Chronic Lower Back Pain

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Relief for persistent, recurring or long-term back pain using targeted spinal decompression & chiropractic care

What Is Chronic Lower Back Pain?

Chronic lower back pain is defined as pain lasting longer than 12 weeks, whether constant or recurring. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain that affects work, sleep, movement and quality of life.

While some people know the exact cause (disc injury, arthritis, stenosis), many experience long-term pain due to a combination of:

• Degenerative disc changes

• Facet joint irritation

• Muscle guarding

• Poor posture

• Repetitive strain

• Reduced mobility

• Nerve irritation (radiculopathy)

Chronic pain is often multi-factorial, meaning the problem rarely comes from one structure alone.

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Common Symptoms of Chronic Lower Back Pain

• Persistent ache or stiffness

• Sharp pain during certain movements

• Pain worse with prolonged sitting or standing

• Difficulty bending, lifting or twisting

• Pain referring into buttocks, hips or thighs

• Morning stiffness

• Pain that fluctuates throughout the day

• Decreased flexibility or endurance

If nerve involvement is present, symptoms may include tingling, numbness or leg weakness.

What Causes Chronic Lower Back Pain?

Chronic lower back pain usually develops when the spine is exposed to repeated stress over time, rather than from a single injury. Common contributing factors include:

Degenerative Disc Disease

As discs lose hydration and height, the spine becomes less cushioned, increasing mechanical stress and inflammation.

Bulging or Herniated Discs

Disc protrusions may intermittently compress nerves, especially during sitting, bending or lifting.

Facet Joint Irritation

When discs thin, more load transfers to the facet joints, causing localised pain and stiffness.

Poor Posture & Prolonged Sitting

Extended desk work, driving and working from home increase compressive forces through the lower spine.

Muscle Imbalances & Weak Core

Poor spinal support leads to overuse of muscles and ongoing tightness.

Previous Injuries

Old injuries that never fully healed can leave lasting movement restrictions and pain patterns.

Stress & Nervous System Overload

Chronic stress can increase muscle tension, pain sensitivity and delayed healing.

Most people with chronic lower back pain have more than one contributing factor, which is why single-treatment approaches often fail.

Why Chronic Back Pain Persists

Many people try rest, medication, massage, heat, occasional chiropractic or physiotherapy — yet the pain keeps returning. This often happens because:

• spinal compression is never fully reduced

• discs remain dehydrated and inflamed

• nerve irritation continues under load

• movement patterns are not corrected

• stabilising muscles are not retrained

• posture and daily stressors remain unchanged

When compression, poor mechanics and inflammation persist, the nervous system becomes sensitised. Over time, pain signals can become more easily triggered — even by simple movements or prolonged sitting.

This is why chronic lower back pain requires a structured, multi-layered approach, rather than isolated or short-term treatment.

How Spinal Decompression May Help Chronic Lower Back Pain

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Spinal decompression therapy targets one of the most overlooked contributors to chronic pain: ongoing spinal compression.

What does the research suggest?

Clinical research investigating non-surgical spinal decompression has explored its potential role in managing chronic lower back pain, particularly where disc degeneration, disc bulge or mechanical spinal compression are contributing factors.

Findings from published studies and case reports (including Carmona et al., Arumugam et al., Di Modica et al., and Kasimovich et al.) suggest that spinal decompression may be associated with:

✔ Reduced disc pressure

Lower intradiscal pressure has been reported during decompression protocols, which may help reduce mechanical stress on spinal structures.

✔ Improved disc hydration

Decompression has been shown to facilitate fluid exchange within intervertebral discs, supporting disc nutrition and resilience.

✔ Reduced nerve irritation

By increasing space around nerve roots, decompression may assist in reducing nerve-related pain patterns in some individuals.

✔ Improved spinal mobility

Gentle, computer-controlled traction may help restore movement between spinal segments.

✔ Reduced muscle guarding

As spinal loading decreases, surrounding muscle tension may also reduce in some patients.

Spinal decompression appears most relevant in cases of chronic lower back pain linked to disc degeneration, bulging or herniated discs, facet joint overload or long-term postural compression. Individual results vary, and a thorough assessment is required to determine suitability.

Referenced studies include Vicari et al. (JSRS), Arumugam et al. (PMRJ), Carmona et al. (Spine Research), and Di Modica & Sciarrone (JCDR).

Why Decompression Works When Other Treatments Haven’t

Many treatments focus only on symptom relief. Decompression addresses mechanical load — a key driver of chronic pain.

It works best when combined with:

• chiropractic adjustments to restore joint motion

• stabilisation exercises to support the spine

• posture and ergonomic correction

• gradual re-introduction of movement

This combination supports long-term improvement, not just temporary relief.

Your First Visit: What to Expect

1. Comprehensive Assessment

Your chiropractor will assess:

• spinal mobility and posture

• neurological function

• muscle strength and flexibility

• disc loading patterns

• movement tolerance

• imaging (MRI or X-ray if available)

2. Identifying Pain Drivers

We determine whether your pain is driven primarily by:

• disc compression

• facet joint overload

• nerve irritation

• muscular imbalance

• movement dysfunction

3. Personalised Treatment Plan

Your plan may include:

• lumbar spinal decompression

• gentle chiropractic care

• stabilisation and mobility exercises

• ergonomic guidance

• gradual activity progression

Who Is a Good Candidate for Decompression?

You may benefit if you experience:

• persistent lower back pain for 3+ months

• recurring flare-ups

• pain worse with sitting or standing

• disc degeneration on imaging

• stiffness and reduced movement

• pain that hasn’t resolved with standard care

You may not be suitable if you have:

• spinal fractures

• advanced osteoporosis

• spinal infection or tumour

• severe instability

All patients are carefully screened before care begins.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Most chronic lower back pain programs involve:

• 2–3 sessions per week

• 6–10 weeks of care

Chronic pain improves gradually as compression reduces and spinal mechanics normalise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can chronic lower back pain really improve?

Yes. Many people experience meaningful improvements when mechanical compression and movement patterns are addressed.

Is decompression safe for long-term pain?

Yes — when clinically indicated and properly supervised.

Does decompression hurt?

No. It is gentle and relaxing for most people.

Will I need ongoing care?

Some patients transition to maintenance care to prevent relapse.

Do I need imaging before starting?

Not always. Your chiropractor will advise based on your presentation.

Book a Chronic Lower Back Pain Assessment

If you’ve been living with back pain that keeps returning — or never fully resolves — we can assess whether spinal decompression may be appropriate for you.

➡️ Book Your 40-Minute Decompression Assessment Today

(Assessment + report + first session if indicated)