Prestons · NSW · Open 7 days
Lower Back Pain Treatment in Prestons
Lower back pain is the single most common reason people come to our Prestons clinic. Whether it came on suddenly after lifting, crept in from long hours at a desk, or has been nagging for years, our team finds the root cause and builds a plan to get you moving comfortably again.
What causes lower back pain?
Most lower back pain is "mechanical" — it comes from the muscles, joints, discs and nerves of the spine rather than anything sinister. Common drivers include muscle strain and spasm, stiff or irritated spinal joints, disc-related pain, and nerve irritation such as sciatica.
Lifestyle plays a big role too: prolonged sitting, poor lifting technique, weak core and gluteal muscles, sudden increases in activity, and stress can all tip a healthy back into pain. The good news is that the vast majority of back pain settles well with the right hands-on treatment and a tailored exercise plan — and rarely needs surgery or scans.
How we treat lower back pain in Prestons
We start with a thorough assessment to understand exactly what’s driving your pain, then combine the right tools for your situation: hands-on physiotherapy and joint mobilisation, chiropractic adjustment where appropriate, remedial massage to release tight muscles, and dry needling for stubborn trigger points.
Hands-on treatment gives you relief, but lasting results come from the plan around it — graded exercise to rebuild strength and mobility, practical advice on posture, lifting and your work setup, and a clear path back to the activities you enjoy. Having physio, chiropractic and massage under one roof means we can match the approach to your body rather than forcing one method to fit.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment is about understanding your story and your goals. We’ll ask about how the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your work and daily life, then assess your movement, strength and the specific structures involved.
From there you’ll get a clear explanation of what’s going on, hands-on treatment on the day, and a simple plan for what to do next. No referral is needed to start, and most health funds let you claim on the spot via HICAPS.
When should you get help?
Book in if your back pain is limiting your work, sleep or activity, keeps coming back, or isn’t settling after a few days. Early treatment generally means a faster, fuller recovery and helps stop an acute episode becoming a long-term problem.
Some symptoms warrant prompt care — pain with numbness, pins and needles or weakness down the leg, or pain following a significant fall or accident. If you’re unsure, call us and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest or keep moving with lower back pain?
For most back pain, gentle movement beats bed rest. Staying active within comfortable limits helps you recover faster, while prolonged rest can stiffen the area and slow things down. We’ll show you which movements help and which to ease off for now.
Do I need a scan or a GP referral first?
Usually not. Most lower back pain is diagnosed from a hands-on assessment, and scans often aren’t needed for typical cases. You don’t need a referral to see our physiotherapists or chiropractors — you can book directly.
How long does lower back pain take to recover?
Many acute episodes ease significantly within a couple of weeks with the right treatment and exercises, though more stubborn or long-standing pain can take longer. After assessing you we’ll give you a realistic timeframe for your situation.
Should I see a physio or a chiropractor for back pain?
Both can help, and the best choice depends on your presentation. Because we offer physiotherapy, chiropractic and remedial massage together, we’ll recommend the approach (or combination) that suits you rather than pushing one method.