Conditions we treat

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons Australians seek care. Whether it came on suddenly or has been building for years, we can help you understand why — and fix it.

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Understanding Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects around 80% of Australians at some point in their lives. It ranges from a dull, persistent ache to sharp, debilitating pain that limits every movement. The lumbar spine bears the majority of the body's load and is subject to significant stress from prolonged sitting, poor posture, repetitive movement, and injury. At Sera Spine & Rehab, we take a thorough, root-cause approach — identifying the specific structures involved before recommending any treatment.

Root causes

What causes lower back pain?

Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains

Sudden movements, heavy lifting, or awkward postures can overstretch the muscles and ligaments of the lower back, causing acute pain and spasm.

Disc Bulge or Herniation

The intervertebral discs can bulge or herniate under load, pressing on nearby nerves and causing localised or radiating pain down the leg (sciatica).

Facet Joint Dysfunction

The small joints at the back of each vertebra can become restricted or inflamed, producing localised stiffness and pain that worsens with extension or rotation.

Sacroiliac Joint Irritation

The SI joint connects the spine to the pelvis. Dysfunction here causes pain in the lower back, buttock, and sometimes the upper leg.

Poor Posture & Prolonged Sitting

Sustained lumbar flexion from desk work weakens the deep stabilisers and overloads the passive structures of the spine over time.

Degenerative Changes

Osteoarthritis and disc degeneration become more common with age, causing chronic stiffness and intermittent pain that flares with activity.

Signs & symptoms

How does it present?

Dull, aching pain in the lower back, buttocks, or upper legs
Sharp pain with specific movements such as bending, twisting, or standing up
Morning stiffness that eases with movement
Muscle spasm or tightness across the lower back
Pain that radiates into the leg or foot (may indicate nerve involvement)
Difficulty standing upright or maintaining posture for extended periods
Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing

Our approach

How Sera Spine & Rehab treats lower back pain

Chiropractic

Targeted spinal adjustments restore movement to restricted lumbar and sacroiliac joints, reduce nerve irritation, and relieve muscle spasm. Many patients notice significant improvement within the first few sessions.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy addresses the movement and strength deficits that contribute to lower back pain. Manual therapy, dry needling, and a personalised exercise program rebuild stability and prevent recurrence.

Myotherapy

Deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy release the tight muscles and fascial restrictions that accompany lower back pain, reducing spasm and improving mobility.

Exercise Rehabilitation

For chronic or recurrent lower back pain, targeted exercise rehabilitation builds the core and gluteal strength needed to protect the spine long-term.

Your first visit

What to expect at your appointment

1
A thorough history covering the onset, nature, and behaviour of your pain, plus any relevant lifestyle and occupational factors.
2
Orthopaedic and neurological testing to identify the specific structures involved and rule out any red flags.
3
A clear explanation of your diagnosis — we want you to understand what is happening and why.
4
Your first hands-on treatment in the same appointment. Most patients leave feeling noticeably better.
5
A personalised plan with realistic timeframes, home exercises, and guidance on what to do (and avoid) between sessions.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Should I rest or keep moving with lower back pain?

For most lower back pain, gentle movement is better than bed rest. Complete rest can actually slow recovery by weakening the supporting muscles. Your practitioner will advise on appropriate activity levels for your specific situation.

How many sessions will I need?

Acute lower back pain often responds within 3–6 sessions. Chronic or complex presentations may require a longer course of care. We will give you a clear treatment plan at your first appointment.

Can chiropractic help a disc bulge?

Yes — chiropractic is one of the most evidence-supported treatments for disc-related lower back pain. Specific adjustments reduce the load on the affected disc and relieve nerve irritation without surgery.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed to see a chiropractor or myotherapist. If you are claiming through Medicare's Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan, your GP will need to provide a referral for physiotherapy.