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Your first visit for lower back pain
Reviewed by Dr Voula Roumel, Chiropractor , registered since 1987, AHPRA CHI0000942872
Last updated
A first appointment for lower back pain runs about 45 minutes, and most of it is assessment rather than treatment.
That surprises people who expect to be treated in ten minutes and sent home. The assessment is what makes the treatment worth having, it is how the chiropractor establishes which of several quite different problems is producing your pain.
What the 30 minutes covers
A full health history. What happened and when, what makes it worse, what eases it, what you have already tried, and anything relevant in your general health and medication.
A physical assessment. Posture, how you move, and muscle and joint testing through the lower back, pelvis and hips.
An orthopaedic and neurological screen. Reflexes, strength and sensation, particularly where symptoms travel into a leg. This is the part that identifies presentations needing something other than chiropractic care.
An explanation. What the chiropractor found and what they think is going on, in plain language, before anything else happens. You will not be asked to commit to a plan before you understand the findings.
Treatment, where it is clinically appropriate to proceed.
What to bring
- Private health insurance card, for HICAPS claiming at the desk
- Medicare card, if your GP has put you on a care plan
- A referral, if a third party is paying, WorkSafe, the TAC or DVA
- Any relevant imaging or reports. Existing scans save repeating work
Wear something comfortable you can move in. There is no need to undress.
Worth thinking about before you arrive
These are the questions that get asked, and having thought about them makes the appointment considerably more useful:
- When did it start, and what were you doing?
- Where exactly is it, and does anything travel down a leg?
- What makes it worse, sitting, standing, bending forward, bending back?
- What eases it?
- Is it worse at any particular time of day?
- What have you already tried, and what happened?
Tell the chiropractor before the assessment
Not after. Any of these change what is appropriate:
- Osteoporosis or low bone density, and any fractures
- Recent surgery, or a joint replacement
- Blood thinners and other medication
- Pregnancy
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Any cancer history
None of these rules out care. They change the technique used, which is exactly why they are needed up front.
When it is not a chiropractic appointment
Go to a doctor or emergency department now, ahead of contacting the clinic, for back pain with numbness around the saddle area, new difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel, weakness in both legs, or back pain after significant trauma or with fever.
What it costs
An initial consultation is $125, item code 1002. HICAPS is on site, so with extras cover you claim at the desk and pay only the gap. Every fee is on the fees page, and the new patients page covers the practical side in more detail.
Frequently asked questions
What happens at a first chiropractic appointment for back pain?
About 30 minutes, most of it assessment. A full health history, a physical assessment covering posture, movement and muscle and joint testing, an orthopaedic and neurological screen, and an explanation of what was found in plain language. Treatment is given on the day where it is clinically appropriate to proceed.
Will I be treated on the first visit?
Usually, where it is clinically appropriate. Sometimes not, if the assessment finds something that needs imaging or a different kind of care first, you will be told that instead, which is a legitimate outcome of a first appointment rather than a wasted one.
What should I wear?
Something comfortable you can move in. There is no need to undress, assessment and treatment are done through clothing that allows movement.
What should I bring?
Your private health insurance card for HICAPS claiming, your Medicare card if you are on a care plan, a referral if a third party is paying, and any relevant imaging or reports you already have. Existing scans save repeating work.
How much does it cost?
An initial consultation is $125, item code 1002. HICAPS is on site so with extras cover you claim at the desk and pay only the gap. Quote the item code to your fund beforehand if you want to know the figure in advance.
Ready to book?
Appointments Monday to Saturday, with confirmation by SMS.