Back Pain Treatment & Chiropractic Care

What Can Cause Back Pain?

Back pain may begin after lifting, twisting, sport or a fall, but often there is no single identifiable cause. Several structures and factors can contribute, and pain alone does not reliably identify which structure is involved.

Problems we commonly assess include:

• Muscle pain, spasm and ligament sprains
• Restricted or painful movement of the spinal joints
• Disc-related back pain
• Sciatica and nerve irritation
• Sacroiliac joint problems
• Facet joint pain

Previous episodes, changes in activity or workload, sleep, stress, physical conditioning and general health can also influence symptoms. Our assessment considers the whole picture rather than assuming every episode has the same cause.

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What Happens at Your Back Pain Assessment?

1. We Listen

We discuss your symptoms, medical history, daily activities and what you would like to return to doing.

2. We Examine

Your chiropractor assesses movement, joints and muscles and, when indicated, checks strength, sensation and reflexes.

3. We Explain

We explain the findings in straightforward language, including any uncertainty about the exact source of pain.

4. We Discuss Your Options

We agree on an appropriate plan, which may involve treatment, rehabilitation, self-management or further investigation. If another healthcare professional is better placed to help, we will advise you.

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How Can Chiropractic Care Help With Back Pain?

Care is tailored to your assessment, preferences and goals. Where appropriate, it may include spinal manipulation or mobilisation, soft-tissue treatment, advice about activity and exercises to improve movement, strength and confidence.

For persistent or recurring pain, rehabilitation and practical self-management strategies are often particularly important. Other treatment options may be considered when clinically appropriate, but not everyone needs every type of treatment.

Our aim is to help you understand your symptoms, improve function and return to the activities that matter to you.

Read more about chiropractic treatment and our exercise and rehabilitation approach.

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Should I Keep Moving If My Back Hurts?

For most uncomplicated back pain, remaining as active as you comfortably can is preferable to prolonged bed rest. You may need to adapt activities temporarily, then build them up gradually as symptoms allow.

We can help you decide which movements and exercises are appropriate for your circumstances.

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Why Does Back Pain Sometimes Keep Coming Back?

A previous episode increases the chance of further back pain, but this does not necessarily mean your back is permanently damaged or weak. Recurrence may be influenced by activity levels, conditioning, work demands, previous injury and other factors.

A practical plan may include gradually rebuilding strength and activity tolerance, managing flare-ups and developing confidence in everyday movement.

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Do I Need an X-Ray or MRI?

Most people with uncomplicated back pain do not need an X-ray or MRI at the outset. Scans can show changes that are also common in people without pain, so results must be interpreted alongside the history and examination.

Imaging may be appropriate when there are warning signs, specific clinical concerns or findings that are likely to change management. We will explain the reasoning if a scan is recommended.

All three Isis Chiropractic Centres have on-site X-ray facilities. When appropriate, we can also arrange or refer for other investigations, including MRI.

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When Should Back Pain Be Assessed Urgently?

Most back pain is not caused by a serious condition, but certain symptoms should not wait for a chiropractic appointment.

Go to A&E immediately if you develop symptoms that could indicate cauda equina syndrome, including:

• New numbness or altered sensation around the genitals, anus or inner thighs (the “saddle” area)
• New difficulty starting urination, inability to pass urine or loss of bladder sensation
• New loss of bladder or bowel control
• New or rapidly worsening weakness or altered sensation in both legs, particularly with any of the symptoms above

Seek urgent medical advice for back pain accompanied by fever or feeling seriously unwell, significant recent trauma, or severe and rapidly worsening symptoms. If you have a history of cancer, unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms, arrange prompt medical assessment.

If you suspect a medical emergency, do not wait for advice from the clinic. In the UK, call 999 if you cannot travel safely or require emergency assistance.

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Back Pain and Sciatica

Back pain and sciatica can occur together, but they are not the same. Sciatica usually refers to leg symptoms associated with irritation of a nerve root, which may cause pain travelling into the buttock or leg, tingling, numbness or weakness.

Find out more about sciatica →

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Disc-Related Back Pain

Changes or injuries affecting a spinal disc can contribute to back pain and, in some cases, nerve-root symptoms. The term “slipped disc” is misleading: the disc does not literally slip out of place.

Many disc-related problems improve without surgery, although the most suitable approach depends on the symptoms, examination and any neurological findings.

Find out more about disc injuries →

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Other Problems That Can Cause Back or Referred Pain

Different conditions can produce overlapping symptoms. You may also find these pages useful:

• Facet Joint Syndrome
• Sacroiliac Joint Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Lumbar Disc Injuries
• All Conditions & Symptoms

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Back Pain Treatment Near You

Isis Chiropractic Centres provides back pain assessment and treatment in Milton Keynes, Northampton and Aylesbury.

Back Pain Treatment in Milton Keynes

Our Milton Keynes clinic has provided local care since 1994 and offers on-site X-ray facilities, a rehabilitation gym and free parking.

Back Pain Treatment in Milton Keynes →

Back Pain Treatment in Northampton

Our Northampton clinic has provided local care since 1989 and offers on-site X-ray facilities, rehabilitation facilities and free parking.

Back Pain Treatment in Northampton →

Back Pain Treatment in Aylesbury

The first Isis Chiropractic Centre opened in Aylesbury in 1986. Our current clinic offers chiropractic assessment and treatment, on-site X-ray facilities and free patient parking.

Back Pain Treatment in Aylesbury →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Back Pain

Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?

Chiropractors assess and manage many musculoskeletal causes of lower back pain. Whether treatment is appropriate depends on your individual assessment.

Do I need to see my GP first?

You can normally book directly with a chiropractor. If your symptoms require medical assessment or investigation, we will explain the next steps.

Will I need an X-ray?

Not routinely. Imaging is considered when there is a clinical reason and the result is likely to influence care.

Should I exercise with back pain?

For most uncomplicated back pain, gentle activity and a gradual return to normal exercise are encouraged. We can help you adapt this to your symptoms.

What happens at my first appointment?

We take a history, carry out an appropriate examination and discuss our findings and your treatment or rehabilitation options.

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