Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor. Whether your back pain is acute (sudden onset), chronic (lasting over 12 weeks), or keeps returning, chiropractic treatment addresses the underlying mechanical cause — not just the symptoms.
Types of Back Pain We Treat
Acute lower back pain
Sudden onset, often after lifting or twisting. Muscles in spasm, sharp pain with movement.
Chronic lower back pain
Persistent ache lasting more than 12 weeks, often from postural issues or underlying joint degeneration.
Lumbar disc problems
Disc bulges or herniations causing local back pain, often with referred pain or sciatica.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Pain in the SI joint at the base of the spine — often misdiagnosed as lower back pain.
Facet joint syndrome
Degeneration or irritation of the small joints between vertebrae. Common in older adults.
Thoracic (mid) back pain
Upper and middle back pain, often linked to desk posture, driving, or rib joint problems.
Pregnancy-related back pain
Ligament laxity and postural changes during pregnancy cause significant back and pelvic pain.
Post-surgical back pain
Persistent pain following spinal surgery — chiropractic can help restore function (with GP liaison).
What Causes Back Pain?
The most common causes of mechanical back pain seen in our Kingston clinic:
- • Prolonged sitting and poor desk posture (the "new smoking" for your spine)
- • Sudden awkward movements — lifting, twisting, sneezing
- • Muscle imbalances from repetitive activities or sport
- • Degenerative disc or joint changes (age-related wear)
- • Spinal misalignment causing abnormal load distribution
- • Weak core and gluteal muscles failing to support the lumbar spine
- • Stress and poor sleep — both increase pain sensitivity
How Chiropractic Treats Back Pain
NICE guidelines (NG59) recommend manual therapy — including chiropractic — as part of a combined package of care for back pain. At Kingston Chiropractic & Wellness Centre, Dr Kelly will:
- 1
Take a thorough case history to understand the onset, duration, and nature of your back pain.
- 2
Perform a neurological and musculoskeletal examination — testing reflexes, sensation, muscle strength, and joint mobility.
- 3
Identify the specific spinal segments, joints, and muscles contributing to your pain.
- 4
Apply targeted chiropractic adjustments to restore normal joint movement and reduce nerve irritation.
- 5
Provide soft tissue therapy (massage, myofascial release) to address associated muscle tension.
- 6
Give you a personalised exercise programme to strengthen supporting structures and prevent recurrence.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Most patients with acute back pain see significant improvement within 4–6 sessions. Chronic conditions may require 8–12 sessions initially, followed by a maintenance plan. Dr Kelly will give you an honest prognosis at your initial consultation.
You should notice some improvement by sessions 3–4. If progress is not as expected, Dr Kelly will discuss whether further investigation or onward referral is appropriate.
⚠️ Seek urgent medical attention if your back pain is accompanied by:
- •Loss of bladder or bowel control (Cauda Equina — call 999 or attend A&E immediately)
- •Pain following significant trauma (fall, road traffic accident)
- •Severe or progressive neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness in both legs)
- •Back pain with unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats
Book your back pain consultation
Initial consultation from £37 — full assessment and treatment where appropriate.