Get it checked at Bodyline Health, Lower Plenty
We see patients from across the Diamond Valley, including Eltham, Greensborough, Montmorency, Rosanna and Heidelberg. 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 clinical experience.
Watch the video
Back Pain Is Mechanical
Dr Phil explains this in under two minutes.
What does mechanical back pain mean?
Mechanical back pain describes pain driven by movement and load: the joints, muscles and ligaments of the lower back and pelvis not working together as they should. It is by far the most common type of lower back pain Dr Phil sees, most days of the week.
A typical pattern is the pelvis twisting slightly up or down on one side. That creates a functional short leg (the bones are the same length, but the pelvis makes one leg sit shorter) and leaves the muscles of the lower back and especially the glutes tight and out of balance.
What does it feel like?
- An ache across the lower back or to one side, sometimes into the buttock
- Stiffness getting out of bed or after sitting
- Pain that changes with position and activity
- Tightness in the glutes and hips
How is mechanical back pain treated?
Loosening the muscles
Treatment usually starts with soft tissue work through the lower back and the glutes. Dr Phil works to a level of discomfort you can handle: the more the muscles can release, the faster things settle, but it should never be more than you are comfortable with.
Gentle adjustments to rebalance the pelvis
To untwist the pelvis and remove the imbalance, gentle manipulations or adjustments are used, always with as little force as possible. Options include:
- Drop-piece table technique: a section of the table lifts and drops as a gentle thrust is applied. It makes a loud noise, but it is a gentle way to create movement.
- Side-lying adjustments: you lie on your side, the area is gently stretched first, and then, with you breathing and relaxed, a small, controlled movement is made.
Exercises to keep it balanced
Once the pelvis is moving well, stretching and strengthening (especially the glutes) help keep it that way.
Does it need an X-ray?
Most mechanical back pain does not. If your history or examination suggests something more is going on, Bodyline Health has an onsite digital X-ray, used only when clinically indicated, so you do not need to go elsewhere.
Who at Bodyline Health can help with mechanical lower back pain?
Because Bodyline Health has several disciplines under one roof at 17 Main Road, Lower Plenty, your care can be shared between practitioners who talk to each other.
- Dr Phillip Mifsud (Chiropractor): assessment, soft tissue work and gentle adjustments.
- Mary Fleming (Physiotherapist): exercise rehabilitation and core and glute strengthening.
- Keryn Arrowsmith (Myotherapist): deep soft tissue work for tight lower back and glute muscles.
- Jack Robertson (Remedial massage): remedial massage between treatments to keep muscles loose.
When to seek urgent medical help
Go to an emergency department (or call 000) if back pain comes with numbness around the groin or buttocks, new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel, weakness in the legs, fever, or follows a significant fall or accident.
Further reading on mechanical lower back pain: Low back pain (Healthdirect Australia).
Common questions
What is mechanical lower back pain?
Pain caused by how the joints, muscles and ligaments of the lower back and pelvis are moving and loading, rather than by disease. It is the most common type of back pain.
Can a twisted pelvis cause back pain?
Yes. A slightly twisted pelvis can create a functional short leg and imbalance the lower back and glute muscles, which is a very common cause of lower back pain.
Are chiropractic adjustments for back pain forceful?
They do not need to be. At Bodyline Health, adjustments use as little force as possible, often with a drop-piece table or gentle side-lying techniques after the area is stretched.
How many treatments will I need?
It varies, but many people with straightforward mechanical back pain notice a clear improvement within a few visits, especially if they keep up the exercises.
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor in Lower Plenty?
No. You can book directly with Bodyline Health, and claim on the spot with HICAPS if you have extras cover.
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.
