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Stapleton Chiropractic - trusted by Adelaide families for over 50 years

528 Marion Road · Plympton Park · Adelaide

Slipped disc chiropractor in Adelaide

That back or leg pain after you were told slipped disc, disc bulge, or herniated disc can make sitting, lifting, and the drive home harder than they should be. If you want to feel better and get a clearer picture of what may be going on, book a first visit: 7am to 7pm weekdays, Saturday mornings, and free on-site parking on Marion Road.

Slipped disc is everyday language for a disc bulge, herniation, or prolapse. Disc material may shift and irritate nearby tissues or a nerve root. Pain may stay in the back or travel into a leg. A chiropractic assessment with Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) may help map what may be contributing. This is not a diagnosis from a webpage. Individual presentations vary.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) at Stapleton Chiropractic, Plympton Park
Dr Sam Johnson (Principal Chiropractor)
B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq) Slipped disc · Marion Road

B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq) · AHPRA Registered

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) has practised on Marion Road for over 10 years, continuing a clinic families have trusted since 1972.

Stapleton Chiropractic · Est. 1972 · ACA Member

(08) 8297 5277

Does this sound like you?

Educational wayline illustration of spinal disc load and nearby felt areas

Everyone starts somewhere different.
Tap the one that sounds like you.

What Happens in Your First Assessment

Clear steps. You stay in control of what happens next.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) listening to a patient at the start of a first visit
1

We listen first

Your story, work demands, and what is getting in the way of normal days.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) completing a physical assessment
2

Thorough assessment

Movement, relevant orthopaedic tests, and a careful look at the area that bothers you.

Where possible, treatment may be provided on the first visit.*

*Only where clinically appropriate, based on clinical need and suitability. Individual responses vary.

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) explaining assessment findings in clear language
3

Clear answers

What we found, what it may mean for you, and sensible options from here.

Reception at Stapleton Chiropractic during a patient handoff
4

A plan you control

If care may help, we outline options. You choose whether and how to proceed.

Assessment findings and any care offered are individual. Treatment is only provided where clinically appropriate. Individual responses vary.

How much does a first visit cost?

Clear numbers. No surprises.

Initial visit Save over 40% vs the SA average $69 initial · SA average $122*

Initial consultation

$69

SA average: $122*

Stapleton$69
SA average*$122

Standard visit

$60

SA average: $71*

Stapleton$60
SA average*$71
No lock-in plans All major health funds accepted

After your assessment, you choose how you'd like to proceed. You choose what happens next.

*Australian Chiropractors Association Consultation Fee Survey 2025 (SA data). All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

Quick answers before you book

The five things people usually want cleared first.

Can chiropractic help with a slipped disc? Most asked

Often, yes. Disc-related back and leg pain is a common reason people book here. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) examines you, explains what he finds in clear language, and maps a next step. Individual responses vary. If this is not the right path, we say so and help refer and point you in the right direction.

How much does a first visit cost? Most asked

Initial consultation $69. Standard visit $60. Over 40% below the SA average of $122 (ACA Fee Survey 2025). All major health funds accepted.

Do you accept private health? Most asked

All major private health funds accepted where your cover applies.

Do I need a referral?

No. Book directly. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) is happy to correspond with your GP when that is useful.

What if I am not sure this is a disc problem?

Your first visit is a real examination. Findings are explained in clear language. A scan label is a clue, not the whole story. If it is not the right fit here, we say so and help refer and point you in the right direction. You choose what happens next.

More questions further down the page. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses vary.

Ready to book?

Choose a time that suits. No referral needed.

Your first visit
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)

Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)

B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq) · Marion Road, Adelaide

$69

Initial consultation

Open the live diary and pick a time that suits

  • $69 first visit
  • Weekdays 7am to 7pm
  • Saturday mornings
  • Free on-site parking
  • All major health funds
  • No lock-in plans

Prefer to call? (08) 8297 5277

All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

More questions people ask

Deeper answers if you want them. The booking path is still above.

What is the difference between a slipped disc, bulging disc, and herniated disc?

Slipped disc is everyday language. A bulging disc is where the disc has pushed outward and the outer fibres are intact. A herniated or prolapsed disc is where disc material has moved through a tear.

Both may irritate nearby nerves and cause back or leg pain. A webpage cannot give you that label. Your visit is where we work out what may be contributing to your pattern.

Can a chiropractor help a herniated disc?

Conservative care, including assessment and hands-on options, may help manage many disc-related presentations. Individual responses vary. Suitability is decided after examination.

We do not claim to put a disc back or replace a surgical opinion when that path is wiser.

Do I need a decompression table?

Some people search for spinal decompression after a disc scan. We assess first. We do not run a decompression-clinic product page.

Hands-on and gentle low-force options are available when appropriate. If another path fits better, we say so and help refer and point you in the right direction.

Will I need scans?

Not always. Clinical guidelines including NICE NG59 caution against routine imaging for non-specific low back pain, because scans often show changes that are not the cause of symptoms.

Imaging is used when red flags are present, when progress is not being made as expected, or when a surgical opinion is being considered. X-rays only with your agreement.

Is chiropractic generally well-tolerated if I have a confirmed herniated disc?

Many people with disc-related back or leg pain are managed conservatively. Hands-on care is not right for every presentation. A careful assessment helps decide whether manual therapy is suitable, which techniques fit, and whether a gentler low-force option is wiser. Temporary discomfort can occur. Individual responses vary.

Where do I park and how do I find you?

528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038. Free on-site parking at the clinic. Easy access via the main road if you are already driving past. Open in Maps.

How many visits will I need?

There is no fixed number for everyone. Progress is reviewed regularly. Individual responses vary.

Should I see my GP first?

You do not need a GP referral to see a chiropractor in Australia. If new bladder or bowel change, saddle numbness, rapidly progressing leg weakness, fever, or pain after major trauma is present, start with your GP or emergency care.

For a more typical mechanical presentation, starting here is a common path. We will coordinate with your GP when imaging or further review is indicated.

Should I see a chiropractor or a physiotherapist for a slipped disc?

Both are qualified to assess musculoskeletal presentations. Here the first visit is an honest check of joint, disc, and nerve-root clues. If physio or something else may fit better, Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will say so and help refer and point you in the right direction.

Do you use spinal manipulation or mobilisation?

Hands-on care including adjustments, and gentle low-force options, are available when appropriate. Suitability is decided after assessment, not in advance from a page. Options are explained so you can decide.

Can I still drive?

Many people continue to drive if they can do so safely. If pain, weakness, or restricted movement affects pedal control or concentration, do not drive and seek medical advice. We can discuss sitting comfort after assessment. This is not a driving clearance.

Does a slipped disc always mean surgery?

No. Many disc presentations are managed conservatively. Surgery is a medical decision when red flags, progressive neurological change, or failed conservative care make it the wiser path.

We do not pressure that decision. If a surgical opinion is needed, we help refer and point you in the right direction.

Which mechanical patterns may be involved?

Several patterns may look similar. Tap a card. Assessment decides. Nothing here is a diagnosis.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis and does not replace a proper clinical assessment. Individual presentations vary.

When should I seek urgent care for disc-related pain?

Many disc presentations are mechanical. Call 000 or attend ED if you develop any of the following.

Seek urgent care if these signs appear Call 000 or attend ED. Many disc presentations are mechanical.

Bladder or bowel change

New difficulty passing urine, loss of control, or a change in bowel function alongside back or leg pain. This is an emergency feature and must not be delayed.

Saddle numbness

Numbness in the groin, inner thighs, or the area that would sit on a bicycle saddle. Seek urgent medical assessment, not a routine first visit.

Rapidly progressing leg weakness

A foot that will not lift, a knee that gives way, or weakness that is clearly getting worse over hours or days.

Fever, unexplained weight loss, or recent major trauma

Back pain with fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or pain after a fall or crash needs medical assessment first.

General information only, not medical advice. This is not an exhaustive list. If you are unsure, contact your GP, healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or emergency services.

What may be contributing to your disc-related pain?

A short orientation only. Tap a card. Assessment decides. Nothing here is a diagnosis.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis and does not replace a proper clinical assessment. Individual presentations vary. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.

What does slipped disc actually mean?

People often hear slipped disc, bulge, or herniation and assume they all mean the same thing. Those words describe how the disc looks. They do not, on their own, tell us what may be contributing to your pain. A careful assessment is the starting point.

Slipped disc is common language, not a clinical term. A bulging disc is where the disc has pushed outward and the outer fibres are intact. A herniated or prolapsed disc is where disc material has moved through a tear. Both may irritate nearby tissues or a nerve root. Both may also sit quietly on a scan.

A scan can be useful. It is still only part of the picture. Many people have disc changes on imaging with little or no pain. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) checks how you move, screens for red flags, and explains what he finds in clear language. Hands-on care including adjustments, and gentle low-force options, are available when appropriate. Suitability is decided after examination, not in advance from a webpage.

Guideline-level care for low back pain with or without nerve-root clues usually starts conservative, with red-flag screening, then review. Disc bulge already points here. If the leg story is louder, read our sciatica page. If the disc wording is not yours, read our lower back pain page. Or book so we can assess your pattern.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis and does not replace a proper clinical assessment. Individual presentations vary. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability. Individual responses to treatment vary.

What does research suggest about disc-related back care?

Guideline and review-level context for conversation. Individual responses vary. This is not a personal prognosis.

$69Initial consult here
$122SA average initial*
1972Clinic established
6 daysMon to Sat hours

NICE NG59

The UK NICE guideline on low back pain and sciatica recommends self-management advice, exercise, and manual therapy including spinal manipulation within a package of care. It cautions against routine imaging for non-specific low back pain. Study context, not a prediction for you.

NICE Guideline NG59, 2016 updated 2020

Paige review of SMT

A JAMA systematic review of 26 randomised trials found spinal manipulative therapy may provide modest short-term improvements in pain and function for acute low back pain compared with sham, passive care, or no treatment. Individual responses vary.

Paige et al., 2017 · PMID 28399251

Santilli disc-protrusion trial

A randomised double-blind trial studied active versus simulated spinal manipulation in people with acute back pain and sciatica with disc protrusion. Active manipulation was associated with reduced pain and disability at short-term follow-up. Patient selection and red-flag screening matter.

Santilli et al., 2006 · PMID 16531187

Manual therapy evidence map

The UK evidence report summarises where manual therapies may help musculoskeletal presentations. Suitability depends on assessment. Adverse events in reviews are generally described as minor and transient.

Bronfort et al., 2010 · PMID 20184717

Activity over passivity

Guideline-level care favours staying as active as is suitable, with red-flag screening, then review. Waiting is not always the best option if pain is severe or function is affected. We do not publish recovery timeframes.

Conversation context, not a personal prognosis

Imaging is not the whole story

Disc changes are common on scans in people with little or no pain. Treating a picture alone may mislead. Assessment still decides what may be contributing to your pattern.

NICE NG59 imaging caution

Red flags stay open

Serious pathology is uncommon. Screening still matters. New bladder or bowel change, saddle numbness, or rapidly progressing leg weakness means urgent medical care first.

Conversation context, not a personal prognosis

After we assess, we talk it through

Care is discussed after assessment. Progress is reviewed regularly. If imaging, your GP, or another path is wiser, we say so. In-house cold laser may be discussed if a soft-tissue picture fits. Ask at your visit. Individual responses vary.

Conversation context, not a personal prognosis

What this means here

Citations support a conversation. They do not promise your outcome. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) will explain what he finds and what is sensible next. You choose.

Book a first visit to apply this to you

QuestionChiropractic herePhysiotherapy
Primary focusLumbar mechanics, nerve-root screening, and hands-on care including adjustments where suitableOften more exercise-focused or soft-tissue-centric
ExerciseExercises and stretches may be prescribed where appropriate, alongside hands-on careExercise rehabilitation is often a main focus
Soft tissueIn-house cold laser may be discussed if a soft-tissue picture fits. Ask at your visitSoft-tissue work varies by clinic
Referral needed?No. Book directlyNo
Plan or contract?You choose the next stepVaries by clinic
If this is not the right fitWe refer and point you in the right directionYour physio may refer on

Citations support conversation, not a guarantee. Not a diagnosis. Individual responses vary. All care is provided subject to clinical assessment and individual suitability.

Does your work pattern sound familiar?

Three common situations. Tap a card. This is orientation, not a diagnosis.

General information only. This is not a diagnosis and does not replace a proper clinical assessment. Individual presentations vary.

Location, Hours and Practical Details

What you need for a smooth first visit.

Location

528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038 Free on-site parking at the clinic.

Get directions

Open early, late, Saturday

  • Mon to Fri7am to 7pm
  • Saturday8am to 12pm
  • SundayClosed

Health funds

All major health funds accepted where your cover applies.

What to bring

Comfortable clothing. Recent imaging or reports if you have them. No referral needed.

Ready when you are

on Marion Road

Est. 1972

Stapleton Chiropractic
528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038 · Directions
(08) 8297 5277
Mon to Fri 7am to 7pm · Sat 8am to 12pm
(08) 8297 5277
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) during a hands-on assessment at Stapleton Chiropractic

References

  1. 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/guidance/ng59
  2. 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.
  3. 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. Spine Journal, 6(2):131-137. PMID 16531187.
  4. Bronfort G, Haas M, Evans R, Leininger B, Triano J. (2010). Effectiveness of manual therapies: the UK evidence report. Chiropractic and Osteopathy. PMID 20184717.
Last clinically reviewed 13 August 2026 by Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq). AHPRA registered. Individual responses vary.
© Stapleton Chiropractic. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Sc.(Chiro), M.Chiro.(Macq). AHPRA registered. 528 Marion Road, Plympton Park SA 5038
author avatar
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor)
Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor), B.Chiro.Sc (Macq), M.Chiro (Macq), is the Principal Chiropractor and Clinic Director at Stapleton Chiropractic in Plympton Park, Adelaide. He provides evidence-informed chiropractic care with a focus on musculoskeletal health, spinal movement, and functional improvement. Dr Sam Johnson (Chiropractor) works with adults, older adults, and families across all stages of life, supporting concerns such as back pain, neck pain, headaches, and postural issues. He is committed to clear communication, personalised care planning, and long-term patient outcomes.
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