Back pain: osteopathic care in Brisbane

This page is for people whose low back or mid-back has become stiff, sore or limited after lifting, sitting, a training session, or with no clear start.
Dr Choi assesses the musculoskeletal contributors to that presentation. He does not diagnose medical causes of back pain from a website.

Symptoms people often describe

a dull ache across the belt line
stiffness first thing or after sitting
discomfort on bending or getting out of a chair
tightness into the buttock
a sense that one side of the back locks
None of those phrases is a diagnosis.

Common contributing factors

Sudden load (a lift, a twist, a long drive), a jump in training, weak recovery sleep, and long hours in one posture all show up in this book. Previous sprains matter. So does avoiding movement for too long after a flare.

How an osteopath assesses this

You will be asked about onset, night pain, bladder and bowel change, leg weakness or numbness, fever and recent trauma. Movement, joint range and relevant soft tissue are examined. Neurological tests are used when indicated.

What treatment may involve

Hands-on work to restricted joints and related muscle, plus a short plan for the next few days: what to keep moving, what to temporarily reduce, and one or two exercises if they are useful. Dry needling may be discussed if tight muscle bands are part of the picture.
Outcomes vary. One session is not a reset button.

What you can do between visits

Keep ordinary walking if it is tolerated. Change position often if you sit for work. Avoid heroic stretching into sharp pain. Follow only the home exercises from your appointment.

When to see a GP or go to emergency

Seek urgent medical care or call 000 if you have back or neck pain with new bladder or bowel change, numbness in the saddle area, rapidly worsening weakness, unexplained fever, or pain after a significant fall or accident. This clinic does not provide emergency care.

Also see a GP if pain is getting worse over weeks, you have a cancer history, unexplained weight loss, or you are not sure this is musculoskeletal.

Osteopathy is a musculoskeletal healthcare profession. Dr Choi assesses and treats the muscles, joints and related tissues that may be contributing to your symptoms. He does not treat non-musculoskeletal disease, and he will refer you to your GP when that is the safer path.

Appointment fees are listed on the fees page. Private health extras may rebate part of the fee depending on your fund and extras level. Bring your card if HICAPS is available at the clinic. Private consultation fees are pending confirmation. Call 0435 645 190 for current fees.

Call 0435 645 190 or send a time request on the contact page. You will get a reply to confirm the appointment. Allow 60 minutes for an initial visit.

Internal links: First visit · Sports injury · Neck pain
FAQ
Do I need a scan first? Not always. Imaging is useful when history or examination points that way. Your GP is the usual path for that decision.
Should I rest in bed? Prolonged bed rest is rarely the plan for ordinary musculoskeletal back pain. Your appointment will be more specific.
Can osteopathy help disc problems? This clinic may assist with the musculoskeletal part of a back presentation. Disc language belongs to imaging and medical review, not to a website claim.