You have had it with lower back pain. Sitting hurts. Bending hurts. Sleep is broken. You are finally booking a chiropractor.
If you have never been to one before, the unknown can put you off. This guide walks through every step of a first visit so nothing catches you off guard.
Our lower back pain service in Brunswick West sees a new lower back patient nearly every day. Here is how it usually goes.
See also our sciatica treatment page for clinical detail.
At Chiropractor Melbourne in Brunswick West, we keep first visits clear, calm, and unhurried.
Most clinics send a new patient form by email after you book. Fill it in beforehand. It saves time in the room and helps your chiropractor focus on the right details.
Wear loose clothing if you can. Activewear, soft pants, and a comfortable top all work. Avoid stiff jeans, long dresses, and tight tops that limit movement.
Bring any scans, x-rays, or specialist letters you already have. Even if they look old, they help the picture. If you have private health, bring your card for HICAPS.
Arrive five to ten minutes early. You will be greeted, sign a few forms, and head into the consult room. See our new patients page for our specific intake details.
The first part is talking. Where is the pain, how did it start, what makes it worse, what makes it better. Do you have any leg pain, numbness, or weakness.
We also ask about your work, your sport, your sleep, and any past injuries. The lifestyle picture often matters as much as the injury itself.
Then comes the physical exam. We check how your spine moves in each direction. We test reflexes, sensation, and muscle strength if needed.
Posture and gait checks come next. We watch how you stand, walk, sit, and stand again. Movement patterns tell us a lot.
Sometimes we recommend imaging. Most cases do not need it. If it is needed, we explain why and send you to a local provider. Our chiropractic consultation page breaks the assessment down step by step.
By the end of the assessment, you should know the likely cause of your lower back pain and what we plan to do about it.
Related reading: disc bulge vs herniated disc.
Related reading: how long until you feel better.
If a treatment is right on day one, we start. Most first visits include some hands-on care.
For lower back pain we use gentle soft tissue work, joint mobilisation, and adjustments where they suit. We pick the technique to match your case, your comfort, and your body.
If you are very acute and inflamed, we may keep day one light and build over the next few visits.
After treatment we walk you through your plan. How many visits over how many weeks, what we expect to change at each step, and what home work to do.
You will also leave with simple exercises or stretches. Two or three moves you can do at home in five minutes. Nothing fancy. Just enough to keep progress going between visits.
Curious about physio vs chiropractic for back pain? Compare them in Chiropractor or Physio for Back Pain. For desk-related back pain, our guide on chiropractor for desk job back pain covers what helps long term.
A first chiropractic visit in Melbourne usually runs 45 to 60 minutes. Follow-ups are shorter, often 15 to 20 minutes.
Initial consultation fees and follow-up adjustment fees vary across inner Melbourne clinics. For a current breakdown, see our dedicated cost guide.
Private health rebates depend on your fund and your level of cover. Most extras-cover plans rebate part of each visit. We process the rebate on the spot through HICAPS.
Medicare can cover up to five chiropractic sessions a year if your GP refers you under a Chronic Disease Management Plan [1]. That is for chronic conditions, not one-off injuries.
For a clearer breakdown of pricing in Melbourne, read Chiropractor Cost in Melbourne.
Not always. The first visit is mostly assessment. If a hands-on adjustment is right for you, we explain it first and ask for consent. If you do not want cracking, we have plenty of gentle, low-force options.
Usually 45 to 60 minutes. That includes history, exam, posture and movement checks, an explanation of findings, and treatment if appropriate. Follow-up visits are much shorter, usually 15 to 20 minutes.
Loose, comfortable clothing you can move in. Activewear, soft pants, and a t-shirt are ideal. Avoid stiff jeans, belts, and tight tops. If you prefer to change at the clinic, just bring spare clothes with you.
Not sure if chiropractic care is right for you? Our team at Chiropractor Melbourne can assess your condition and recommend the best path forward. We are located in Brunswick West and accept all major health funds.
Call us today to book your first appointment. We will take the time to understand your pain and explain our treatment approach before we start.
Reviewed by Dr Voula Roumel, Chiropractor — registered since 1987.
