Conditions We Treat
LOW BACK PAIN
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and we treat it more than any other condition at our Sandton practice. It might have crept in after weeks at a desk, flared up lifting something awkward or arrived for no obvious reason at all. However it started, it can quickly take over, making work, exercise and even sleep a struggle.
Most low back pain is mechanical. It comes from the joints, muscles, discs or ligaments of the lumbar spine rather than anything sinister. Prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, a sedentary lifestyle and stress are the most common drivers. When pain radiates into the buttocks or legs, a spinal nerve may be involved, a condition often called sciatica.
Spinal manipulation is one of the most thoroughly researched treatments for low back pain. A 2026 Cochrane review of 76 trials found it produces improvements in pain and function, and the WHO, NICE and over 20 international guidelines recommend it as a treatment option, often alongside exercise and self-management.
We see the full spectrum: first episodes, recurring flare-ups and long-standing pain that hasn't responded to other treatment. Every consultation starts with a thorough assessment to work out exactly which structures are involved and why. From there, we use a combination of spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy and personalised exercise advice. If imaging or a specialist referral is needed, we can arrange that too.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF LOW BACK PAIN
- Pain bending, twisting or putting on shoes
- Stiffness after sitting or lying down too long
- One-sided lower back pain
- Pain in the buttocks or hips
- Reduced range of motion, especially in the morning
- Sharp or shooting pain down one or both legs (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Constantly needing to shift position for comfort
- Recurring episodes over months or years
- Relying on painkillers or anti-inflammatories to cope
We focus on finding and fixing the cause of your pain, not just managing symptoms. Many patients notice improvement within the first few visits, and with the right rehab, we aim to help keep it that way.
We treat patients from across Sandton, Morningside, Bryanston, Rivonia and the greater Johannesburg area.
Book an appointment at our Sandton rooms and take the first step towards moving freely again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Most low back pain is mechanical, meaning it comes from the joints, muscles, discs or ligaments of the lumbar spine. Common causes include prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive movements, lifting injuries, a sedentary lifestyle and stress. In some cases, a disc herniation or degenerative change may be involved.
Yes. Spinal manipulation is one of the most thoroughly researched treatments for low back pain. International guidelines from the WHO, NICE and over 20 other bodies recommend it as a treatment option, often alongside exercise and self-management. Many patients notice improvement within the first few visits.
It depends on the severity and duration of your problem. Acute low back pain often responds within 4 to 6 visits. Chronic or recurring cases may need a longer course of care combined with rehabilitation exercises to prevent recurrence.
Chiropractic care is widely recognised as one of the safest treatments for low back pain. It is drug-free and non-surgical. Serious side effects are extremely rare, and clinical guidelines recommend it as a treatment option with a favourable safety profile.
Chiropractors are primary healthcare providers trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions. For mechanical low back pain, chiropractic care is an appropriate first point of contact. If imaging, blood work or a specialist referral is needed, your chiropractor can arrange that.
References
- de Zoete A, Innocenti T, Petrozzi MJ, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy for adults with chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2026;1:CD008112.
- World Health Organization. WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings. Geneva: WHO; 2023.