1. I've Never Experienced Pain This Severe. Is My Back Seriously Damaged?

Not necessarily. Severe pain does not always mean that your back is seriously damaged. Low back pain can feel intense and sometimes frightening, particularly when it starts suddenly or affects your ability to move. However, the intensity of pain does not always reflect the amount of tissue damage.

6. Do I Need Medication, Injections Or Surgery?

It depends on your condition and how long you have had symptoms. Most low back pain is initially managed with education, staying active and appropriate non-surgical care.

60308a_331b27bfca8341e080939aeec903edf2~mv2.png

Low Back Pain Treatment in Hursville

Q: 2. Do I Need An X-ray or MRI?

In most cases, routine imaging is not required. Findings such as disc degeneration and disc bulges become increasingly common with age and are frequently found in people without low back pain. This does not mean that imaging findings are never relevant. Some findings may contribute to symptoms in certain people, but a scan alone cannot tell us whether a finding is the main cause of your pain. More importantly, a normal scan does not mean that your pain is not real. Conventional X-rays and MRI mainly show structural changes and cannot capture every biological process that may contribute to pain. A Scan Is One Piece Of The Puzzle — Not The Whole Story.Age-specific prevalence estimates of degenerative spine imaging findings in patients asymptomatic for low back painSource: ACSQHC (2022); Brinjikji et al., (2015)

Q: 3. Is Chiropractic Care For Low Back Pain Safe?

For most people, chiropractic care for low back pain is considered safe when appropriately assessed and tailored to the individual. Spinal manipulation may occasionally cause temporary soreness, stiffness or a short-term increase in pain. Serious adverse events were not reported in the trials included in recent reviews (de Zote., et al, 2026) although the certainty of evidence around adverse events remains limited. This is why assessment comes first . At Motion Wellness, before recommending treatment, we consider your symptoms, medical history, neurological findings and any factors that may indicate that chiropractic care is not appropriate.

Q: 4. Can Chiropractic Adjustments Help With Low Back Pain?

Yes. Spinal manipulation—often referred to as a chiropractic adjustment—may help reduce pain and improve function in some people with low back pain. Spinal manipulation is one of several non-pharmacological treatment options included in major clinical guidelines, alongside approaches such as education, exercise and multidisciplinary care. Recommendations vary depending on whether low back pain is acute or chronic and how treatment is delivered. At Motion Wellness, we use a multimodal approach tailored to your condition, needs and goals—combining adjustments with exercise, education and self-management strategies where appropriate.Non-pharmacological treatments in major low back pain guidelinesSource: Cashin et al. (2026)

Q: 5. Should I rest or keep moving?

For most people, staying active is better than prolonged rest. Although some movements such as bending, lifting or exercise may temporarily feel uncomfortable during a flare-up, an increase in pain does not necessarily mean that further damage is occurring. Pain is a protective response, and how much pain you feel does not always reflect how much damage is present. You may need to temporarily modify uncomfortable activities before gradually building them back up. Walking is a simple way to keep moving. Research suggests that walking can help reduce pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain.

Where Do You Feel Low Back Pain?

Low back pain can be felt in different areas. Where you feel pain can provide useful clues, but pain patterns can overlap and location alone does not always identify the exact source of your symptoms.

60308a_e5ab5eea83f240d3ace0a29fd9aa19b4~mv2.png

1. Pain In The Lower Back

Pain may be felt in the centre or on one or both sides of the lower back.

This may be associated with:

Non-specific low back pain
Muscles, joints or ligaments around the lower back

Commonly aggravated by:

Sustained posture (sitting or standing for longer periods)
Certain lower-back movements, like bending
Lifting
Repeated movements

2. Pain Into The Buttock or Thigh

Pain may spread from the lower back into the buttock, groin or thigh. This does not necessarily mean that a nerve is compressed.

This may be associated with:

Referred pain from lower back
Sacroiliac joint complex-related pain
Hip-related conditions
Other surrounding musculoskeletal structures

Commonly aggravated by:

Sitting or rising from a chair
Prolonged standing
Walking, running, or lifting
Certain lower-back and hip movements

60308a_41b82155e23f4ae7a747a9eb477b786f~mv2.png

60308a_ad564fa74dac442fbcf75db787ce9f9b~mv2.png

3. Pain Travelling Down The Leg

Pain may travel from the lower back or buttock down the leg and can sometimes reach the calf or foot with burning, electric or shooting pain, numbness, tingling, changes in sensation, or weakness. These symptoms do not automatically mean that a nerve is seriously damaged, but they can provide important information about whether a nerve may be involved.

This may be associated with:

Radicular pain
Lumbar radiculopathy
Referred pain from lower back
Other conditions affecting the leg

Commonly aggravated by:

Certain back movements or positions
Prolonged sitting or standing
Walking
Coughing or sneezing

Understanding Low Back Pain

1. Low Back Pain In Australia

2. Classification Of Low Back Pain

60308a_ae8029c36b794d38b8c49bd9aa4ce6fe~mv2.png

Non-Specific Low Back Pain (90–95%)

It means that no single structure or specific disease can be reliably identified as the sole cause of your symptoms. Your pain is real, but it is not always explained by tissue damage alone. Low back pain can be influenced by many interacting factors—including muscles and joints, physical activity, sleep, stress, general health, lifestyle and social factors.

60308a_c584b804810f4830a8fc0d64316019ec~mv2.png

Low Back Pain With
Nerve-related Symptoms
(5-10%)

Some people experience low back pain with symptoms that travel into the leg. These may include shooting or burning pain, numbness, tingling, changes in sensation or weakness. When nerve involvement is suspected, a neurological examination can help assess sensation, muscle strength and reflexes to better understand whether a nerve may be involved.

60308a_f3eb7d51d7e0437e8aaa8939251510d8~mv2.png

Serious Spinal Conditions (<1%)

A very small proportion of people presenting with low back pain have symptoms related to a serious spinal condition, such as fracture, infection, cancer or cauda equina syndrome. A thorough assessment helps identify signs or symptoms that may require further investigation, imaging or medical referral.

Common Questions About Low Back Pain

In most cases, routine imaging is not required. Findings such as disc degeneration and disc bulges become increasingly common with age and are frequently found in people without low back pain. This does not mean that imaging findings are never relevant. Some findings may contribute to symptoms in certain people, but a scan alone cannot tell us whether a finding is the main cause of your pain. More importantly, a normal scan does not mean that your pain is not real. Conventional X-rays and MRI mainly show structural changes and cannot capture every biological process that may contribute to pain. A Scan Is One Piece Of The Puzzle — Not The Whole Story.Age-specific prevalence estimates of degenerative spine imaging findings in patients asymptomatic for low back painSource: ACSQHC (2022); Brinjikji et al., (2015)

For most people, chiropractic care for low back pain is considered safe when appropriately assessed and tailored to the individual. Spinal manipulation may occasionally cause temporary soreness, stiffness or a short-term increase in pain. Serious adverse events were not reported in the trials included in recent reviews (de Zote., et al, 2026) although the certainty of evidence around adverse events remains limited. This is why assessment comes first . At Motion Wellness, before recommending treatment, we consider your symptoms, medical history, neurological findings and any factors that may indicate that chiropractic care is not appropriate.

Yes. Spinal manipulation—often referred to as a chiropractic adjustment—may help reduce pain and improve function in some people with low back pain. Spinal manipulation is one of several non-pharmacological treatment options included in major clinical guidelines, alongside approaches such as education, exercise and multidisciplinary care. Recommendations vary depending on whether low back pain is acute or chronic and how treatment is delivered. At Motion Wellness, we use a multimodal approach tailored to your condition, needs and goals—combining adjustments with exercise, education and self-management strategies where appropriate.Non-pharmacological treatments in major low back pain guidelinesSource: Cashin et al. (2026)

For most people, staying active is better than prolonged rest. Although some movements such as bending, lifting or exercise may temporarily feel uncomfortable during a flare-up, an increase in pain does not necessarily mean that further damage is occurring. Pain is a protective response, and how much pain you feel does not always reflect how much damage is present. You may need to temporarily modify uncomfortable activities before gradually building them back up. Walking is a simple way to keep moving. Research suggests that walking can help reduce pain and disability in people with chronic low back pain.

Medication

Acute Low Back Pain

NSAIDs may be considered as a 1st-line option for short-term symptom relief.

Chronic Low Back Pain

Non-pharmacological care prioritised, rather than use of NSAIDs

60308a_1f455c46a4bf40e8ac48c786b7a7fc6c~mv2.png

Injection

Acute Severe Sciatica

Epidural corticosteroid injections may be considered in selected cases.

Chronic Non-Specific Low

No meaningful benefit over sham procedures.

60308a_bcf0d0fcfc9d4ad983355d77d1db8935~mv2.png

Surgery

Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Surgery is generally not recommended.

Specific Conditions

considered for significant neurological involvement or no improvement is persistent radicular symptoms

60308a_113e8cb440bd49aeb579322cf3ff6020~mv2.png

Non-pharmacological treatments in major low back pain guidelines

When Should I Seek Medical Attention?

Most low back pain is not caused by a serious medical condition. However, certain symptoms or combinations of symptoms may require prompt or urgent medical assessment.

🚨 Call 000

New difficulty passing urine or loss of bladder or bowel control
New numbness or altered sensation around the genitals, buttocks or inner thighs — sometimes described as the “saddle” area
New or rapidly worsening weakness affecting one or both legs
Severe back pain following significant trauma, particularly if you are unable to move safely

🩺 See Your GP or Seek Prompt Medical Assessment

Fever, chills or other signs of infection
A history of cancer with new or unexplained back pain
Unexplained weight loss or feeling generally unwell
Known osteoporosis or long-term corticosteroid use, particularly following a new injury
New or worsening numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg
Symptoms that are progressively worsening or changing unexpectedly
Persistent symptoms that are not improving as expected

Having one of these features does not necessarily mean that you have a serious condition. Red flags are not diagnostic on their own. Your symptoms, medical history, how your condition is changing and examination findings need to be considered together.

How We Help With Your Low Back Pain

At Evergreen Spine & Wellness, we focus on helping you understand why your knee pain developed and what can be done to improve it.

1. Thorough Assessment

Every person experiences back pain differently. Rather than simply looking for something "out of place," our assessment aims to understand what may be contributing to your symptoms and determine the most appropriate management plan for you.

Detailed history

Neurological assessment

Movement assessment

Strength assessment

Special Test

X-ray if indicated

2. Understanding Your Condition & Making Sense Your Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain Is Rarely Influenced by One Factor Alone. We help you understand the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and recovery.

Thoughts & Emotions

Stress or anxiety
Fear of movement
Concern about pain or imaging findings
Previous pain experiences
Confidence in your recovery

Physical & Biological Factors

Muscles, joints, discs and nerves
Recent injury or physical overload
Movement and physical capacity
Previous episodes of back pain

Nervous System Sensitivity

Nerve-related symptoms
Increased sensitivity to movement or touch
Widespread or disproportionate pain

Lifestyle & Daily Activities

Sustained postures
Repetitive activities
Poor sleep & diet
Low physical activity

General health

Overall health and wellbeing
Other medical conditions

3. Personalised Management

Our treatment is tailored to your individual needs and goals. Depending on your condition, care may include hands-on treatment, exercise, education and lifestyle guidance to help you move with greater confidence and return to the activities that matter most to you.

60308a_9b83f22925ee40dc80d2e0bdb6763c5e~mv2.png

Hands-on care

Manual therapy may be used when appropriate to help improve comfort, reduce pain sensitivity, and support movement.

Chiropractic adjustment
Joint mobilisation
Manual stretching
Soft tissue therapy

Why choose Motion Wellness Chiropractic copy.png

Exercise Rehabilitation

Individualised exercises designed to improve movement, physical capacity, and confidence.

Stretching exercise
Strengthening exercise
Nerve gliding exercise
Functional training

Why choose Motion Wellness Chiropractic copy 3.png

Lifestyle Guidance

Neck pain can be coming from various factors, including stress, sleep, activity, and work

Stress management
Sleep intervention
Activity modification
Workstation advice

Why choose Motion Wellness Chiropractic copy 2.png

Pain Science Education

Helping you better understand:

Your pain & symptoms
Contributing factors
Self-management
Recovery strategies

Reference

Ammendolia, C. (2025) ‘Ten myths of back pain in older adults that can lead to ineffective and harmful care’, Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 33, 45. doi:10.1186/s12998-025-00609-9.

Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (2022) Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard. Sydney: ACSQHC.

Ballay, C., Mansfield, C.J., Cook, C.E., Erickson, M., McCormick, Z.L. and Remis, A. (2026) ‘Spine-related leg pain: Definitions, etiology, clinical presentation, and management’, Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 85, 103623. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2026.103623.

Brinjikji, W., Luetmer, P.H., Comstock, B., Bresnahan, B.W., Chen, L.E., Deyo, R.A., Halabi, S., Turner, J.A., Avins, A.L., James, K., Wald, J.T., Kallmes, D.F. and Jarvik, J.G. (2015) ‘Systematic literature review of imaging features of spinal degeneration in asymptomatic populations’, American Journal of Neuroradiology, 36(4), pp. 811–816. doi:10.3174/ajnr.A4173.

Buchbinder, R., Underwood, M., Hartvigsen, J. and Maher, C.G. (2020) ‘The Lancet Series call to action to reduce low value care for low back pain: An update’, Pain, 161(Suppl. 1), pp. S57–S64. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001869.

Cashin, A.G., Chou, R., Weimer, M.B. and McAuley, J.H. (2026) ‘Low Back Pain: A Review’, JAMA. doi:10.1001/jama.2026.9631.

de Zoete, A., Innocenti, T., Petrozzi, M.J., van Middelkoop, M., Assendelft, W.J.J., de Boer, M.R., van Tulder, M.W. and Rubinstein, S.M. (2026) ‘Spinal manipulative therapy for adults with chronic low back pain’, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2026(1), CD008112. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD008112.pub3

Finucane, L.M., Downie, A., Mercer, C., Greenhalgh, S.M., Boissonnault, W.G., Pool-Goudzwaard, A.L., Beneciuk, J.M., Leech, R.L. and Selfe, J. (2020) ‘International framework for red flags for potential serious spinal pathologies’, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 50(7), pp. 350–372. doi:10.2519/jospt.2020.9971.

Foster, N.E., Anema, J.R., Cherkin, D., Chou, R., Cohen, S.P., Gross, D.P., Ferreira, P.H., Fritz, J.M., Koes, B.W., Peul, W., Turner, J.A. and Maher, C.G. (2018) ‘Prevention and treatment of low back pain: Evidence, challenges, and promising directions’, The Lancet, 391(10137), pp. 2368–2383. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30489-6.

George, S.Z., Fritz, J.M., Silfies, S.P., Schneider, M.J., Beneciuk, J.M., Lentz, T.A., Gilliam, J.R., Hendren, S. and Norman, K.S. (2021) ‘Interventions for the management of acute and chronic low back pain: Revision 2021’, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 51(11), pp. CPG1–CPG60. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.0304.

Haddadj, R., Nordstoga, A.L., Nilsen, T.I.L., Skarpsno, E.S., Kongsvold, A., Flaaten, M., Schipperijn, J., Bach, K. and Mork, P.J. (2025) ‘Volume and intensity of walking and risk of chronic low back pain’, JAMA Network Open, 8(6), e2515592. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.15592.

Hartvigsen, J., Hancock, M.J., Kongsted, A., Louw, Q., Ferreira, M.L., Genevay, S., Hoy, D., Karppinen, J., Pransky, G., Sieper, J., Smeets, R.J. and Underwood, M. (2018) ‘What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention’, The Lancet, 391(10137), pp. 2356–2367. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30480-X.

Jenkins, H.J., Corrêa, L., Brown, B.T., Ferreira, G.E., Nim, C., Aspinall, S.L., Wareham, D., Choi, J., Maher, C.G. and Hancock, M.J. (2025) ‘Long-term effectiveness of non-surgical interventions for chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis’, The Lancet Rheumatology. doi:10.1016/S2665-9913(25)00064-5

Maher, C., Underwood, M. and Buchbinder, R. (2017) ‘Non-specific low back pain’, The Lancet, 389(10070), pp. 736–747. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30970-9.

McCormick, Z.L., Hurley, R.W., Anitescu, M., Bhaskar, A., Bhatia, A., Cassidy, R.C., Chen, A.S., Dawson, T.C., De Andres Ares, J., de Campos, J.L., Hayek, S.M., Hernandez-Porras, B.C., Kissoon, N.R., Kohan, L.R., Elgueta Le Beuffe, M.F., Moon, J.Y., Provenzano, D.A., Reece, D.E., Schuster, N.M., Smith, C.C., Stout, A., Szadek, K., Thomas, D-A., Tontisirin, N., Vagg, M.F., Van Zundert, J., Woodbury, A. and Cohen, S.P. (2025) ‘Consensus practice guidelines on sacroiliac joint complex pain from a multispecialty, international working group’, Pain Medicine, 26(12), pp. 817–917. doi:10.1093/pm/pnaf129.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2020) Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: Assessment and management (NG59). London: NICE. Originally published 2016, updated 2020.

O’Sullivan, P.B., Caneiro, J.P., O’Sullivan, K., Lin, I., Bunzli, S., Wernli, K. and O’Keeffe, M. (2020) ‘Back to basics: 10 facts every person should know about back pain’, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 54(12), pp. 698–699. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-101611.

Pinto, R.Z., Kongsted, A., Silva, S., Hayden, J.A., Downie, A. and Saragiotto, B.T. (2026) ‘Recent highlights in low back pain research, Part I: Diagnosis and prognosis’, Journal of Physiotherapy, 72, pp. 23–32.

Saragiotto, B.T., Abdel Shaheed, C., Overton, M., Hayden, J.A., Hartvigsen, J. and Pinto, R.Z. (2026) ‘Recent highlights in low back pain research, Part II: Prevention and management’, Journal of Physiotherapy, 72, pp. 106–115.

Tousignant-Laflamme, Y., Martel, M.O., Joshi, A.B. and Cook, C.E. (2017) ‘Rehabilitation management of low back pain – it’s time to pull it all together!’, Journal of Pain Research, 10, pp. 2373–2385. doi:10.2147/JPR.S146485.

Weisman, A. and Masharawi, Y. (2026) ‘When imaging is normal, but biology is not: Aligning diagnostics of pain states with nociceptive biology’, The Journal of Pain, 106399. doi:10.1016/j.jpain.2026.106399

World Health Organization (2023) WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings. Geneva: World Health Organization.

60308a_0cf4c7ffd8c54c77b6b608dee952f869~mv2.avif

Looking for a more personalised approach to pain care?

If you're experiencing pain, stiffness, movement limitations, or recurring symptoms, we're here to help you

BOOK NOW

Low Back Pain Treatment in Hursville