What to expect

We will initially conduct a subjective examination which involved lots of questions regarding your pain. These include:

  • The area of your back pain
  • The areas that your pain refers to
  • Whether you have any pins and needles or numbness
  • What aggravates and relieves your pain
  • How your pain changes through the day
  • What activities you can’t do because of your back
  • The history of this and other episodes of low back pain
  • What investigations you might have had already
  • What previous treatment you might have tried

On the physical examination

We will look at and assess:

  • Posture
  • Active back movement
  • Palpation of your back
  • Straight leg raise
  • Muscle strength
  • Sensation assessment

Treatment may involve a combination of:

  • Information and advice
  • Postural correction
  • Manual therapy
  • Exercise therapy
  • Tape
  • Ergonomic advice
  • Further referral to other practitioners if required
  • Acupuncture if required

You will be given a home program of exercises to continue on your own.