Back Pain Treatment in Melbourne CBD with Experienced Chiropractors

Targeted chiropractic care for upper and lower back pain in the heart of the Melbourne CBD. We find the root cause first, then build a tailored treatment plan for short-term relief and long-term results.

Chiropractic Care for Back Pain in Melbourne CBD

Back pain can make everyday activities uncomfortable, from sitting through a workday to getting a good night's sleep. Whether it's a sudden sharp pain or an ache that keeps coming back, we understand how frustrating it can be.

At Adaptive Chiropractic CBD on Little Collins Street, our experienced chiropractors assess upper and lower back pain and discuss suitable treatment options, which may include spinal adjustments, exercises and practical advice. Your first appointment includes a thorough clinical examination and two on-site INSiGHT scans, with no GP referral required.

45-minute initial assessment

2 non-invasive INSiGHT scans

HICAPS on the spot

Same-day, Early, Late & Weekend Appointments

How Can Chiropractors Help with Back Pain?

Chiropractors assess and manage conditions affecting the spine, joints and muscles, including certain types of back pain. We take the time to understand your symptoms and examine how your back moves before discussing care options.

Depending on your assessment, your care may include:

Spinal Adjustment

Spinal adjustments apply a controlled force to specific joints in the spine. Your chiropractor may use gentle or traditional techniques, with the aim of improving joint movement.

Exercise Recommendations

Your chiropractor may recommend stretches, strengthening exercises or gentle movements to suit your needs. These can help you stay active and manage symptoms between appointments.

Ergonomic and Posture Advice

Soft Tissue Therapy

Where appropriate, our myotherapist may work alongside your chiropractor to help manage muscle tension and discomfort through techniques such as massage and trigger point therapy.

Patient Education

We'll explain your assessment findings and the factors that may be contributing to your back pain, and offer practical guidance on managing symptoms and when to seek medical advice.

Referral and Co-management

Some back pain needs medical investigation or care from another health professional. If chiropractic treatment isn't suitable, we'll discuss next steps and refer you to your GP or another provider.

Not all back pain is suitable for chiropractic care. Your chiropractor will explain your options after your assessment.

Lower and Upper Back Pain We Assess

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain may feel like a dull ache, stiffness or a sharp pain when bending, lifting or standing up after sitting. It can develop suddenly after an awkward movement or gradually over time.

Upper and Mid Back Pain

Upper and mid back pain is often felt between the shoulder blades or around the thoracic spine. It may occur alongside muscle tension, stiffness or discomfort when turning, reaching or sitting for long periods.

Sudden and Long-Standing Back Pain

Back pain can develop suddenly after lifting, exercising or an awkward movement, or build gradually over time. Pain lasting longer than three months is generally described as chronic back pain.

Our chiropractors assess recent, recurring and long-standing back pain. We'll discuss your symptoms, when they started and what makes them better or worse to help determine suitable care options.

What Can Cause Back Pain?

Back pain can have several contributing factors, and sometimes no single cause can be identified. Your symptoms, medical history and physical examination help determine whether further investigation is needed.

Chiropractor assessing a patient's back posture and movement during a chiropractic consultation

Bulging or herniated discs can sometimes irritate nearby nerves, causing back pain or pain that travels down the leg (sciatica). Age-related disc changes are common and don’t always cause symptoms.

Heavy lifting, repetitive tasks or sudden awkward movements can strain the muscles and ligaments supporting your spine, causing pain and stiffness.

Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces within the spine narrow, potentially putting pressure on nerves. Symptoms may include back pain, leg pain, tingling or numbness, particularly when standing or walking.

Osteoarthritis can affect the small joints of the spine, sometimes causing pain and stiffness. However, arthritic changes don’t always cause symptoms.

Staying in one position for extended periods or moving too little may contribute to back discomfort. Regular movement and changing positions can help manage symptoms.

Falls, accidents and other injuries can cause back pain. Previous injuries may also be relevant, although they aren’t necessarily the cause of current symptoms.

When Should You Seek Medical Attention for Back Pain?

While most back pain isn't caused by a serious medical condition, certain symptoms may require medical attention rather than chiropractic treatment.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you experience back pain with any of the following symptoms:

Loss of bladder or bowel control, or new difficulty passing urine

Numbness around your groin, genitals or buttocks

Sudden or significant weakness, numbness or loss of movement in your legs

Severe pain following a significant accident or injury

Sudden, severe pain that prevents you from walking or moving

Call triple zero (000) if urgent ambulance assistance is needed.

Seek prompt medical assessment if your back pain is accompanied by:

A fever of 38°C or higher, or feeling generally unwell

Unexplained weight loss

Pain that is getting progressively worse

A history of cancer or increased risk of infection

You should also see your GP if your back pain isn't improving, affects your sleep or interferes with everyday activities.

At Adaptive Chiropractic CBD, our chiropractors review your symptoms and medical history to identify warning signs that may require further investigation. If your symptoms suggest chiropractic care isn't appropriate, we'll recommend medical assessment or refer you to your GP or another healthcare professional.

What Happens at Your First Appointment?

Allow around 45 minutes for your initial consultation.

1

Talk it through. Your chiropractor asks about your back pain, medical history and how it's affecting work and daily life.

2

Clinical examination. Your chiropractor assesses your movement and performs orthopaedic or neurological tests where appropriate.

3

4

Discussing next steps. Your chiropractor explains your assessment findings, answers your questions and discusses whether chiropractic care may be appropriate or further medical assessment is needed.

5

First treatment, if appropriate. If chiropractic care suits your needs and you're happy to proceed, treatment may begin during this visit.

6

Follow-up appointments (10 to 20 minutes). Shorter visits if you continue with a treatment plan.

Chiropractor explaining INSiGHT scan results to a patient at Adaptive Chiropractic CBD

Why Choose Adaptive Chiropractic CBD for Back Pain Treatment?

Our Melbourne CBD clinic combines a thorough assessment with care planned around your individual needs.

Thorough First Assessment

Experienced Team

Three chiropractors and a myotherapist with more than 25 years' combined chiropractic experience.

Gentle and Traditional Techniques

Our chiropractors use both gentle and traditional adjustment techniques, chosen to suit your comfort and assessment findings.

Clear Explanations

We explain your assessment and any recommended plan, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Easy CBD Access

On Little Collins Street, about a minute's walk from the Collins St/Elizabeth St tram stop, with early starts Monday to Wednesday.

Simple Booking and Claiming

No GP referral needed, and HICAPS is available for on-the-spot claims with eligible extras cover.

Meet The Team Behind Your Back Pain Treatment & Care

Get to know the experienced chiropractors at Adaptive Chiropractic CBD. Our team takes a personalised approach to back pain care, assessing your symptoms, understanding how they affect your daily life and recommending treatment options based on your individual needs.

Our chiropractors are registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia through Ahpra.

Meet the team

Visiting Our Melbourne CBD Clinic

You'll find us at Suite 201, Level 2, 365 Little Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000, between Elizabeth and Queen Streets. We're a short walk from most CBD offices, and we also see patients from Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood and North Melbourne.

Tram

Collins St/Elizabeth St stop, about a 1-minute walk

Train

Town Hall about 5 minutes on foot, Flinders Street about 6, Melbourne Central about 8

Building

Enter at 365 Little Collins Street and take the lift to Level 2

CBD clinic hours: Mon to Wed 7:30 am to 6 pm | Thu 11 am to 6 pm | Fri 11 am to 2 pm | Sat and Sun closed

Fees and Health Fund Claiming

HICAPS is available so you can claim on the spot with eligible private health extras cover. Your rebate depends on your insurer and level of cover, and you don't need a GP referral to book.

Appointment

Fee

Item number

Initial consultation

$140

1001

Regular appointment

$77

1005

Extended appointment or rescan

$107

–

Back Pain FAQs

Chiropractors can assess lower back pain associated with muscles, joints and movement. At Adaptive Chiropractic CBD in Melbourne, your chiropractor will review your symptoms, examine your back and discuss whether chiropractic care, exercises or referral to another health professional may be appropriate.

Our chiropractors see patients with both upper and lower back pain, whether it has come on suddenly or been around for some time. Your treatment options will depend on your assessment findings.

A GP referral isn’t required to see a chiropractor. You can book directly online or by calling 03 9445 8975.

An initial chiropractic consultation costs $140, and regular appointments are $77. HICAPS is available for on-the-spot claims if your private health insurance includes eligible chiropractic extras cover. Rebates depend on your policy.

Allow around 45 minutes. Your chiropractor will discuss your back pain and medical history, then perform a physical examination. Your visit also includes two on-site INSiGHT scans, after which your chiropractor explains the findings and next steps.

A chiropractor can assess many types of musculoskeletal back pain. However, new bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the groin or significant leg weakness need immediate emergency care. If chiropractic care isn’t appropriate, we’ll recommend medical review or referral.

The number of appointments depends on your symptoms, assessment findings and response to care. Your chiropractor will discuss a recommended treatment plan and appointment frequency with you, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Same-day appointments may be available. Check our online booking calendar or call 03 9445 8975 to enquire.

Book Your Back Pain Appointment Today

Book online in a couple of minutes or call 03 9445 8975. Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation with the clinic address and level.

Hours: Mon to Wed 7:30 am to 6 pm | Thu 11 am to 6 pm | Fri 11 am to 2 pm | Sat and Sun closed