Most of us will have back pain at some point. For some it’s a niggle that comes and goes; for others it gets in the way of work, sleep and everything in between. At Target Health our chiropractors have been treating back pain in South Norwood for over 30 years, with hands-on care tailored to you.
What causes back pain?
Most back pain is mechanical. That means it comes from the way the joints, muscles and ligaments of the spine are moving and working together, rather than from a serious disease. Common contributors include:
- Long hours sitting at a desk or driving
- Lifting, bending and twisting at work or in the garden
- Poor posture and muscle imbalance
- Stress, which often shows up as muscle tension
- Lack of regular movement
You might feel it as a dull ache across the lower back, stiffness first thing in the morning, or a sharp catch when you bend. Low back pain is sometimes called lumbago.

How chiropractic can help with back pain
Chiropractic care for back pain starts with finding out why your back hurts, not just where.
- A thorough assessment. We take a full history and examine how your spine, pelvis and hips are moving.
- Hands-on treatment. We use gentle, specific adjustments to joints that are not moving well, along with soft tissue work on tight muscles. Techniques include Diversified Chiropractic Technique and Trigger Point Therapy.
- Advice you can use. We’ll show you exercises, stretches and posture changes to support your recovery and help reduce the chance of it coming back.
We treat acute back pain that has come on recently, and chronic back pain that has been with you for months or years.
What to expect at your first visit
Your first appointment includes a consultation, examination and, where appropriate, your first treatment. We’ll explain what we’ve found in plain language and agree a plan with you. If we think chiropractic isn’t right for you, we’ll tell you and point you to the right help.
Back pain FAQs
Do I need a GP referral? No. You can book directly with us.
How many sessions will I need? It depends on how long you’ve had the problem and what’s causing it. We’ll give you an honest estimate after your first assessment.
Is chiropractic treatment painful? Most people find it comfortable. You may feel some mild soreness for a day or two afterwards, similar to after exercise.
Should I rest or keep moving? For most back pain, staying gently active is better than bed rest. We’ll advise you on what is right for your back.
Ready to get your back looked at?
Our clinic is at 121 South Norwood Hill, SE25 6DD, open Monday to Friday and Saturday mornings.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ’s page or give us a call on 020 8771 2070 — we’re happy to help.