New patient offer · ends 31 December 2026
$99 first chiropractic consultation with Dr Phil (normally $134)
Save $35 on your initial consultation at Bodyline Health, 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty. Quote code CHIRO35. New patients only. No referral needed, HICAPS on the spot, free parking.
Back pain? Get it checked at Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty
We see patients from Eltham and across the Diamond Valley. No referral needed, free parking, onsite X-ray when clinically indicated and HICAPS claiming on the spot.
Written by Dr Phillip Mifsud, Chiropractor & Exercise Physiologist and founder of Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty. Based on Dr Phil’s own video and more than 25 years of clinical experience.
Watch the video
Back Pain and Muscle Spasms
Why your back can “go” when you simply bend over, and how to prevent it. Dr Phil explains in under two minutes.
What are the common causes of lower back pain?
Mechanical back pain and a twisted pelvis
A very common pattern Dr Phil sees is the pelvis twisting slightly on one side, creating a functional short leg and tight, imbalanced muscles in the lower back and glutes. See Mechanical lower back pain explained.
A sudden spasm after bending over
When the back “goes” as you pick something up, it is rarely that one movement. It is usually fatigue and low-grade inflammation built up over the previous few days of unfamiliar work, like a big weekend in the garden, moving house or painting. See Sudden back spasm after bending over?
Disc irritation and sciatica
If the pain travels into the buttock or down the leg, a disc may be irritating a nerve. See Bulging or herniated disc.
Sport and weekend activity
Running, golf, tennis and football all load the lower back, especially after a break. See Low back pain after sport.
Wear and tear
In older adults, osteoarthritis can cause stiffness that is worse in the morning and eases with movement. See Osteoarthritis: move it or lose it.
What helps in the first few days?
- Keep moving: gentle movement usually helps more than bed rest. Work to discomfort, not pain
- Ice: on the sore area to help settle inflammation early on
- Pace yourself: break gardening and jobs around the house into shorter blocks with rests in between
- Break up sitting: get up every 30 to 45 minutes
- Pain relief: ask your GP or pharmacist what is suitable for you
If it is not clearly improving within a week or two, keeps coming back, or spreads into your leg, it is worth having it assessed.
What to look for in a chiropractic clinic near Eltham
If you are comparing clinics, these are sensible things to check wherever you go:
- Registration: the practitioner should be registered with the Chiropractic Board of Australia. You can check the public register on the AHPRA website
- A proper first visit: a detailed history and physical examination, including nerve tests where relevant, before any treatment
- A clear explanation: what is likely causing your pain, in plain language, and what the plan is
- Imaging only when needed: X-rays should be used when clinically indicated, not routinely for everyone
- An active plan: exercises and advice you can do yourself, with clear review points, rather than open-ended treatment
- Referral when needed: a willingness to refer you to your GP or a specialist if something else is going on
- Practical details: how far you have to travel, parking, opening hours and whether you can claim on the spot
For more detail, see How to choose a chiropractor in Melbourne’s north-east.
How Bodyline Health approaches lower back pain
Bodyline Health is a multidisciplinary clinic at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty, led by Dr Phillip Mifsud, a chiropractor and exercise physiologist with more than 25 years of experience.
- A thorough history and examination on your first visit
- Onsite digital X-ray when clinically indicated
- Soft tissue work, gentle adjustments and dry needling where appropriate
- A simple exercise plan built around the exercise you will actually keep doing. See What is the best exercise for back pain?
- Mary Fleming (Physiotherapist): progressive strengthening and rehabilitation.
- Keryn Arrowsmith (Myotherapist): easing tight lower back, hip and glute muscles.
- Jack Robertson (Remedial Massage Therapist): soft tissue work to reduce muscle spasm.
Coming from Eltham
Bodyline Health is a short drive from Eltham, with free parking and a fully accessible clinic. We are open six days a week, including Saturday mornings. No referral is needed and HICAPS claiming is available on the spot. See also our page for chiropractic care for Eltham locals.
Most lower back pain Eltham residents bring to us is mechanical, and you don’t need a referral to book.
When to seek urgent medical help
Call 000 or go to an emergency department if you develop numbness around the groin, buttocks or inner thighs, difficulty passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowel, or rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs. See your GP promptly if back pain comes with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, pain that is worse at night and not eased by any position, or follows a significant fall or accident.
Further reading on back pain: Back pain (Healthdirect Australia).
Lower back pain Eltham: common questions
Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist for lower back pain?
Both can help with mechanical lower back pain. At Bodyline Health in Lower Plenty, chiropractic and physiotherapy are under one roof, so your care can be shared if that suits your situation.
How long does lower back pain take to get better?
Many episodes of mechanical lower back pain improve over days to a few weeks with gentle activity. If it is not clearly improving within a week or two, or keeps coming back, get it assessed.
Is heat or ice better for lower back pain?
Ice can help settle inflammation in the first few days. Some people find gentle heat eases tight muscles later on. Use whichever makes it feel better, for short periods.
Do I need an X-ray for lower back pain?
Not usually. Most lower back pain is diagnosed through history and examination. Bodyline Health has onsite digital X-ray for when it is clinically indicated.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor near Eltham?
No. You can book directly with Bodyline Health in Lower Plenty without a referral, and HICAPS claiming is available on the spot if you have private health cover with extras.
For more background, see healthdirect’s overview of back pain.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are unsure, see your GP or book an assessment.
