve compression).
Degenerative
Degenerative conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (also known as inflammatory arthritis), spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease can cause progressive, chronic pain.
Inflammatory
Inflammation of the joints and muscles in the back can lead to debilitating pain. The most common forms of inflammation include ankylosing spondylitis and sacroiliitis.
Oncologic
If a tumour (either benign or malignant) forms along the spinal cord, then pressure can be put on the nerves which leads to significant pain and often reduced mobility.
Infections
Infections that affect any region of the back (from your cervical spine down to your lower back) can result in significant pain and discomfort.
It is important to note that back pain can stem from an underlying cause or non-back-related injuries, such as kidney disease, biliary colic, and even pneumonia, which should not be excluded when diagnosing the origin of your pain. When seeking back pain treatment, remember to present your entire medical history to your allied health professionals.
The Impact Back Pain Can Have on Your Life
Most people, at some point in their life, will struggle with back pain. For some, it can considerably hinder the quality of everyday life and contribute to the development of depression and anxiety as a result of the sedentary lifestyle.
A painful back can have a significant impact on all aspects of life including:
- daily activities
- family life
- work, recreation and social activities
But there’s a lot you and your healthcare team can do to deal with back pain so you can get on with life.
By using special massaging equipment, our team in Preston can help treat muscle spasms as well as reduce muscle tension, which leads to reduced back and neck pain and improved movement.
Why Choose Northside Chiropractic?
With over 5 years of experience as certified chiropractors in the Preston. area, both doctors at our clinic, Dr Lenče Veljanoska and Dr Lachlan Deane provide you with a patient-centred approach to help you feel better, move better and live better.
Our treatments are designed with your comfort in mind, ensuring that the treatment plan is based on your specific condition and desired outcomes.
We offer a variety of treatment options for a number of conditions that affect your mobility. So, if you are experiencing pains and aches in your back, whether present for long periods or come on acutely, then we are here to help.
Meet Your Chiropractors
Below you can find out some more information about our 5-year university-trained, specialist chiropractors:
Dr Lenče Veljanoska
Lenče is a northern suburbs native and completed her Chiropractic degree at RMIT University, where she proudly founded the RMIT Student Neurology Club and was the vice-president of the RMIT Chiropractic Students Association for 2 years running.
Book Your Appointment Today
We are conveniently located at 307 High Street, Preston VIC 3072, 2 minutes away from Preston Station
Phone: (03) 90868970
Email: info@northsidechiropactic.com.au
Opening hours:
We are open 6 days a week but Sundays and after-hours appointments can be made on request.
Monday to Friday: 08:00 am – 19:00 pm
Saturday: 08:00 am – 12:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the most common questions surrounding chiropractic back pain treatment are answered below.
How is back pain diagnosed?
A chiropractic diagnosis of back pain typically involves assessing your symptoms, your social and medical history and a thorough physical examination. If our chiropractors believe the root of your problem requires more prominent medical attention, then we will refer you to the appropriate specialist.
How do you prevent back pain?
One of the best ways to prevent pain in your back is by getting checked regularly by your chiropractor and keeping your back muscles strong through regular exercise. Most importantly, make sure to follow appropriate techniques when carrying out heavy lifting to prevent further injury or more stress on your joints and muscles.
What’s the best way to manage my back pain?
Pain in your back can be managed by getting adjusted regularly by our team of chiropractors, or by using over-the-counter painkillers and cold packs and ensuring you get sufficient rest to allow your muscles to heal.
Which specialist is best for back pain?
Pain in the lower back of the lumbar spine can be attended to by a back pain chiropractor. If your pain is present in any other region of the back, or is severe and limiting your ability to move, then we can refer you to a rheumatologist, neurologist, or orthopaedic surgeon depending on the nature of your pain.
Is the spine the source of all back pain?
Not necessarily, pain in the back can occur as a result of injury to your lower extremities which leads you to put excess stress on your back. Infections, viruses, and genetic conditions are all common causes of back pain that do not necessarily involve the spine, but the nerves within the spinal canal. The spine is the suit of armour for your nervous system.
Do topical creams or ointments work for back pain?
Some topical products have been shown to be of significant benefit to alleviate pain. Many of them contain anti-inflammatory properties and mild anaesthetic to help numb the area.
How many visits do I need?
The number of visits you need depends entirely on your presentation and individual characteristics. Our chiropractors will give you an informed treatment plan that has the number of recommended visits within it.