Lower Back Pain Chiropractor in Adelaide
That deep ache when you straighten up after sitting, the morning stiffness, the catch when you bend or lift? Most lower back pain is mechanical, and it tends to respond to a clear assessment and the right plan. At Stapleton Chiropractic we start with a thorough hands-on assessment, explain what we find in plain language, and talk through your options.
Prefer to talk first? Call us. No obligation.
Chiropractic care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to care vary.
If lower back pain has been nagging you on the commute home, getting in the way of work, sleep, or training, you are not alone, and you do not have to figure it out on your own.
My job is to assess properly, explain what is going on in plain language, and walk you through your options. No lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
Not sure whether chiropractic is the right fit? Call and ask. I am happy to point you in the right direction either way.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)Chiropractic care focuses on the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. Individual responses vary.
Practical things worth knowing
What does a chiropractor do for lower back pain?
A chiropractor assesses and provides hands-on care for mechanical lower back pain. At Stapleton Chiropractic, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) begins with a thorough examination, then may use spinal mobilisation or manipulation, soft-tissue techniques and a tailored exercise plan. Research suggests these may help manage symptoms associated with lower back pain; individual responses to treatment vary.
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Does this sound familiar?
Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions in Australia, affecting around 1 in 6 Australians (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).[11] Presentations vary widely. Lower back pain is often classed as non-specific mechanical lower back pain, which means that on assessment a single structure cannot always be pinpointed as the sole driver. Identifying which mechanical patterns may be contributing in your case is part of what guides care. The patterns below outline how lower back pain commonly presents. If one feels like your experience, tap it for a plain-English explanation.
Yes, chiropractors in Adelaide commonly assess and manage lower back pain, from a sudden acute episode through to long-standing recurring patterns. At Stapleton Chiropractic, we focus on identifying whether mechanical factors in your spine, pelvis, or hips may be contributing, screening for anything that warrants urgent medical attention, and discussing options based on what we find. A detailed assessment is the starting point.
Not sure what an assessment involves? Learn what happens during your first visit ↓
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first visit is a 30-minute consultation costing $69. It includes a thorough hands-on assessment of your lower back, pelvis, and hips, a red flag screen, a plain-language explanation of findings, and treatment on the same day where clinically appropriate. No referral is needed, and the decision about care is always yours.
Allow up to 30 minutes for a comprehensive initial consultation. Here is how it works.
You Tell Us
We listen carefully, ask the right questions, and build a clear picture of what has been going on with your lower back.
We Assess
Hands-on testing of your lumbar spine, pelvis, and hips, a functional movement screen (bending, sitting, standing, walking), and where appropriate a neurological screen to help identify what may be contributing to your lower back pain.
We Explain
We walk you through our findings and your options in plain language. If imaging is recommended, we will explain why and discuss your options.
X-rays are only taken with your agreement, and where eligible, may be bulk billed.*
Care May Begin
Where clinically appropriate, care may begin on your first visit to help support relief.*
We offer both traditional hands-on chiropractic techniques and gentle, low-force approaches, tailored to your comfort. Care only proceeds with your consent.
Ready to Get Started?
Your first visit takes about 30 minutes. No referral needed, no lock-in plans. The decision is always yours.
Book Your First Visit*Subject to clinical assessment and suitability criteria. Bulk billing subject to eligibility criteria and clinical need.
How much does a chiropractor for lower back pain cost in Adelaide?
Your first visit is over 40% below the South Australian average.
Source: Australian Chiropractors Association Consultation Fee Survey 2025 (SA data).
Quick answers before you book
Do I need a GP referral?
No referral needed. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners, so you can book directly.
Will the treatment hurt?
Techniques are tailored to your comfort, with gentle and low-force options available. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) explains everything before proceeding, and nothing happens without your consent.
How long is the first appointment?
About 30 minutes. A thorough assessment of your lower back, not a rushed adjustment.
Do you accept private health insurance?
Yes, all major health funds accepted. We provide a receipt at the end of your visit so you can lodge your rebate via your fund's app.
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
Care that fits your day
528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038
Ready to Get Started? We're Ready When You Are.
Choose a time that works for you. No referral needed.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq)
$69
Initial Consultation
Up to 30 minutes, including full assessment
Book Your First VisitPrefer to call? (08) 8297 5277
Text: 0400 105 454 | Email: wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au
You will receive a confirmation email with all details immediately after booking.
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain can involve many structures, including muscles, facet joints, the sacroiliac joint, intervertebral discs, and referred sources from the hip. Lower back pain is often classed as non-specific mechanical lower back pain, which means a single structure cannot always be identified as the sole driver in a given person. Identifying which mechanical patterns may be contributing is what guides the approach.
Common mechanical contributors we screen for at Stapleton Chiropractic:
- Prolonged sitting and desk work: sitting loads the lumbar discs more than standing, and long hours in a seated posture progressively stiffen the hips and reduce engagement of the deep core and gluteal muscles. Desk-based lower back pain is one of the most common presentations we see.
- Lifting, bending, and twisting under load: repeated or sudden bending, twisting, or lifting places combined flexion, rotation, and compression on the lumbar spine. This is a well-documented mechanism for acute lower back pain and can involve muscles, facet joints, or disc structures.
- Lumbar facet joint dysfunction: restricted or irritated facet joints in the lumbar spine can produce localised lower back pain that often worsens with extension, rotation, and standing for long periods, and may refer pain into the buttock or upper thigh.
- Disc-related pain and sciatica: disc bulges, herniations, and annular tears may irritate nearby nerves and contribute to lower back pain with or without leg symptoms. See our slipped disc and sciatica page for a dedicated look at this pattern.
- Sacroiliac and pelvic dysfunction: the sacroiliac joints and pelvic girdle are common but often under-recognised contributors to lower back pain, particularly during and after pregnancy, in active populations, and following trauma.
- Deconditioning and lifestyle factors: reduced physical activity, low aerobic fitness, poor sleep, and high stress are each associated with higher rates of lower back pain and slower recovery. These are modifiable factors that may form part of a longer-term management plan.
Who gets lower back pain?
Lower back pain affects people across all ages and walks of life. In Adelaide, we commonly see these groups:
Tap the one that sounds like you.
Tradies & Manual Workers
Heavy lifting under flexion, twisting, sustained bending, vibration
Truck & Delivery Drivers
Prolonged sitting, vibration, repeated in-and-out lifting
Office & Desk Workers
Prolonged sitting, static flexion, deconditioning
Nurses & Aged Care Workers
Patient handling, bending, twisting, night shift fatigue
Warehouse & Logistics Workers
Repeated lifting, bending, twisting, time pressure
Gym & Strength Athletes
Heavy deadlifting, squatting, spinal loading under fatigue
Economic impact: Lower back pain is the single leading cause of years lived with disability globally (Global Burden of Disease Study)[10] and consistently ranks among the largest contributors to disability in Australia (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare).[11] Musculoskeletal injuries account for approximately 35.5% of all work-related injury and disease claims in Australia (Safe Work Australia).[12]
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
When to seek urgent care for lower back pain
General information only. Not a substitute for medical advice
Most lower back pain is not caused by serious medical conditions, but some warning signs warrant prompt medical assessment. If any of the features below apply, contact your GP, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or call 000 for urgent symptoms.
New bladder or bowel changes
New difficulty passing or controlling urine, new bowel incontinence, or new numbness around the saddle region (inner thighs, groin, buttocks) warrants immediate emergency assessment. This combination of features in the context of back pain may indicate a serious medical emergency. Go directly to a hospital emergency department.
Rapidly progressing leg weakness
Rapidly worsening weakness in one or both legs, a foot that is starting to drag or slap when you walk, or new difficulty lifting the foot or toes needs urgent medical assessment. Do not wait to see if it settles.
Saddle area numbness
New loss of sensation in the area that would contact a saddle (inner thighs, around the back passage, groin), particularly when combined with bladder or bowel symptoms, should be assessed immediately in an emergency department.
Severe pain with trauma
Severe lower back or leg pain following a fall, motor vehicle accident, or other significant trauma warrants prompt medical assessment before any manual therapy, to exclude fracture or serious injury.
Fever, weight loss, or night pain
Back or leg pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, night pain that wakes you from sleep, or a history of cancer should be assessed by a GP to help exclude infection or other age-related conditions before starting conservative care.
New back pain under 20 or over 55
A first episode of significant lower back pain before age 20, or a new pattern after age 55, is worth a GP review to help identify whether further assessment or imaging is warranted before starting conservative care.
Call 000 or go to an emergency department immediately if you experience new bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness, rapidly progressing leg weakness, or severe pain following significant trauma. These features must not be delayed.
Your first visit at Stapleton Chiropractic includes a detailed lower back and neurological history. If anything in your presentation suggests you should be assessed by a GP or medical services before starting chiropractic care, we will tell you and support referral.
💚 The health and wellbeing of you, your family, and your friends is our priority.
Could your lower back pain be coming from a disc?
Sometimes yes, often no. Lower back pain and disc problems overlap, but the majority of mechanical lower back pain is not driven by a disc. When leg pain, pins and needles, or weakness accompany the back pain, the likelihood of disc involvement goes up and a more detailed assessment is warranted.
“Slipped disc” is one of the most searched phrases for lower back pain, but it is a lay description rather than a clinical diagnosis. Discs do not actually slip; what can happen is that a disc bulges, herniates (prolapses), or develops a tear, which may irritate nearby nerves and contribute to lower back pain, buttock pain, or leg pain (sciatica).
Not every episode of lower back pain is a disc problem. Research suggests the majority of mechanical lower back pain involves muscles, facet joints, and the sacroiliac joint rather than the disc itself. The presence of leg pain that travels below the knee, pins and needles, or weakness shifts the picture toward a disc-related presentation and may warrant a more detailed neurological screen.
At your assessment we work through a focused history (mechanism of onset, pain pattern, what helps and hurts), a lumbar and pelvic examination, and where appropriate a neurological screen (reflexes, sensation, strength, straight-leg raise) to help clarify whether a disc may be contributing. Where it may be, we discuss options including conservative care, coordination with your GP, and imaging where indicated.
If your pain pattern sounds more disc-driven than general lower back pain, our dedicated page covers disc and sciatica presentations in more detail. Read more about how we assess and manage slipped disc and sciatica →
How may chiropractic care help with lower back pain?
For mechanical lower back pain, contemporary clinical guidelines including the UK NICE NG59 guideline and the US American College of Physicians guideline recommend non-pharmacological care as first-line management.[1][6] Spinal manipulation, mobilisation, and exercise are specifically listed as evidence-informed conservative options. Chiropractic care delivers these within a single provider, and where indicated we coordinate with GPs, imaging services, and specialist opinion.
Care is hands-on and tailored to your presentation. Depending on assessment findings and your preference, management may include lumbar mobilisation or manipulation, flexion-distraction or traction-style techniques for suspected disc-related presentations, targeted soft-tissue work through the gluteal and hip region, neural mobilisation, and a graduated exercise program. Low-force and gentler approaches are available if you are cautious, in acute pain, or pregnant. Nothing proceeds without your consent.
Your initial assessment
Your initial assessment includes a thorough history (mechanism of onset, pain pattern, what helps and hurts, red flag screen), a focused lumbar and hip examination, and a neurological screen (reflexes, sensation, strength, straight-leg raise, slump test where appropriate). We also look at how you move (walking, bending, sitting, and standing) because the movement signature often gives us more information than any single test.
Tailored management approaches
Based on your assessment findings, a management plan may combine spinal manipulation or mobilisation, flexion-distraction, soft-tissue work across the gluteal and hip region, neural mobilisation, and a graduated exercise program. The 2019 BMJ systematic review by Rubinstein et al. (47 RCTs, 9,211 participants) found spinal manipulative therapy produced similar effects to other recommended therapies for chronic low back pain, including patients with referred leg pain.[4]
Gentle and low-force options available
Not everyone is comfortable with traditional manual adjustments, particularly during an acute flare or in pregnancy. We offer a range of gentle, low-force techniques including instrument-assisted adjustments, mobilisation, flexion-distraction, and pregnancy-appropriate approaches. We discuss your options before any care begins, and nothing proceeds without your consent.
Why this matters for you: Lower back pain presentations vary widely. Some are acute and settle with graduated care, some are chronic and benefit from ongoing movement and load management, and a small number need imaging, specialist opinion, or surgical review. At Stapleton Chiropractic we offer both chiropractic care and cold laser therapy under the one roof, so Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) can assess your presentation and discuss which approach, or combination, may be most appropriate for you.
If your presentation suggests a different type of care would suit you better, we will let you know and can refer to an appropriate practitioner. Interested in whether cold laser may be appropriate for your lower back pain? Simply mention it during your initial consultation with Dr Sam.
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
What does the research say about chiropractic for lower back pain?
Contemporary clinical practice guidelines (the UK NICE NG59 guideline and the US American College of Physicians 2017 guideline) recommend non-pharmacological care as first-line management for low back pain with or without sciatica.[1][6] Spinal manipulation, mobilisation, and exercise are specifically listed as evidence-informed conservative options. Chiropractic care delivers these within a single provider, and where indicated we coordinate with GPs, imaging services, and specialist opinion.
The strongest evidence for lower back pain sits with guideline-recommended, multimodal conservative care. The key guidelines and meta-analyses are summarised below.
NICE NG59: Low Back Pain and Sciatica Guideline
UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on non-invasive management of low back pain and sciatica in people over 16. Recommends considering manual therapy (including spinal manipulation and mobilisation) as part of a treatment package alongside exercise. Cautions against routine imaging for non-specific presentations and highlights conservative management before surgical referral.[1]
Qaseem et al. 2017: American College of Physicians Guideline
US clinical practice guideline that strongly recommends non-pharmacological treatment as first-line management for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain. Options listed include spinal manipulation, exercise, massage, heat, and multidisciplinary rehabilitation, with medication positioned as a secondary option when non-pharmacological care is insufficient.[6]
Paige et al. 2017: SMT for Acute Low Back Pain
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 26 randomised controlled trials (pooled pain analysis from 15 trials, 1,711 patients) on spinal manipulative therapy for acute low back pain. Reported modest short-term improvements in pain and function at up to 6 weeks, with minor transient musculoskeletal harms as the most common adverse event and no serious adverse events reported in the included trials.[5]
Rubinstein et al. 2019: BMJ Meta-Analysis (Chronic LBP)
Systematic review and meta-analysis of 47 RCTs (9,211 participants) on spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low back pain. Found that SMT produced similar effects to other recommended therapies for pain and small improvements in function. Adverse events were generally minor and transient.[4]
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
What the research says
“Consider manual therapy (spinal manipulation, mobilisation or soft-tissue techniques such as massage) for managing low back pain with or without sciatica, but only as part of a treatment package including exercise, with or without psychological therapy.”
NICE Guideline NG59, 2016 (updated 2020)
“Clinicians and patients should initially select non-pharmacologic treatment [for low back pain], including spinal manipulation.”
American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline, Qaseem et al., 2017
Why choose Stapleton Chiropractic for lower back pain?
Over 50 Years of Trusted Care
Stapleton Chiropractic has been part of the Plympton Park community since 1972. That is over 50 years of continuous operation supporting Adelaide families with their musculoskeletal health. We have seen how chiropractic care has evolved over five decades and we apply that experience to every patient we see.
Qualified, Registered, and Experienced
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) holds a Bachelor of Chiropractic Science and Master of Chiropractic from Macquarie University. He is registered with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Chiropractors Association. Dr Johnson has been with the practice for over 10 years and became Principal Chiropractor in 2021.
Hours, Parking, and Pricing That Work
We are open 7am to 7pm weekdays and Saturday mornings, designed to fit around your work schedule. Free on-site parking. Your initial consultation is $69, well below the South Australian average of $122. All major private health funds accepted. No lock-in plans, no referral required.
Your Care, Your Choice
Whether you are looking for relief now or relief plus answers, your goals are our goals. We respect your autonomy at every step. No commitment to ongoing care, no lock-in plans. Where clinically appropriate, treatment may begin on your first visit.*
*Subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.
Frequently asked questions about lower back pain
Common questions from patients and from people searching online, answered by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor).
Your initial consultation is $69, which is over 40% below the South Australian average of $122 (ACA Fee Survey 2025). Standard follow-up visits are $60. All major private health funds accepted, and we provide a receipt at the end of your visit so you can lodge your rebate via your fund’s app.
No lock-in plans, no pressure. See our full pricing and health fund guide for details.
Allow up to 30 minutes. We take a detailed history (mechanism of onset, pain pattern, what makes it better or worse, a red flag screen) and perform a focused lumbar and neurological examination. We explain our findings in plain language, outline options including when a GP review or imaging may be warranted, and where clinically appropriate, care may begin on your first visit. The decision about care is always yours.
Learn more about what to expect at your first visit.
A chiropractor assesses how your lower back, pelvis and surrounding muscles are moving, then explains the findings in plain language. At Stapleton Chiropractic, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) may use spinal mobilisation or manipulation, soft-tissue techniques and a graduated exercise program where clinically appropriate. The aim is to help manage symptoms associated with mechanical lower back pain. Individual responses to treatment vary, and care always follows a clinical assessment.
Research suggests chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation, may help manage symptoms associated with non-specific lower back pain, and contemporary clinical guidelines list non-pharmacological care among first-line options.[6] Whether it is suitable for you depends on your individual presentation and is something to discuss at an initial consultation. Individual responses vary.
Your first visit with Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) at our Marion Road clinic in Plympton Park begins with a history and a hands-on assessment of your lower back, pelvis and relevant neurological function. We explain what we find in plain language and discuss the options that may be appropriate for you, so you can decide how to proceed. The decision is always yours.
You do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor in Australia, so either starting point is reasonable. If your lower back pain came on suddenly with any of the red flags listed above (bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness, rapidly progressing weakness), start with your GP or an emergency department. If it is a more typical mechanical presentation, starting with a chiropractic assessment is a common path, and we will happily coordinate with your GP if imaging or further review is indicated.
Outcomes depend on many individual factors, so rather than promising a quick resolution we focus on what chiropractic care may realistically offer: a structured approach to managing lower back pain, including manual therapy, mobilisation, soft-tissue work, and rehabilitation exercises. Research suggests conservative care is a reasonable first-line approach for most presentations, but individual responses vary and some presentations need medical or other appropriate input.
Many people with lower back pain are managed conservatively and may benefit from hands-on care, but it is not a one-size-fits-all situation. A careful assessment helps identify whether the presentation is appropriate for manual therapy, which techniques are suitable, and whether a gentler or lower-force approach may be more appropriate in your case. Where red flags are present, we direct you to medical services first.
Research suggests many episodes of lower back pain improve over time, particularly when movement is maintained and aggravating factors are addressed (NICE NG59).[1] That said, “wait and see” is not always the best option, especially if pain is severe or function is affected. A conservative care plan may help shorten recovery and reduce recurrence, and can often be paused or stepped down once you are making good progress.
Not always. Clinical guidelines (including NICE NG59) caution against routine imaging for non-specific lower back pain because scans can reveal changes that may not be related to a person’s symptoms, which is why imaging is guided by clinical assessment. Imaging is indicated when red flags are present, when progress is not being made as expected, or when a specialist opinion is being considered. We are happy to coordinate with your GP on imaging if it is appropriate.
A clinical assessment is the most reliable way to tell the patterns apart. Muscle strains tend to produce localised pain that flares with specific movements and often settles with time and graded movement. Disc-related presentations often (but not always) involve leg pain, pins and needles, or weakness, and may be aggravated by sitting, coughing, or sneezing. Pain that stays localised to the lower back is more commonly muscular, facet-related, or linked to the sacroiliac joint. Our slipped disc, herniated disc and sciatica page covers the disc side of the picture in more detail.
Pregnancy-related lower back pain is common, particularly in the second and third trimesters, and many pregnant patients see chiropractors for it. We use lower-force, pregnancy-appropriate techniques where clinically indicated. As with any condition, we screen carefully before care begins and coordinate with your GP or obstetric team if anything in your presentation warrants it.
All major private health funds accepted. We provide a receipt at the end of your visit so you can claim your rebate via your fund’s app or member portal. The exact rebate amount depends on your level of cover.
No. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners, which means you can book directly without a GP referral. If we believe a referral to your GP or another practitioner would benefit you, we will let you know and support that process.
Our goal is to help you become as independent as possible. How often you visit, and for how long, is always your decision. We provide recommendations based on your progress and aim to reduce frequency as you improve, but there are no lock-in plans.
In most cases, staying active is one of the best things you can do for lower back pain. Research from The Lancet recommends exercise as a first-line approach. That does not mean pushing through intense gym sessions. It means gentle movement, walking, swimming, or stretching to keep your back from stiffening up. Avoiding all movement often makes things worse, not better. At Stapleton Chiropractic, we can advise on which activities may help and which to modify during a flare-up.
Morning stiffness in the lower back is common and often eases with gentle movement as the day gets going. Overnight, the discs in your lumbar spine rehydrate slightly, which can increase pressure on surrounding structures. Sustained postures during sleep may also contribute if your mattress or sleeping position does not support a neutral spine. If morning stiffness lasts more than an hour or is getting worse over time, it is worth having an assessment to help identify other contributing factors. Your first visit at Stapleton Chiropractic is $69.
*All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.
A calm, confident approach to your care
Continuing Stapleton Chiropractic’s 50-year legacy of trusted care in Adelaide’s south. We listen first, explain clearly, and focus on what matters most to you.
Where are you right now?
Choose the path that best describes where you are today.
Ready to Get Started? We're Ready When You Are.
Choose a time that works for you. No referral needed.
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq)
$69
Initial Consultation
Up to 30 minutes, including full assessment
Book Your First VisitPrefer to call? (08) 8297 5277
Text: 0400 105 454 | Email: wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au
You will receive a confirmation email with all details immediately after booking.
What conditions may be related to lower back pain?
Lower back pain often overlaps with other spinal and lower-limb presentations. Explore these related concerns.
Still researching? Read about what to expect at your first visit, our fees and health fund coverage, or explore our chiropractic services.
View References (12 citations)
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (2016, updated 2020). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management. NICE Guideline NG59. nice.org.uk
- Santilli V, Beghi E, Finucci S. (2006). Chiropractic manipulation in the treatment of acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion: a randomized double-blind clinical trial of active and simulated spinal manipulations. The Spine Journal, 6(2):131–137. PMID 16517383. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- McMorland G, Suter E, Casha S, du Plessis SJ, Hurlbert RJ. (2010). Manipulation or microdiskectomy for sciatica? A prospective randomized clinical study. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 33(8):576–584. PMID 21036279. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, Assendelft WJJ, de Boer MR, van Tulder MW. (2019). Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ, 364:l689. PMID 30867144. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Paige NM, Miake-Lye IM, Booth MS et al. (2017). Association of spinal manipulative therapy with clinical benefit and harm for acute low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 317(14):1451–1460. PMID 28399251. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA. (2017). Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians. Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7):514–530. PMID 28192789. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans R, Leininger B, Triano J. (2010). Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic & Osteopathy, 18:3. PMID 20184717. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Foster NE, Anema JR, Cherkin D et al. (2018). Prevention and treatment of low back pain: evidence, challenges, and promising directions. The Lancet, 391(10137):2368–2383. PMID 29573872. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Konstantinou K, Dunn KM. (2008). Sciatica: review of epidemiological studies and prevalence estimates. Spine, 33(22):2464–2472. PMID 18923325. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Global Burden of Disease Study Collaborators. (2020). Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019. The Lancet, 396(10258):1204–1222.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Back problems: overview. aihw.gov.au
- Safe Work Australia. Musculoskeletal injury statistics. safeworkaustralia.gov.au
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
BSc(Chiro), MChiro, Macquarie University
Member, Australian Chiropractors Association
Stapleton Chiropractic | Est. 1972
528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038
(08) 8297 5277 | wecanhelp@stapletonchiropractic.com.au
Mon–Fri 7am–7pm | Sat 8am–12pm
Last clinically reviewed: April 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq), AHPRA Registered.
Last clinically reviewed: 25 April 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)