Common types of back pain we can help with
Acute Back Pain
Sudden onset back pain is one of the most common acute presentations in chiropractic practice. It's often triggered by a specific event — lifting something heavy, twisting awkwardly, sleeping in a poor position — but it can also appear without an obvious cause. The pain can range from a dull, localised ache to severe, sharp pain that limits movement significantly. Acute back pain often improves within a few weeks, and early care can help you stay active while it settles.
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Back pain that has persisted for more than three months is classified as chronic. It may be a constant ache or intermittent flare-ups that never fully resolve. Chronic lower back pain is often postural or degenerative in origin and requires a comprehensive management approach — addressing the mechanical contributors, the muscular deconditioning that builds up over time, and the activity and lifestyle factors that perpetuate it. Dr Poulton's integrated approach is particularly well-suited to chronic presentations.
Sciatica
Sciatica describes pain that radiates from the lower back or buttock down into the leg — following the path of the sciatic nerve. It can range from a mild ache to an intense, electric or burning pain that makes sitting, standing and walking extremely difficult. The most common causes are disc herniation or bulge, piriformis syndrome and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. Conservative chiropractic care has a strong evidence base for sciatica management. See the sciatica page for more detail.
Disc-Related Back Pain
Intervertebral disc pathology — including bulge, herniation and degenerative disc disease — is a common finding in back pain patients and a significant source of pain when disc material presses on or irritates adjacent nerve structures. Many patients with disc-related back pain worry they'll need surgery. In reality, many people with disc-related pain improve with conservative care and don't need surgery — though this depends on the nature and severity of the disc injury. Dr Poulton will give you an honest assessment of what conservative care can achieve in your specific situation.
Postural Back Pain
The cumulative physical stress of sustained poor posture — hours at a desk, prolonged sitting, looking down at devices — creates a pattern of muscle overload and joint compression that eventually manifests as pain. Postural back pain is increasingly common and often has a cervical component as well. Treatment requires both hands-on care to address the current pain and postural correction strategies to address the underlying cause.
Sports-Related Back Pain
Back pain in athletes can arise from acute trauma, overuse or sport-specific mechanics. Identifying the precise cause is essential for effective management and return-to-sport guidance. Dr Poulton works with recreational and competitive athletes across a wide range of sports, combining chiropractic care with appropriate rehabilitation to get them back in the game safely.
How we approach back pain at Momentum
Back pain is never one-size-fits-all, and neither is its treatment. Dr Poulton begins every new patient encounter with a thorough assessment — a full history, postural and movement analysis, orthopedic and neurological testing — before recommending any treatment. Understanding what is causing the pain is non-negotiable.
Treatment typically combines several elements:
- Spinal adjustments — targeted manipulation to restore normal joint mechanics in the lumbar and thoracic spine
- Soft tissue therapy — myofascial release, trigger point therapy and massage for the surrounding muscles and fascia
- Laser therapy — low-level laser (LLLT) to help reduce local inflammation and support tissue healing where indicated
- Clinical Pilates — prescribed core and stabilisation exercises to rebuild the deep spinal stability that may assist with preventing recurrence
- Ergonomic advice — workstation assessment guidance and activity modification recommendations
- Home exercise programme — tailored exercises to do between appointments to support recovery
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first appointment with Dr Poulton will focus on understanding your problem before addressing it. She will take a detailed history of your current complaint, ask about your general health, past injuries and relevant lifestyle factors, and then perform a thorough physical examination.
Before any treatment begins, she will explain what she has found and what she recommends. If imaging (X-ray, MRI or CT) is clinically indicated, she will refer you for the appropriate investigation. Treatment will not proceed unless you understand and agree with the proposed plan.
Acute back pain often improves within weeks. Long-standing pain usually needs a longer, more consistent plan.
Back pain FAQ
How many sessions will I need?
For acute back pain, meaningful improvement typically occurs within 4–6 sessions. Chronic back pain presentations may require a longer course of care — 8–12 sessions or more — before significant and sustained improvement is achieved. Dr Poulton will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific presentation at your initial assessment.
Is chiropractic care safe for back pain?
Yes. Chiropractic care is one of the safest and most evidence-supported approaches to back pain management. Clinical guidelines in Australia and internationally recommend chiropractic care as a first-line option for both acute and chronic low back pain. Serious adverse events from chiropractic treatment are extremely rare, and Dr Poulton thoroughly assesses every patient to identify any contraindications before treating.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can call or book directly with Momentum Chiropractic without a referral from a GP or any other practitioner. If you have a Medicare EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) care plan from your GP, that is also welcome.
Can you help with disc injuries?
Yes. Many people with disc-related back pain — including bulges, herniations and degenerative disc disease — improve with conservative care. Some who are told they may need surgery find conservative management helps enough to avoid it. Dr Poulton will assess your specific disc pathology and give you an honest evaluation of what conservative care can achieve in your situation.
What insurance covers it?
Medicare EPC (Enhanced Primary Care) care plan patients can access Medicare rebates for chiropractic consultations. Most private health fund extras policies include chiropractic — coverage varies by fund and policy level. TAC (Transport Accident Commission) and WorkCover patients are welcome, and Dr Poulton is registered with both schemes. Check with your specific fund for your exact entitlements.
What if I'm not improving?
If a patient is not responding to care as expected, Dr Poulton will reassess and modify the treatment plan. This might involve requesting imaging if not already done, adjusting the treatment approach, or co-managing the case with a GP or specialist. Referral is always made when indicated — patient outcomes are the priority.