Lower back pain is the most common condition affecting adults with nearly four out of five New Zealanders complaining of back pain at some point in their life and is becoming increasingly prevalent due to our sedentary lifestyles. It is characterized by aches or sharp pains which can be brought on by sudden injury or strain, but can also build over time due to poor posture. It is usually felt in the lumbar spine and posterior pelvis, often accompanied by stiffness. In some cases, it may also cause numbness, tingling, or weakness that can travel down the leg to the foot. In some cases, the pain and discomfort may last just a few days, while other times people may experience pain for weeks or months.
If you are in pain or discomfort, it is important to remember that back pain is often a symptom of a deeper underlying issue.
Your back is a complex structure of muscles, vertebrae, ligaments, discs, and nerves working together to provide movement and stability. Muscles control movement and support the spine, while ligaments prevent excessive motion. Discs act as shock absorbers between vertebrae, and nerves pass through openings in the spine, connecting your brain to the rest of your body.
Every movement of your back relies on:
Prolonged stress, repetitive tasks, and injuries can affect these structures, often due to an inactive lifestyle, poor posture, or obesity. Most lower back pain is mechanical, meaning it results from overuse, injury, or structural imbalances rather than disease. Because pathology is rarely the cause, a functional approach that restores movement and balance is typically the most effective solution.
There can be many causes for lower back pain and these are just some of the most common causes for lower back pain:
The specific condition that you have can be determined by asking a series of questions and performing various tests and exams. The conditions below have very brief descriptions and should not be relied upon for a diagnosis:
Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications can temporarily reduce discomfort, but they do not address the root cause of lower back pain. Pain is often just the tip of the iceberg—an indicator of an underlying issue. While reducing inflammation may provide short-term relief, it can also interfere with the body’s natural healing process.
What does the current research say?
Chiropractic care takes a functional approach, focusing on diagnosing and addressing the source of the problem rather than masking symptoms. Chiropractors specialize in spinal conditions and use evidence-based techniques, such as spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), which research has shown to be effective for acute, sub-acute, and chronic lower back pain. A study by the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research found that SMT provides significant short-term pain relief for lower back issues.
Whether back pain lasts a day or a month, it can significantly impact daily life. While massage can provide short-term relief, lasting recovery requires a comprehensive approach. Chiropractic adjustments help address areas of vertebral dysfunction the spine, improve posture, and restore proper movement patterns, reducing the risk of recurring pain.
Up to 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, often without other health complications. While symptoms may resolve on their own in a few days, nearly half of these individuals will experience recurrent pain due to poor posture, an unhealthy lifestyle, or muscular imbalances. Addressing these underlying causes is essential for preventing future pain.
At Waitaki Chiropractic, we don’t believe in quick fixes—we focus on creating a healthier you by addressing the root causes of pain, restoring movement, and helping you maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle.
The same practices that maintain a healthy spine are also key to rehabilitating it after an injury. However, these should always be done under the guidance of a chiropractor, as every case is unique.
Think of stretching like flossing your teeth—just as you work to clean between each tooth, stretching helps you move all the joints in your body that might be missed throughout the day. It’s a way to keep your spine and muscles moving and functioning properly, just as flossing keeps your teeth healthy by getting into those hard-to-reach spots. Regular stretching helps maintain flexibility and mobility, ensuring that your spine stays in good shape and prevents stiffness or discomfort.
If you’re looking for expert guidance on rehabilitating or maintaining your spinal health, we’d love to help! Click below to book an appointment, and let’s get you moving pain-free
Our Chiropractors at Waitaki Chiropractic are registered professionals, holding their practicing certificate from the New Zealand Chiropractic Board to safely conduct care within New Zealand. Max and Maree are ACC accredited and can help with ACC claims and treatment plans for injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.
Maree has also completed an additional course by Backbone Academy in Australia for veterinary chiropractic which is recognised and certified by the IVCA (International Veterinary Chiropractic Association), AVCA and COAC in addition to holding her certification by the FEI (International Federation for Equestrian Sports) as a permitted equine therapist.
