Back pain is one of the most common reasons Australians seek medical care. It can range from a mild ache to severe, disabling discomfort that interferes with everyday activities, work, and sleep. Back pain is also a leading cause of disability worldwide, underscoring its significant global impact on individuals and healthcare systems. At Melbourne Neurocare, we specialise in diagnosing and treating both acute and chronic back pain using a patient-first, evidence-based approach.
Our goal is not just to relieve pain but to restore function, improve mobility, and help you regain control over your life.
The back is a complex structure made up of bones (vertebrae), spinal discs, muscles, nerves, ligaments, and joints. Pain can originate from any of these components and may be mechanical, neurological, or inflammatory in nature.
Back pain is typically classified by location and duration:
Pain may be localised or radiate to the legs, buttocks, or upper back. It may present with:
Some individuals may experience back pain episodes that recur over time. The frequency and duration of these episodes can influence the risk of developing chronic or disabling pain.
Back pain often develops due to a combination of mechanical or structural problems, lifestyle habits, and underlying medical conditions. Certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing both acute back pain and chronic back pain. These include a previous history of low back pain, poor physical fitness, and high stress levels. Psychological factors such as anxiety and chronic stress can also contribute to the development and persistence of chronic low back pain.
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as excess weight places additional strain on the spine and surrounding soft tissues. Strengthening the back and abdominal muscles through regular exercise helps support the spinal column and reduces the risk of injury. Practising good posture, especially during daily activities and while sitting at work, can help prevent mechanical or structural problems that lead to pain.
To lower your risk, avoid heavy lifting, repetitive bending, and twisting motions that can stress the lumbar spine. If you have a family history of back pain or have experienced previous pain episodes, taking extra precautions is important. Engaging in regular physical activity—such as walking, swimming, or gentle stretching—can help keep your back healthy and resilient. Additionally, prioritising quality sleep, managing stress levels, and following a balanced diet all play a role in preventing both acute and chronic back pain.
Our team at Melbourne Neurocare takes the time to identify the underlying cause of your back pain, not just treat the symptoms. Common causes include:
Often triggered by heavy lifting, poor posture, sudden movements, or repetitive stress.
When discs between vertebrae bulge or rupture, they may press on nerves, causing pain, weakness, or sciatica.
Degenerative disk disease is an age-related or wear-and-tear condition that affects the spine, leading to intervertebral disc deterioration. Ageing and wear can cause disc dehydration, reducing their ability to absorb shock, resulting in pain, stiffness, and sometimes nerve compression.
A narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress the spinal cord or nerves, often causing leg pain, numbness, or difficulty walking.
Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve causes radiating pain down one leg, often due to a herniated disc.
Degeneration or inflammation in the small joints at the back of the spine can cause localised back pain and stiffness.
A condition where a vertebra slips out of place, potentially compressing nerves and causing instability.
Autoimmune diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis can cause chronic inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints.
Fractures, spinal infections, or tumours—though rare—can also be sources of back pain and may indicate a serious condition that must be ruled out in certain cases.
Some serious medical problems, such as malignancies or infections, can affect the vertebral bodies and require urgent evaluation.
Persistent or unexplained back pain may be a sign of a serious medical problem or an underlying medical problem and should prompt further investigation.
While many episodes of back pain resolve with rest and self-care, you should seek a specialist opinion if:
Our team of neurologists and interventional pain specialists is here to identify the root cause and guide you through recovery with a personalised plan.
Every patient at Melbourne Neurocare receives a thorough clinical evaluation designed to uncover the source of their back pain and avoid unnecessary interventions. A key part of this diagnostic process is a comprehensive review of your medical history, which helps guide further assessment and management.
We ensure every step is clinically justified and designed to inform treatment, not delay it.
Your treatment plan is based on your diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle. We consider both short-term pain relief and long-term function.
Physiotherapy
Tailored programs to strengthen core muscles, restore flexibility, and improve posture.
Medications
Anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or medications for nerve-related pain are used when appropriate.
Postural Correction & Ergonomics
We provide guidance on workplace setup, sleep positions, and lifting techniques to prevent recurrence.
Heat/Cold Therapy
Effective for reducing inflammation and muscle tension in early or flare-up stages.
Our pain specialists offer image-guided, minimally invasive procedures for longer-term relief:
Epidural Steroid Injections
Useful for nerve root compression or disc-related pain.
Medial Branch Blocks and Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Targets facet joints to disrupt chronic pain signals with radiofrequency energy.
Sacroiliac Joint Injections
Reduces inflammation and pain from SI joint dysfunction or inflammation.
Trigger Point Injections
For muscular pain that hasn’t responded to stretching or manual therapy.
All procedures are done with image guidance (fluoroscopy or ultrasound) for precision, comfort, and safety.
For patients with persistent or severe pain who have not responded to conventional treatment:
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Implanted device that alters pain signals before they reach the brain.
Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems
Used for select cases requiring long-term medication management without oral side effects.
These options are only considered after a comprehensive assessment and multidisciplinary review.
Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is key to managing and preventing chronic back pain. Regular exercise, including activities like yoga, Pilates, or swimming, can strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, improve flexibility, and support better posture. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on the lumbar spine and helps ease pain caused by excess strain.
Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can improve overall health and reduce the risk of developing chronic low back pain. Prioritising restful sleep and incorporating relaxation techniques—such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle stretching—can help manage stress levels and reduce muscle tension that may contribute to pain.
Taking frequent breaks to move and stretch during the day, especially if you have a sedentary job, can help prevent stiffness and discomfort. For those living with persistent or chronic back pain, working closely with a healthcare professional is essential. A personalised management plan may include physical therapy, pain relievers, and alternative treatments like acupuncture or massage to relieve pain and improve function.
By making these lifestyle changes and seeking appropriate treatment, individuals can better manage pain, reduce the risk of chronic low back pain, and enhance their overall quality of life.
Chronic back pain can take a toll on mental health, relationships, and confidence. That’s why Melbourne Neurocare offers:
Pain Psychology & CBT
Learn how thoughts and behaviours influence pain and how to manage them effectively.
Pain Neuroscience Education
Understand the biological mechanisms behind chronic pain, reducing fear and improving outcomes.
Our biopsychosocial model treats you as a whole person, not just a spine.
While we aim to treat conservatively, we work closely with experienced spinal surgeons for cases requiring operative management. These include:
Our role is to ensure you understand your options and receive timely, evidence-based referrals.
We don’t offer cookie-cutter solutions. We listen, assess, and guide you through a treatment pathway that respects your needs and goals.
Back pain shouldn’t be a life sentence. Let our experienced team help you find answers—and relief.
Contact Melbourne Neurocare today to schedule your back pain assessment.
