Does this sound familiar?

Mid and lower back pain can show up in different ways. You might notice:

A dull, constant ache across your lower back
Sharp pain when you bend, lift or twist
Stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting
Pain or tightness between your shoulder blades
Back pain that makes it hard to sleep comfortably
Muscles that feel tight, knotted or in spasm

Pain, tingling or numbness travelling into your buttock or leg can point to an irritated nerve, such as sciatica. We'll check for this during your assessment.

What causes back pain?

Most back pain comes from muscles, joints and ligaments under strain, rather than serious damage. Common reasons include:

Long hours sitting

Sitting for long periods loads the lower back and tightens the hips.

Lifting and bending

Lifting awkwardly or twisting under load can strain muscles and joints.

Desk and phone posture

Slouching at a screen strains the mid back and the muscles between your shoulder blades.

Stiff joints

Joints in the spine and pelvis that don't move freely make the surrounding muscles overwork.

Sport and training

Repetitive or heavy movements can strain the back, especially without a warm-up.

Stress and poor sleep

Stress and a tired body often show up as back tension and stiffness.

How we treat it

Every treatment starts with listening to your full story and assessing how your spine, pelvis and hips move. Your treatment is then tailored to you and may combine:

Chiropractic adjustments

Gentle adjustments to free up stiff joints in your spine and pelvis. The pop is optional.

Mobilisations

Slower, gentle movements to restore movement in your back, ideal if you prefer not to be adjusted.

Dry needling

Releases knotted muscles and trigger points in the back and hips.

Kinesio taping

Supports your lower back and tired muscles between sessions.

Massage gun therapy

Percussive therapy to release tight back and hip muscles.

Advice for home

Stretches, core exercises and sitting and lifting tips to help you stay better.

What to expect at your first visit

Your story
A full case history: when your back pain started, what makes it better or worse, and what you'd like to get back to.
Assessment
A postural assessment and orthopaedic and neurological tests to find the cause of your pain.
Treatment and a plan
Treatment where appropriate, plus a clear plan and advice for home. Your initial consultation is 45 to 60 minutes and costs R850; follow-ups are R690.

"Dr Melissa is fantastic! I could barely walk when I got there due to pain and tension in my back. She stretched me out so well. She also made some recommendations that have greatly improved my back and sleep. Definitely going back to her."

Angeline P.Google review

Back pain questions

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on what's causing your pain, how long you've had it and your goals. We'll talk you through a plan at your first visit and adjust it as you improve.

Should I rest or keep moving?

For most back pain, gentle movement helps more than bed rest. We'll show you which movements are safe for you and which to avoid while your back settles.

I'm nervous about being adjusted. Is there another option?

Yes. Adjustments are only one option. Mobilisations, dry needling, taping and soft tissue work can all be used instead, and nothing is done without your consent.

Can I claim from my medical aid?

You can claim for your sessions from your medical aid. You pay at your session and we email you an invoice to submit to your scheme. Our fees are below standard medical aid rates.

Mid & lower back pain chiropractic treatment