When to See a Chiropractor for Lower Back Pain in Guildford.

When to See a Chiropractor for Lower Back Pain in Guildford.

By Alex Symington, chiropractor at The Guildford Spine Centre

If your lower back pain keeps coming back or is getting in the way of everyday life, it’s reasonable to book an assessment. You might notice it after sitting at work, when you bend to pick something up, or when you try to get back to exercise. Those details help me understand how the pain is affecting you and what in your life you’d like to get back to.

When is it worth getting lower back pain assessed?

If the pain is hanging around, keeps returning, or is making everyday tasks harder, an assessment can help you understand your symptoms and talk through your options. Even a mild ache can be worth discussing if it impacts what you are able to do. NHS advice on back pain and self-care

What happens at your first chiropractic appointment?

Our clinic is at the top of Guildford High Street. When you arrive, our receptionist will welcome you before you meet your chiropractor. Meet the team at The Guildford Spine Centre

1. We talk through your symptoms and goals. I’ll ask when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and about your medical history. I’ll also ask what you want to get back to, whether that’s walking the dog, working comfortably or playing sport.
   
2. We carry out a physical examination. I’ll look at how you move and choose tests based on your symptoms. These may include checks of muscle strength, sensation or reflexes.
   
3. We discuss the next steps. I’ll explain what the examination findings are and whether we can help. If suitable and you’re happy to proceed, I may offer some initial treatment. We then arrange a follow-up, called a report of findings, to go through the results and discuss your treatment plan options, goals and how often we will review your progress.
   

If your symptoms suggest you need further medical assessment, I’ll explain why and can write to your GP with the relevant findings where appropriate.

When should you get urgent medical help for back pain?

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain with new trouble passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around your genitals or back passage, or pain, tingling, weakness or numbness affecting both legs. The same applies if the pain began after a serious accident or comes with chest pain. NHS emergency advice for back pain

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if the pain comes on suddenly and is severe, is worsening quickly, or you feel feverish, shivery or generally unwell. NHS urgent advice for back pain

Book a lower back pain assessment in Guildford

If lower back pain keeps interrupting your day, we can assess your symptoms and talk through the next steps with you. Book an initial appointment at The Guildford Spine Centre