Lower Back Pain Chiropractor Geelong
When Your Back Just Won't Let Up
Lower back pain is one of those things that sneaks up on you, isn't it?
One day you're fine. The next, you can't bend down to tie your shoes without wincing.
Or maybe it's been nagging you for months, getting worse bit by bit until you finally decide enough is enough.
If you're dealing with lower back pain in Geelong, you're not alone.
It's the most common reason people walk through the door at Latrobe Terrace Chiropractic. And honestly?
That's because most back pain is treatable when you figure out what's actually causing it.
I'm Dr. Nic, and I've been helping Geelong locals with back pain since 2009.
No scare tactics. No long-term contracts. Just straightforward chiropractic care that actually works.
What's Actually Causing Your Lower Back Pain?
Here's the thing about lower back pain: it's rarely just one thing.
Your lower back (lumbar spine) is a complex system of bones, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. When something goes wrong with any of those parts, you feel it. And often, multiple things are contributing to your pain.
The most common causes I see in Geelong patients:
Muscle strain or spasm. You lifted something heavy, moved awkwardly, or your muscles just got overworked. This is the "I threw my back out" scenario. Usually feels tight and achy, worse with movement.
Disc bulge or herniation. The cushions between your vertebrae get compressed or damaged and bulge outward. Can cause sharp pain, especially when bending forward or sitting. Sometimes radiates into your leg.
Facet joint dysfunction. The small joints in your spine get stuck or irritated. Feels stiff, worse in the morning or after sitting, and you might struggle to straighten up fully.
Sacroiliac (SI) joint problems. Where your pelvis meets your spine gets misaligned or inflamed. Pain is usually one-sided, in your lower back or buttock. Common in pregnant women and people who sit a lot.
Degenerative disc disease. Wear and tear on your discs as you age. Feels achy and stiff, worse after activity or at the end of the day.
Postural issues. Years of sitting poorly, standing incorrectly, or repetitive movements catch up with you. The pain builds gradually over time.
The first visit at our Geelong clinic is about figuring out which of these (or combination) is causing your specific back pain. Because treating a muscle strain is different from treating a disc issue.
How Do You Know If You Need to See a Chiropractor?
Most people wait too long before getting help.
They think back pain will just go away on its own.
Sometimes it does. But often, it doesn't.
You should book in if you're experiencing:
• Constant aching or stiffness in your lower back that's lasted more than a few days
• Sharp pain when you bend, lift, twist, or stand up
• Pain that's worse in the morning or gets worse as the day goes on
• Lower back pain that's affecting your sleep, work, or daily activities
• Pain that radiates into your buttocks or legs
• You've tried rest, heat, ice, or over-the-counter pain meds and they're not helping
Here's what's NOT normal and needs immediate attention:
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Numbness in your groin or inner thighs
• Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest
• Back pain after a significant fall or injury
If you're experiencing any of those red flags, call us at 5224 1838 or see your GP straight away.
How I Treat Lower Back Pain at Our Geelong Clinic
No two backs are the same, so I don't use a cookie-cutter approach.
Here's what happens when you come in:
First Visit: Assessment & Treatment
We'll talk about your pain. When did it start? What makes it worse? What activities are you struggling with?
Then I'll do a thorough physical exam:
• Orthopedic tests to identify the source of your pain (disc, joint, muscle, etc.)
• Neurological assessment to check nerve function
• Movement and flexibility testing to see how your spine is functioning
• Posture analysis because how you stand, sit, and move matters
If we can help, we'll start treatment that day. If I think you need X-rays, an MRI, or a referral to another specialist, I'll be upfront about it.
Treatment Approach
For most lower back pain cases, my treatment includes:
• Chiropractic adjustments. Specific spinal adjustments to restore proper movement and alignment. This reduces pain, improves function, and helps your body heal naturally.
• Soft tissue therapy. Hands-on work to release tight muscles, reduce spasms, and improve blood flow to the affected area. I'm not just adjusting bones; I'm treating the whole system.
• Rehabilitation exercises. Targeted stretches and strengthening exercises you can do at home. Your core stability and flexibility play a huge role in back pain recovery.
• Ergonomic advice. Simple changes to how you sit at work, sleep, lift things, or stand can make a massive difference. I'll show you what's helping vs. hurting your back.
• Lifestyle modifications. Sometimes it's about managing workload, improving your fitness, or addressing habits that are keeping your back pain around.
What About Recovery Time?
The honest answer: it depends on what's causing your back pain and how long you've had it.
Acute back pain (you hurt it last week): Usually responds quickly. Most people feel significantly better within 1-2 weeks.
Chronic back pain (you've had it for months or years): Takes longer. We're not just treating the pain; we're addressing the underlying dysfunction. Expect 4-8 weeks to see major improvement.
I'll give you a realistic timeline after your first assessment. If we're not seeing progress, we'll adjust the approach or refer you elsewhere.
Why Geelong Locals Choose Latrobe Terrace Chiropractic
Look, there are plenty of chiropractors in Geelong. Here's why people stick with us:
No pressure selling. I'm not going to scare you into signing up for 30 visits upfront. We'll create a realistic plan, and adjust as needed based on how you're responding.
Same-day treatment. You're not waiting around. If I can help, we'll start treatment on your first visit.
You see the owner every time. I'm the only chiropractor here. You're not getting passed around to different practitioners each visit.
Family-owned practice. Been at 293 Latrobe Terrace since 2009. We're not a corporate chain focused on maximizing visits.
Honest about what works. If chiropractic isn't the right fit for your back pain, I'll tell you and point you in the right direction.
Book Your First Appointment - $65 Special
FAQs About Lower Back Pain Treatment in Geelong
Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?
Yes, in most cases. Chiropractic care is highly effective for mechanical lower back pain (caused by joints, muscles, discs, or posture). Research consistently shows chiropractic is one of the best non-drug, non-surgical options for back pain.
How much does lower back pain treatment cost in Geelong?
First visit is $65 (special offer). Follow-up visits are $65 also. Most private health funds cover chiropractic through HICAPS, so you can claim on the spot and only pay the gap.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
Nope. You can book directly with us online at chirogeelong.au or call 5224 1838. However, if you're using a Medicare chronic disease management plan, you'll need a GP referral for that.
Will you crack my back?
Only if it's appropriate for your specific condition. I use a variety of techniques, including traditional adjustments (which can make a cracking sound) and low-force methods. We'll discuss what's right for you before starting.
How many visits will I need?
It varies based on your condition. Acute back pain might only need 3-5 visits. Chronic or more complex issues might need 8-12 visits over a few months. I'll give you an estimate after your first assessment and adjust as we go.
What if chiropractic doesn't help my back pain?
If we're not seeing progress after a few weeks, I'll refer you for imaging or to another specialist. I'm not interested in treating you indefinitely if it's not working. Your results matter.
Is chiropractic safe for lower back pain?
Yes, when done by a registered chiropractor. I'm AHPRA registered and trained to identify when chiropractic is appropriate and when it's not. Serious complications are extremely rare.
Book Your Lower Back Pain Assessment Today
Located at 293 Latrobe Terrace in Geelong (free parking at rear of building).
Open Monday to Saturday
Phone: (03) 5224 1838
Online booking: chirogeelong.au - First visit just $65.
Let's figure out what's causing your back pain and get you moving comfortably again.
Servicing Geelong and Surrounding Areas
We help patients with lower back pain from all over the Geelong region, including:
- Geelong CBD
- Newtown
- East Geelong
- West Geelong
- South Geelong
- Geelong West
- Belmont
- Highton
- Breakwater
- Thomson
Convenient location on Latrobe Terrace with parking available.
Latrobe Terrace Chiropractic Health Centre
Dr. Nicholas Robb - Chiropractor
293 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong VIC 3220
Phone: (03) 5224 1838
AHPRA Registered | 4.9★ Rating
Same-day appointments available. No hard sells. No long-term contracts. Just honest chiropractic care for Geelong locals.