Conditions We Help With

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a chiropractor, and it has one of the strongest evidence bases in chiropractic research.

The American College of Physicians (2017) issued a strong recommendation for spinal manipulation as a first-line, non-pharmacologic treatment for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain, before considering drug therapies.

A Cochrane Review (76 studies, 11,866 participants) found that spinal manipulation may result in improvement in both pain and function. At Stapleton Chiropractic, lower back pain is the most common presentation we see.

After a thorough assessment, we aim to identify the source of the problem and create a treatment plan designed to help manage your pain and improve your function.

Neck pain is one of the most well-researched areas in chiropractic care. Research published in JAMA (Paige et al., 2017) found that spinal manipulation was associated with statistically significant improvements in pain and function.

Chiropractic approaches for neck pain may include cervical adjustments, mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and postural advice.

If you'd prefer a treatment approach that doesn't involve traditional neck adjustments, alternative techniques are available. We'll always discuss the options with you.

Chiropractic care may help manage certain types of headaches, particularly cervicogenic headaches (headaches originating from the neck) and tension-type headaches.

Research suggests that spinal manipulation can be effective in reducing the frequency, intensity, and duration of these headache types.

Migraines with a cervical (neck) component may also respond to chiropractic care as part of a broader management strategy.

During your assessment, we'll work to identify whether your headaches have a musculoskeletal component that may benefit from chiropractic treatment, or whether referral to another practitioner would be more appropriate.

Sciatica, characterised by pain radiating from the lower back into the leg, is a common presentation in chiropractic practice.

Treatment aims to address the underlying cause, which may include disc issues, joint dysfunction, or muscular compression of the sciatic nerve.

Techniques may include spinal adjustments, mobilisation, soft tissue work, and specific exercises. Results vary depending on the underlying cause and severity.

Some patients respond well to conservative care, while others may require further investigation or referral. We'll be upfront with you about what to expect based on your specific presentation.

Many patients with disc-related conditions, including disc bulges and herniations, seek chiropractic care.

Treatment is tailored to the specific type and severity of the disc issue and may include modified adjustment techniques, flexion-distraction therapy, mobilisation, and rehabilitation exercises.

Techniques are adapted to avoid aggravating the disc. Not all disc problems are suitable for chiropractic care. Severe herniations with significant neurological compromise, for example, may require surgical assessment.

Part of our role is determining what we can help with and when to refer elsewhere.

Shoulder and arm pain can originate from the shoulder joint itself, the cervical spine (referred pain), the thoracic spine, or surrounding soft tissues.

Chiropractors are trained to assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions in these areas. Treatment may include joint mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, specific exercises, and postural correction.

If your shoulder or arm pain is related to a condition outside our scope (such as a rotator cuff tear requiring surgery), we'll identify that during assessment and refer you appropriately.

Postural concerns are a common reason for chiropractic visits, particularly among desk workers, tradies, and anyone spending long hours in fixed positions.

Chiropractic care aims to address the musculoskeletal components of poor posture through spinal adjustments, mobilisation, soft tissue work, and targeted strengthening exercises.

The most effective approach to posture improvement combines in-clinic treatment with ergonomic modifications to your work setup and daily habits. We'll provide practical recommendations tailored to your specific work and lifestyle.

Nerve compression (commonly called a "pinched nerve") can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.

Chiropractic care aims to address the musculoskeletal factors that may be contributing to nerve compression, such as joint dysfunction, disc issues, or muscle tension.

Treatment may include targeted adjustments, mobilisation, and exercises designed to reduce pressure on the affected nerve. If neurological symptoms are severe or progressive, further investigation or referral may be needed.

We'll assess this during your consultation.

"Tech neck" refers to neck and upper back pain associated with prolonged device use, forward head posture, and sustained desk positions. This is one of the fastest-growing reasons people seek chiropractic care.

Treatment focuses on addressing the cervical and thoracic spine, restoring range of motion, releasing tight muscles, and strengthening weakened postural muscles.

Equally important is ergonomic advice: screen height, desk setup, break frequency, and specific stretches you can do during the workday. We'll cover all of this during your treatment.

Hip pain can originate from the hip joint, the sacroiliac joint, the lumbar spine (referred pain), or surrounding muscles and soft tissues.

Chiropractors assess the full kinetic chain to identify the source and may use a combination of pelvic and lumbar adjustments, hip mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitation exercises to address the problem.

Chiropractors commonly work with patients who have osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease). While chiropractic care cannot reverse arthritis, treatment aims to help manage pain, improve joint mobility, and maintain function.

Techniques are modified to suit the condition, often using gentler, low-force approaches. Inflammatory forms of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) require careful management and may need a modified treatment approach.

We assess each case individually and coordinate with your GP or rheumatologist when appropriate.

Chiropractic care focuses on musculoskeletal conditions. Chiropractors do not treat infections, cancers, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, or other systemic medical conditions.

If during your assessment we identify signs of a condition that falls outside our scope of practice, we will refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Being transparent about what we can and can't help with is a core part of how we practice. We'd rather refer you to the right person than offer care that isn't suitable for your condition.