Lower Back Pain Treatment in Winchester
Lower back pain
Lower Back Pain in Winchester
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons Winchester residents seek help at Winchester Spine Centre. It can come on suddenly, develop gradually, or keep returning despite rest or previous treatment. Whatever the pattern, understanding why your back hurts is the key to long-term improvement.
Understanding the cause of your lower back pain
Accurate diagnosis begins with a detailed conversation between you and your chiropractor. This initial discussion helps us understand how and when your pain started, whether it is a new episode or a flare-up of a longstanding issue, and—crucially—what activities or positions tend to trigger your symptoms.
This information guides a thorough physical assessment designed to identify the specific tissues and movement patterns responsible for your pain. A diagnosis should be more than just a label; it should clearly explain what is causing your pain and why it keeps recurring.
Treatment focused on recovery and prevention
Once the cause of your lower back pain is understood, treatment typically begins with hands-on care to improve joint motion and muscle function. However, lasting improvement depends on more than treatment alone.
By identifying the movements, postures, or daily stresses that provoke your pain, we can help you remove or modify unhelpful habits—such as poor posture, inefficient movement patterns, or unsuitable exercises—and replace them with strategies that support healing and build resilience in your lower back.
With this knowledge, treatment will often begin with some hands on therapy to improve joint and muscle function. If we have identified the pain provoking elements of your condition it becomes possible to begin removing or modifying factors like poor postural stress, bad movement habits and unsuitable exercises, replacing them with more appropriate and helpful strategies for healing and strengthening your lower back.
Our approach to treating lower back pain
In summary, our approach is to:
Gain a detailed understanding of you and your condition through an in-depth initial consultation
Perform a comprehensive physical assessment to identify the painful tissues and triggers for your symptoms
Restore balanced function to the relevant joints and muscles
Teach you specific movements, postures, and exercises that allow you to stay active while promoting healing and strengthening your back
Why this approach works: evidence from research
Our treatment philosophy is strongly influenced by the work of Professor Stuart McGill, one of the world’s most respected researchers in lower back pain. With over 30 years of research and hundreds of peer-reviewed publications, Professor McGill has played a leading role in advancing our understanding of how back pain develops and how it can be managed effectively.
His book Back Mechanic translates this research into practical advice for patients and is highly recommended for anyone wanting to better understand their back pain.
Professor McGill’s methods are used by elite athletes, military organisations, and major industries worldwide. He also teaches his assessment and treatment approach to healthcare professionals internationally.
Winchester Spine Centre Clinic Director Mark Kennedy is, at the time of publication, the only chiropractor in the UK qualified as a Certified McGill Method Practitioner. A full list of McGill-certified practitioners can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lower Back Pain
Should I rest if I have lower back pain?
In most cases, prolonged rest is not helpful for lower back pain. While short periods of rest may ease symptoms during a flare-up, staying active with the right movements is usually more effective. The key is avoiding pain-provoking activities while continuing movements that support healing and recovery.
Do I need an MRI or X-ray for lower back pain?
Imaging is not always necessary. Many common causes of lower back pain do not show clearly on scans, and findings such as disc bulges are often present in people without pain. A detailed clinical assessment is usually the most reliable way to understand the cause of your symptoms. Imaging may be recommended if there are specific clinical indications.
Why does my lower back pain keep coming back?
Recurrent lower back pain is often linked to repeated exposure to the same mechanical stresses—such as poor posture, certain movement patterns, or habitual activities. Without addressing these triggers, symptoms may settle temporarily but return. Identifying and modifying these factors is essential for long-term improvement.
Can exercise make lower back pain worse?
Yes, the wrong exercises can aggravate lower back pain. Generic stretching or strengthening programmes are not suitable for everyone. Exercise should be specific to your diagnosis and tolerance. When correctly prescribed, exercise plays a vital role in recovery and preventing future episodes.
How long does lower back pain take to improve?
Recovery times vary depending on the cause, duration, and severity of the problem. Some people improve within weeks, while long-standing or recurrent pain may take longer. A clear diagnosis and targeted management plan significantly improve the chances of a faster and more sustainable recovery.
Can chiropractic care help chronic lower back pain?
Chronic lower back pain often requires more than short-term symptom relief. A combination of accurate diagnosis, hands-on care, movement retraining, and education about pain-provoking behaviours can be highly effective in managing long-standing back pain and reducing future flare-ups.
Ready to get clear about your lower back pain?
If you’re struggling with ongoing or recurring back pain in Winchester, a thorough assessment can help identify the cause and guide the right next steps.
Written by Mark Kennedy BSc (Chiropractic), DC, CCEP
Chiropractor at Winchester Spine Centre
Mark Kennedy is a UK-registered chiropractor (General Chiropractic Council Reg; 00019) with over 25 years of clinical experience treating back pain, neck pain, joint injuries, and chronic musculoskeletal conditions in Winchester.
This article is published by Winchester Spine Centre, a regulated chiropractic clinic based in Winchester, Hampshire.