Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people across Hove and Brighton book in to see a chiropractor — and if it is affecting you right now, you are far from alone. It is the single leading cause of disability worldwide, and most of us will experience at least one episode during our lives. The encouraging news is that the vast majority of lower back pain is mechanical in nature, tends to improve, and responds well to staying active and the right hands-on care. At Chiropractic First in Hove, established in 2006, we have spent nearly two decades helping local people understand their back pain and move comfortably again. This guide explains what causes lower back pain, what you can do about it, how chiropractic care may help, and — importantly — the warning signs that mean you should seek urgent medical attention.
Just how common is lower back pain?
If your back has “gone”, you are in very large company. Research consistently estimates that around eight in ten adults will experience lower back pain at some point, and at any given moment a significant proportion of the population is living with it. It is the leading global cause of years lived with disability, which is one reason it receives so much attention from researchers and clinicians. Reassuringly, the overwhelming majority of cases are what clinicians call “non-specific” or “mechanical” lower back pain. That means the pain is coming from the structures of the spine and surrounding tissues — the joints, muscles, ligaments and discs — rather than from a sinister underlying disease. “Non-specific” does not mean unimportant; it simply means there is no single dangerous cause to find, and that is generally good news.
What causes lower back pain?
Your lower back, or lumbar spine, is a remarkable structure that supports much of your body weight while allowing you to bend, twist and lift. Given that workload, it is little wonder things occasionally flare up.
Common contributors include:
- Muscle and ligament strain — an awkward lift, a sudden twist, or simply overdoing it in the garden or the gym.
- Joint dysfunction — the small facet joints of the spine becoming stiff, irritated or restricted in their movement.
- Disc-related pain — the cushioning discs between the vertebrae can become irritated or, less commonly, bulge and press on a nearby nerve.
- Posture and prolonged sitting — long hours at a desk or behind the wheel can load the lower back and stiffen the surrounding muscles.
- Deconditioning — a weaker core and a largely inactive lifestyle leave the back less resilient to everyday demands.
Acute, subacute or chronic: why the timeline matters
Clinicians often describe back pain by how long it has been present. Acute lower back pain has lasted less than six weeks and frequently settles on its own. Subacute pain has persisted for six to twelve weeks. Chronic lower back pain has continued for more than twelve weeks. Knowing where you sit on this timeline helps shape the most sensible approach. Acute episodes usually respond well to staying active and short-term hands-on care, whereas longer-standing pain often benefits from a more structured plan that combines treatment with exercise and a gradual return to normal activity.
How chiropractic care may help your lower back
Chiropractors are trained, regulated healthcare professionals who specialise in the assessment, diagnosis and management of problems affecting the muscles, joints and nerves — particularly the spine. In the UK, “chiropractor” is a protected title, and every chiropractor must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on low back pain recommends considering manual therapy — such as spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft-tissue techniques — but as part of a wider package that also includes exercise and advice to stay active. That is exactly the approach we take at Chiropractic First. Depending on your individual assessment, care may include gentle joint manipulation and mobilisation to improve movement, soft-tissue work to ease muscular tension, and tailored exercise and lifestyle advice to help you rebuild strength and confidence. The aim is not simply to settle your current episode, but to help you understand your back and reduce the likelihood of it troubling you again.
What to expect at your first appointment
Your first visit is mostly about understanding you. Dr Lewis Kingsnorth will take a thorough history, asking about your symptoms, your general health and how the pain is affecting your daily life. This is followed by a physical examination — looking at how you move, testing the relevant joints, muscles and nerves, and screening for anything that needs onward referral. If chiropractic care is appropriate for you, we will explain our findings in plain English, talk through a proposed plan and, with your consent, often begin treatment the same day. If we believe your problem would be better managed elsewhere, we will tell you honestly and help point you in the right direction.
Simple ways to look after your lower back
Alongside any hands-on care, there is plenty you can do for yourself:
- Keep moving. Prolonged bed rest tends to make back pain worse, not better. Gentle movement and regular walking are usually helpful.
- Mind your lifting. Bend at the hips and knees, keep the load close to your body, and avoid twisting as you lift.
- Break up sitting. Stand, stretch and change position regularly if you work at a desk or drive for long stretches.
- Stay active and build your core. Activity you enjoy — walking, swimming, Pilates — helps keep the back strong and resilient.
- Look after sleep and stress. Both influence how we experience pain, and improving them often supports recovery
When lower back pain needs urgent medical attention
Most lower back pain is not dangerous, but a small number of symptoms are red flags that need prompt medical assessment. Seek emergency care (call 999 or go to A&E) if you experience:
- Numbness or tingling around your back passage, buttocks or genitals (the “saddle” area)
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty passing urine
- Severe or progressive weakness or numbness in one or both legs
These can be signs of a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome, which requires immediate treatment.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 without delay if your back pain is accompanied by a fever or feeling generally unwell, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, significant recent trauma such as a fall or car accident, or pain that is constant, severe and noticeably worse at night. Chiropractic First will also screen for these warning signs as part of your assessment, and will refer you on if anything needs further investigation.
Lower back pain treatment in Hove
Chiropractic First is an established chiropractic clinic in the heart of Hove, conveniently located at 82 Goldstone Villas, BN3 3RU — just a short walk from Hove railway station and easily reached from across Brighton, Portslade and the surrounding area. Founded in 2006 by principal chiropractor Dr Lewis Kingsnorth, the clinic offers evidence-informed, patient-centred care for lower back pain and a wide range of other musculoskeletal complaints.
We open early and late to fit around work and family life, and booking is quick and easy through our online system. We also welcome patients with Vitality and AXA health insurance. If lower back pain is stopping you doing the things you enjoy, we would be glad to help you take the first step.
Ready to get moving again? Call Chiropractic First on 01273 324466 or book your appointment online today. Let’s get to the bottom of your lower back pain together.
Frequently asked questions
Can a chiropractor help with lower back pain?
How many chiropractic sessions will I need for lower back pain?
Is chiropractic care safe for lower back pain?
Should I see a chiropractor or my GP for back pain?
What is the difference between acute and chronic lower back pain?
How can I stop my lower back pain coming back?
This article is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for an individual consultation with a suitably qualified healthcare professional. If you are concerned about your health, please seek advice from an appropriate clinician. Chiropractic care in the UK is regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC). Chiropractic First, 82 Goldstone Villas, Hove, BN3 3RU · 01273 324466.