No matter how mild, lower back pain can be a debilitating experience in our day-to-day lives. People who have experienced lower back pain may describe the experience as uncomfortable and stiff. The constant niggling pain in our lower back area can hinder our quality of sleep, and ability to work, engage with others or complete basic tasks. If you’re living with lower back pain, experiencing it for the first time or helping someone with lower back pain, here are some resources to help.
What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain is extremely common and can arise for a variety of reasons. The severity and persistence of lower back pain will also depend on an individual’s age, physical health, lifestyle patterns, diet, exercise habits or occupation.
Did you know: Lower back pain is common in people 30 years or older. As the body changes with age, a reduction in the fluid between the vertebrae in the spine can cause irritation and loss of muscle, increasing chances of injury or lower back discomfort.
Common causes of lower back pain include:
1. Overuse or strain
The muscles in our lower back may be torn or stretched due to excess physical activity, resulting in muscle spasms or stiffness. Back muscles can be strained or overused by lifting heavy items, sneezing, twisting or incorrect posture. In instances where you strain your lower back during an activity, it’s not uncommon to hear a ‘pop’ in your back.
2. Injury
A serious injury like a car crash or fall can cause bones in your spine to fracture, causing pain and discomfort. Discs in the back, which help protect the vertebrae, can be torn, ruptured or bulge from their position, pressing on a nerve. Damage to these discs from an injury can also create significant lower back aches.
3. Health conditions
Other related health conditions can also cause lower back pain. Some of these health conditions include arthritis (inflammation of joints), fibromyalgia (tenderness in the joints, muscles, and tendons) or endometriosis (a disorder in which tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity).
4. Structural challenges
Some individuals may live with scoliosis (curved spine) or spinal stenosis, a condition when the spinal column is too narrow for the spinal cord. Structural issues can lead to nerve pain in the lower back, stiffness and mobility problems.
5. Lifestyle factors
An individual’s overall health, level of physical activity or occupation can affect lower back pain. Jobs that involve heavy lifting or bending frequently can increase the risk of lower back injury. People who are overweight and those with weakened abdominal muscles that can’t support the spine are also more likely to experience lower back pain.
Fact: Every year, treating back pain costs the Australian economy about 9 billion dollars. Most people suffer from a bad back at some time in life and it is one of the main reasons people go to healthcare practitioners in Australia.
Treating lower back pain: FAQs
Q1. When should I consult a medical professional for lower back pain?
A: Lower back pain is a common condition that many people experience. For the majority of people, lower back pain subsides with low impact stretching, pain relievers or bed rest over the course of a couple of days. If you experience a significant injury and have persistent pain, have a family history of related health conditions or suffer from persistent pain, seeking the medical advice of a health professional can help you identify ways to treat and manage lower back pain.
Spot the difference: Acute back pain lasts for a few days or up to a couple of weeks, while chronic back pain persists for more than three months.
Q2. How is lower back pain diagnosed?
A: Your local medical professional will most likely conduct a physical exam to identify sites of pain in your lower back and test your reflexes to determine the extent of your pain. Doctors may inquire about your lifestyle and medical history to determine the cause of your lower back pain.
Based on your examination, your doctor may request further testing or supply you with a range of treatment and pain management options. In instances where you also experience fever, sudden weight loss or ongoing back pain, additional X-rays, ultrasound or scans may be required to determine the cause of the lower back pain.
Your doctor may also recommend prescription medication or suggest physical therapists for further treatment.
Q3. What home remedies are available for lower back pain?
A: Most lower back pain treatments will focus on self-treatment or home care options. In the first few days of lower back pain occurring, you may try these home remedies:
- Take a break from physical activities and rest by lying on your side to alleviate the weight on your back
- If you can manage, try low-impact stretches or yoga
- Relax with a warm bath with added epsom bath salts to support muscle recovery
- Apply ice to your lower back for the first day, before utilizing heat packs
- Take over-the-counter pain medication to relieve muscle pain.
Mild lower back pain will typically subside within the first 72 hours of home remedies. If you’re still experiencing significant pain or your lower back ache is hindering you from daily activities after a couple of days, seek the advice of a medical professional.
Individuals who experience chronic lower back pain can also seek health support from physical therapists who can strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Hands-on treatments can help relax muscles, manage pain and improve alignment. The type of hands-on treatment required will depend on the cause of the lower back pain and can range from massage therapy to chiropractic adjustment.
Q4. How can you prevent lower back pain?
A: Developing a healthy routine that can help you manage weight levels, strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility is an effective way of reducing pressure on your vertebrae or lower back injuries.
Tip: Do you work a desk job? Ensure your workstation is ergonomic and take regular breaks to stretch your neck and back.
How chiropractors help relieve lower back pain

Chiropractors are health practitioners that engage in non-surgical treatment for conditions relating to the musculoskeletal system including sprains, neck pain, lower back pain, joint problems, herniated discs or other conditions. Chiropractors do not prescribe medication or surgical therapies, but instead, provide manual therapy to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Some of the treatments may involve stretching of the muscles and joints, movement and low-impact movement to increase the range of motion in the lower back.
Before you can commence treatment, you will need a consultation with a chiropractor. During the initial consultation, a chiropractor will establish your short-term and long-term goals for recovery and help devise an individual treatment plan for your recovery.
Existing research highlights the benefits of chiropractic treatments, with many studies showing that it’s generally effective for the treatment of lower back pain.
Selecting the right chiropractor
If you’re considering chiropractic treatment to help manage lower back pain, here are three questions to help you select the right practitioner:
1. What techniques do you use?
During your initial consultation, a chiropractor will aim to identify the cause of your lower back pain. This can involve a combination of a physical examination of the area, questions about your medical history and lifestyle, and in some cases, further tests. When the cause and extent of the pain are determined, a chiropractor will work with you to devise a treatment plan. Not every condition can be treated by just one technique so it’s important that your chiropractor has a range of treatment techniques at hand. Take this opportunity to align your expectations and understand what’s ahead asking about the varying treatments available to you as well as the chiropractic techniques that the chiropractor is planning to utilise.
2. What are your qualifications?
Whether you’re looking for a one-off consultation or ongoing treatment, it’s important to ensure that the health advice you receive is verified and to avoid the risk of further pain or injury at the hands of a trainee or unqualified health professional. Before selecting a chiropractor, ask about their experience and qualifications.
3. What can I do outside of the sessions?
A helpful chiropractor will advise you on techniques and tips to manage the pain and prevent further injury. As lower back injuries can be aggravated by certain lifestyle factors, look for a chiropractor that can help manage your lower back pain in a holistic approach, taking into account your out-of-session practices. This will also speed up your recovery and help you maintain healthy habits.
Top 10 local chiropractors in Perth
1. South Perth Chiropractic Centre, South Perth WA
With a team of five qualified chiropractors in South Perth, the South Perth Chiropractic Centre applies a range of effective techniques and treatments to help improve spinal biomechanics and reduce nervous system interference.
Established in 1987, the services provided include:
- Chiropractic care for neck pain, lower back pain
- Pediatric chiropractic
- Pregnancy chiropractic
- Spinal exercises
- Relief and wellness care
Price: Initial consultation from $110
Phone: (08) 9474 1955
Email: [email protected]
Address: 238 Canning Hwy South Perth, WA 6151
Website: https://www.southperthchiro.com.au/
2. Northbridge Chiropractic, Perth WA
The Northbridge Chiropractic opened in 2013 as a holistic chiropractic centre to help with muscular, articular and functional movement deficits.
The chiropractors at Northbridge Chiropractic apply a range of techniques and services, including Active Release Technique, dry needling, Graston technique, acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments and more, to alleviate pain quickly and boost overall health.
Price: Inquire from here
Phone: (08) 9227 9341
Email: Send an email here
Address: 6/177 Stirling Street Perth, WA 6000
Website: https://www.northbridgechiro.com.au/
3. Subiaco Chiropractic, Subiaco WA
Located in West Perth, two experienced chiropractors at Subiaco Chiropractic utilise a variety of techniques and practice styles to support pregnant women children, seniors and people with common ailments such as:
- Shoulder/knee/hip pain
- Pregnancy-related backache
- Postural Alignment
- Sports injury and rehabilitation
- Lower back pain
- Disc Injuries
- And more.
Price: Inquire from here
Phone: (08) 9388 1211 or 0401101893
Email: [email protected]
Address: 324 Barker Road, Subiaco Perth WA 6008
Website: https://www.subiacochiropractic.com.au/
4. Central City Chiropractic, Perth WA
Located in Perth’s CBD, the chiropractors at Central City Chiropractic specialise in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions that affect office workers, such as back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Other conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, frozen shoulder, jaw pain, pins and needles, chronic pain and other conditions that cause short or long-term discomfort and/or pain. Taking a holistic approach to healthcare, Central City Chiropractic offers a naturopathy service, a form of alternative medicine to complement chiropractic treatments.
Price: Inquire from here
Phone: (08) 9221 4527
Email: Send an email here
Address: Suite 3, 12/378 Wellington Street Perth, WA 6000.
Website: https://centralcitychiro.com.au/
5. East Perth Chiropractic Health Centre, East Perth, WA
Led by Chiropractor Dr Alan Le, East Perth Chiropractic Health Centre uses a wide range of techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility. Some of the techniques include Gonstead (spinal analysis using x-ray and motion palpation), diversified (manual Chiropractic techniques) and more including Thompson Technique, Sacro Occipital Technique, Applied Kinesiology and Activator, a low force adjusting tool.
Price: Initial consultation from $95.00
Phone: (08) 9221 1166
Email: [email protected]
Address: 123 Royal Street, East Perth, WA 6004
Website: https://www.eastperthchiro.com.au/
6. Gentle Chiropractic, North Perth, WA
Two qualified professionals at Gentle Chiropractic apply effective treatments to manage muscle and joint pain and we use minimal adjustment to ensure the least amount of discomfort.
Treatments are available for headache and neck pain, back pain, joint or muscle injury, posture treatment and foot problems. Gentle Chiropractic also offers treatment specifically for children.
Price: Inquire from here
Phone: (08) 9227 9200
Email: [email protected]
Address: 449 Fitzgerald Street, North Perth WA 6006
Website: http://www.gentlechiro.com.au/
7. Vivify Health & Chiropractic, Subiaco WA
The Vivify Health & Chiropractic team combines chiropractic and biomechanics with nutrition and supplementation to provide holistic care and treatment. Their practitioners focus on cultivating a healthy mindset to promote long-term healing and prevent the recurrence of pain.
Price: Inquire from here
Phone: 08 9381 3150
Email: [email protected]
Address: Unit 2/590 Hay St Subiaco 6008
Website: https://vivifyhealth.com.au/
8. PerthChiro, multiple locations, WA
Located across five areas in Perth, all chiropractors are certified in Advanced BioStructural Correction and use specific evidence-based techniques to provide relief from musculoskeletal conditions such as neck and back pain, nerve pain, joint problems and more.
Price: Inquire from here
Phone: (08) 7078 0812
Email: Send an email here
Address: Level 14, Governor Stirling Tower, 197 St Georges Terrace, Perth WA 6000
Website: https://perthchiro.com.au/
9. Logan Chiropractic and Wellness, Perth, WA
Logan Chiropractic & Wellness focuses on restoring flow and movement, which may be impeded by factors such as accidents, falls, poor posture, repetitive movement or emotional factors. Services provided include:
- Soft tissue therapy
- Auto injury treatment
- Sports injury treatment
- Work injury treatment
- And more.
Price: Inquire from here
Phone: 0434 334 754
Email: Send an email here
Address: Suit 9/90 King St, Perth, WA 6000
Website: https://www.tashloganchiro.com/
10. AAA City Chiropractic Centre, Perth CBD, WA
AAA City Chiropractic Centre is a long-standing Chiropractic clinic in Perth’s CBD. Led by Dr Pamela Hellemons, the team is available to help restore proper spinal biomechanics and improve nervous system function.
Price: Inquire from here
Phone: (08) 9322 6175
Email: [email protected]
Address: Level 5, 731 Hay Street, Perth WA 6000
Website: https://www.citychiropractic.net.au/
How Homage can help
When you’re experiencing setbacks because of lower back pain, Homage’s care professionals can provide you with a range of support. You can access help for tasks at home such as attending to personal care, completing at-home physio exercises, and assistance with cleaning, meal preparation, or gardening. Our trained nurses can also attend to more complex physical needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you today.
- Health expenditure Australia 2013-14, Summary. (2015, September 24). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/health-welfare-expenditure/health-expenditure-australia-2013-14/summary
- Yeomans, D. S. C. (n.d.). Chiropractic Treatments for Lower Back Pain. Spine-health. Retrieved November 2, 2022, from https://www.spine-health.com/treatment/chiropractic/chiropractic-treatments-lower-back-pain
