When back pain follows the shape of your day
Some back pain starts with a clear injury. Much of it does not: it creeps up across a day of sitting, standing, bending or repeating the same task, then eases overnight or on weekends. That pattern is useful information, because it points to load and position as part of the problem.
Before your visit, note when the pain starts in the day, which tasks bring it on, and how long it takes to settle. Your chiropractor will ask about all three.
If the pain has changed recently — for example it now wakes you at night, or travels further down the leg — mention that early in the consultation, because it can change what your chiropractor looks for.
What your chiropractor looks for
At the first appointment, about an hour, the examination covers posture, how your spine and hips move, muscle strength and flexibility, and nerve tests in the legs. Your chiropractor may ask you to show the positions you use at work, such as how you lift a box or sit at your workstation.
The aim is to separate what is aggravating the pain from what is causing it, and to rule out signs that need medical care.
Changes that often help — and their limits
Treatment can ease symptoms, but if the day keeps loading your back the same way, symptoms tend to return. Plans often combine hands-on care with changes such as:
- Breaking up long periods in one position, even briefly
- Adjusting the height of a chair, screen or bench
- Lifting technique and keeping loads close to the body
- Short exercises to build strength and tolerance over weeks
Is it a work injury?
If your back pain started from an incident at work, tell your employer and see a GP, who can advise on workers compensation and certificates. Ask the clinic before booking whether they can see you under a workers compensation claim; this page does not confirm that.
Warning signs that need a GP or emergency care
Go to emergency for numbness around the groin or new bladder or bowel changes. See a GP promptly for back pain with fever, weight loss, a history of cancer, or progressive leg weakness.
Questions to bring to your first visit
A few questions help you get the most from your assessment:
- Which parts of my day are most likely aggravating my back?
- Is there anything I should stop doing for now, and for how long?
- Which exercises should I start with, and how often?
- How will we decide whether treatment is helping?
Fitting it in
Seven Hills borders Blacktown to the east. The clinic is open weekdays 8am to 12pm and 3pm to 7pm, and Saturday 8am to 12pm. Regular visits take about 15 minutes, while the first needs about an hour. There is parking and disabled ramp access.
If you are unsure whether your problem suits chiropractic care, call (02) 9622 5652 and ask before booking.
More detail: our back pain guide, and planning a visit from Seven Hills.