Why lower back pain is so common
Lower back pain makes ordinary things hard: getting out of bed in the morning, sitting through a long drive, lifting the kids, playing the sport you love, or making it through a workday without shifting in your chair. Whether your pain is recent or long-standing, it’s something Dr Marcello sees and treats every day.
Most lower back pain is mechanical, muscle strain from lifting or overexertion, joint dysfunction, disc irritation, or postural strain from prolonged sitting or standing. On the Peninsula we see a lot of this in tradies on their feet all day, people doing long commutes, and parents carrying young children. Sometimes the pain actually refers from another structure, such as the hip or sacroiliac joint, and spreads into the buttock or down the leg.
That’s why a proper assessment matters. The care for a disc problem is different from the care for a stiff joint or a tight muscle, so Dr Marcello works out what’s actually driving your pain before any treatment begins.
What lower back pain can feel like
- A dull, persistent ache in the lower back
- Sharp or stabbing pain with certain movements
- Stiffness after sitting or when getting out of bed
- Pain that spreads into the buttock or down one leg
- Pain that worsens with bending or lifting
- Difficulty standing up straight
How chiropractic care can help
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment starts with a conversation. Dr Marcello will ask about your pain, how it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it’s affecting your daily life, along with your general health, any previous injuries, and your work and lifestyle.
From there he’ll examine your spine and the surrounding structures, explain what he finds in plain language, and talk through what he thinks is going on before any treatment begins. If it’s appropriate to start the same day, he will. New patients are welcome from $78 (normally $140), with easy parking right at the door.
Every care plan is tailored to you. By addressing areas of spinal and nervous system stress, chiropractic care aims to support your body’s natural ability to function, move and feel its best. If you have any questions, we’re always happy to talk through whether care is right for you.
Common questions.
Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?
Yes, in most cases. Chiropractic is one of the most commonly used approaches for lower back pain, particularly mechanical causes like joint dysfunction, muscle strain and disc irritation. After a proper assessment, Dr Marcello can tell you whether it’s a good fit for what you have and what to expect.
How many sessions before I notice a difference?
Most people with straightforward lower back pain notice some improvement within two to four visits. Longer-standing or more complex problems may take longer. After your first appointment Dr Marcello will give you a realistic idea of how many sessions he expects you to need, and why, before you commit to anything.
Is chiropractic care safe for lower back pain?
Yes. It’s a low-risk approach when properly assessed and applied. Some people feel mild soreness afterward, similar to how you might feel after exercise. Dr Marcello always explains the approach first and adapts his technique to suit each patient.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No referral is needed, you can book directly. If you have a GP care plan that includes chiropractic, bring it to your first appointment and we can help you work out what applies.
Can chiropractic help with a bulging disc?
It can, depending on the severity and the structures involved. Many people with bulging discs respond well, particularly to Flexion-Distraction, which gently decompresses the disc without any forceful adjustment. A proper assessment tells us whether it’s appropriate or whether imaging and a specialist referral is the better first step.
When should I be worried about lower back pain?
Most lower back pain isn’t serious, but some symptoms need prompt attention. Seek care quickly if you have numbness or tingling running down your leg, any loss of bladder or bowel control, or pain that started after a fall or accident. Call us and we’ll advise on the right next step.