Can A Chiropractor Help With Lower Back Pain?

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is general in nature and based on publicly available sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have specific health concerns or conditions, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Lower back pain affects about 80% of Australians at some point in their lives. It’s one of the top reasons people miss work and visit health professionals, and it’s not always easy to pin down the cause. It’s also the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

While painkillers and rest are often the go-to solutions, more people are exploring chiropractic care for a drug-free, hands-on approach. But is there science to support it? Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?Yes, a chiropractor may help with lower back pain, particularly if you're dealing with chronic discomfort and want a non-drug, hands-on treatment approach. A systematic review looked specifically at spinal manipulative therapy for chronic lower back pain and found it was associated with modest improvements in pain and function, comparable to standard medical care.

Similarly, a randomised controlled trial found that chiropractic care led to greater improvement in pain intensity and function compared to usual care in active-duty military personnel with lower back pain. Even Australia’s Clinical Care Standard for Low Back Pain includes spinal manipulation as a recognised, guideline-supported intervention, especially for people hoping to avoid long-term use of medications or invasive procedures.

In this article, we’ll break down the common causes of lower back pain, signs you might benefit from seeing a chiropractor and what treatments chiropractors actually use. We'll also cover the potential benefits and when chiropractic care might not be the right fit.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can come on suddenly or build up over time. Here are some common reasons it shows up:

Poor posture

Slouching while sitting or standing places extra pressure on the muscles and ligaments that support your lower spine. An improper sitting posture can lead to muscle spasms and excessive strain on these soft tissues, increasing the risk of lower back pain. Over time, this added strain can lead to discomfort, stiffness or even chronic lower back pain.

Research suggests a consistent link between poor posture and low back pain, especially in office workers. A review found that 7 out of 10 studies on sitting posture reported a relationship between poor posture and the prevalence of low back pain. This reinforces the importance of maintaining good posture, which means keeping the back upright, shoulders relaxed and feet flat, to support spinal health and reduce the risk of pain during prolonged sitting.

Muscle strain or injury

Lower back pain is often caused by strained or injured muscles, which can result from overstretching, lifting heavy objects improperly, sudden twisting movements or repetitive overuse. When muscles or ligaments in the lower back are pushed beyond their limits, small tears can occur, leading to inflammation, stiffness and pain. This type of strain is common in both physically demanding jobs and during activities like sports, gardening or even housework.For a deeper understanding of how lumbar strains and sprains cause pain and why they happen, you can read more about it here.

Bulging or herniated disc

When a disc slips or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves, causing sharp pain, numbness, or tingling. A study of 342 patients found that lumbar disc herniation is a common cause of low back pain, affecting about 31.9% of those with pain. Men were more likely to have disc herniation than women, possibly because they experience more mechanical stress and injury. The condition was most often seen in people of active working age, which shows how common lumbar disc problems are during these years.

Spinal misalignment

When your spine is even slightly out of its natural alignment, it can place uneven pressure on your joints and irritate nearby nerves. Over time, this may lead to persistent discomfort or even chronic low back pain.

A study looked at 1,491 individuals and found that low back pain was more common in people with greater misalignment of the spine, specifically in the sagittal (side-view) plane. As spinal misalignment increased, so did the prevalence of low back pain, rising from 35.7% in those with minimal misalignment to 59.4% in those with more pronounced changes. The study also found that poor alignment was linked to reduced physical performance, which reinforces the idea that even small shifts in posture can impact comfort and mobility.

Lifting heavy objects the wrong way

Using poor technique when lifting can place too much pressure on your spine, leading to muscle strain or even serious injury. This risk increases when lifting heavy objects without bending the knees or keeping the back straight.

A research on low back pain among adolescents and young adults who were involved in weightlifting found that lifting with incorrect form, such as using too much weight, bending the back, or leaning too far forward, significantly increased the pressure on the lower spine. These poor techniques often led to bad posture and back flexion, which in turn raised the risk of injury. The study highlights how important proper form and manageable weights are for protecting the spine and avoiding back pain.

Signs You Should See a Chiropractor to Deal With Lower Back Pain

Chiropractors can help with a variety of issues, but here’s when it might be time to consider one:

Pain lasts more than a few days

If your pain isn’t improving with rest or basic self-care, it might be time for professional input.

Trouble standing, sitting or walking

Difficulty moving could suggest something deeper, like joint dysfunction or nerve irritation.

Pain keeps coming back

Recurring pain may mean an underlying problem hasn’t been properly addressed.

Looking for a non-drug solution

A review found that spinal manipulation therapy was associated with modest improvements in lower back pain and function, without the use of drugs.

How Does a Chiropractor Deal With Lower Back Pain?

Chiropractors assess your spine, joints, muscles and movement patterns. They may ask about your symptoms, review your posture, test your range of motion and use diagnostic imaging if needed.From there, they create a care plan tailored to your condition. Chiropractic care aims to restore mobility, reduce inflammation and improve the alignment and function of the musculoskeletal system.

What Techniques Do Chiropractors Use for Lower Back Pain Relief?

Chiropractors use a range of techniques to help relieve lower back pain, improve movement and support healing. Here's a breakdown of the most common approaches.

Spinal Adjustments

Also known as spinal manipulation, this involves applying controlled force to joints to restore alignment and mobility. It can help reduce pain and improve function, especially for subacute and chronic lower back pain.

Multiple studies indicate that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is at least as effective as other recommended therapies, such as standard medical care and physical therapy, for managing chronic low back pain. For example, a narrative review concludes that SMT conveys therapeutic benefits comparable to standard and recommended approaches for low back pain, with similar outcomes for pain intensity and disability.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy includes soft tissue work like massage or trigger point therapy to release muscle tension and improve circulation. A review of many studies found that mobilisation and manual therapy (which includes massage and soft tissue techniques) are effective for reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain. While the focus was often on joint manipulation, mobilisation and soft tissue interventions were included in many multimodal approaches and showed benefits in pain reduction and functional improvement

Stretching and Strength Exercises

Chiropractors often prescribe specific movements and exercises designed to strengthen the core and improve flexibility as part of a comprehensive approach to managing and preventing lower back pain. These exercises are tailored to each individual’s needs, focusing on activating the deep stabilising muscles of the abdomen and back, which are essential for spinal stability and injury prevention.

The clinical practice guideline from the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy recommends tailored exercise interventions for both acute and chronic low back pain, noting that core strengthening and flexibility exercises are key components for managing pain and preventing flare-ups. Chiropractors often prescribe these evidence-based movements to support spinal health and reduce the risk of recurrent symptoms.

Ice and Heat Therapy

These treatments are commonly used to manage swelling and pain, particularly during the early stages of injury or throughout recovery. For example, heat wrap therapy has been shown in several high-quality studies to significantly reduce pain after a few days compared to placebo. On the other hand, although cold packs are often used to reduce inflammation and ease pain, there are not enough strong studies to confirm how effective they truly are for sudden lower back pain.

Posture Correction

Adjusting your work setup or daily movement habits can ease pressure on your spine and help your body stay balanced. Research supports this idea. A study involving people with long-term low back pain found that when pain improved, so did the way people moved or sat. Many participants showed less stiffness, moved with more ease and had better posture, especially during activities like bending, lifting, sitting and standing. These changes were often linked to reduced pain and better daily function. The study also showed that each person’s pain and posture patterns were different, which highlights the importance of personalised advice when correcting posture.

Lifestyle and Movement Advice

Chiropractors often provide practical guidance to help prevent further strain and support recovery. This may include teaching safe lifting techniques, recommending ways to modify daily physical activities to reduce pressure on the spine, and encouraging regular, gentle movement to keep the back flexible. In fact, a study by the University of Sydney found that adding lifestyle support to chronic back pain treatment can lower disability levels and enhance quality of life.

Benefits of Visiting a Chiropractor to Treat Lower Back Pain

Seeing a chiropractor isn’t just about short-term pain relief. It can also support long-term improvements in how your body moves and feels.

• Natural pain relief: Many patients appreciate an approach that doesn’t rely on pharmaceuticals or invasive procedures.
• Improved spine and joint movement: Correcting joint dysfunction can lead to better flexibility and range of motion.
• Better posture and alignment: Proper alignment reduces strain on the back and can ease pain over time.
• Less reliance on pain medicine: A study found that patients who saw chiropractors were less likely to fill opioid prescriptions compared to those who didn’t.
• Helps prevent future injuries: Strengthening exercises, posture education and regular adjustments can reduce the risk of repeat episodes.

When to Avoid Visiting a Chiropractor for Lower Back Pain

Chiropractic care isn’t suitable for all cases. You should avoid or delay treatment if:

• You have serious spine injuries: Trauma from accidents or falls may require medical imaging and orthopaedic care.
• There are fractures or tumours: Conditions like osteoporosis-related fractures or spinal tumours need specialist care.
• You have infections in the spine: Infections such as osteomyelitis must be treated medically before considering manual therapy.
• Pain is linked to severe nerve damage: Signs like incontinence or leg weakness need immediate attention from a neurologist or hospital.
• If surgery is urgently needed: Structural problems like cauda equina syndrome or major herniations may require surgical intervention.

Summing Up

Chiropractors can be a valuable part of your lower back pain toolkit, especially if your pain stems from joint issues, muscle tension or postural problems. They use hands-on techniques and supportive care to help manage pain naturally, improve movement and lower your risk of future injuries.

But like any treatment, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Always talk to your GP first, especially if your symptoms are severe, persistent or unexplained.

Ready to take the pressure off your lower back without relying on medication? Book an appointment with a trusted chiropractor through Goto Health and start feeling better, naturally.