This is one of the first questions people ask when they come in.
At our Sydney CBD clinic, we work with back pain every day. Some people are hoping to feel better in a session or two. Others have been dealing with pain on and off for years and are looking for long-term support.
In short:
People with newer issues often feel real progress within 2 to 6 visits. Those dealing with longer-term or recurring pain usually need more time and a more structured plan.
What We Commonly See at the Clinic
At Spine and Posture Care, most people we help have pain linked to:
- Hours of sitting at work
- Minor gym or lifting injuries
- Stiffness that’s built up over time
- Poor posture or past injuries that were never fully addressed
“Pain usually shows up after the body has been tolerating something for a while,” explains Dr. Mark El-Hayek, clinic owner and chiropractor.
“It’s often not one big moment that causes it, but all the little things that led up to it.”
Understanding Recovery Time
We look at two key things when setting expectations:
How long the pain has been there, and what’s contributing to it.
When the Pain Is Recent (Acute)
This is the kind of back pain that appeared within the last few days or weeks.
Common causes:
- An awkward sleeping position
- A tweak from training
- Long hours sitting without movement
What we focus on:
- Reducing irritation with hands-on care
- Giving a few movements to restore flexibility
- Helping you make quick changes to desk or activity habits
Most people feel relief within 2 to 6 visits, especially when the issue is caught early and hasn’t been going on for months.
When the Pain Keeps Coming Back (Chronic)
This includes pain that’s lasted over 6–8 weeks or flares up every few weeks.
Common patterns:
- Morning stiffness that lingers
- Pain that comes and goes depending on stress, sitting, or exercise
- Problems linked to old injuries that never fully settled
How we approach it:
- We map out a plan that may involve 6 to 12 visits
- Focus shifts toward strengthening the muscles that support the lower back
- We look at daily stress, posture, and long-term movement habits
These cases usually involve more than just one tight joint or sore muscle. They take longer because we’re addressing multiple layers of the problem, not just the pain itself.
Factors That Affect Recovery
Some patterns we see almost every week that tend to stretch things out:
- Long hours of sitting without regular movement
- A history of previous flare-ups that weren’t fully resolved
- Avoiding any activity out of fear of hurting something
- Poor sleep and chronic stress
- Weak core and glute strength from lack of movement
Even simple things like short daily walks, gentle mobility drills, and better sleep can make a noticeable difference.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first session is about understanding what’s going on—not just treating symptoms.
It includes:
- A full discussion of your pain history and lifestyle
- Posture and movement checks
- Orthopaedic and neurological testing, if appropriate
- A clear explanation of what’s contributing to the pain
- Treatment to reduce discomfort and restore movement
- A plan with next steps and safe exercises to start at home
When needed, we’ll recommend scans or refer you to another provider. The goal is to be clear and practical about your next step.
Between Visits: What Usually Helps
Most people do better with small, consistent changes. These are some of the most effective ones we share:
- Stand or move every 30 to 45 minutes if you sit for work
- Go for short walks throughout the day
- Gently move your spine through pain-free ranges
- Make sure your desk setup supports your posture
- Prioritise good sleep
We’ll guide you on what’s helpful for your case and what to avoid based on how your body responds.
Signs You Should Seek Medical Attention
Some symptoms need urgent medical review. These include:
- A recent accident or trauma
- Losing control of your bladder or bowels
- Numbness in the saddle area
- Sudden or severe leg weakness
These aren’t typical for mechanical lower back pain. If you’re experiencing any of these, see your doctor or go to the hospital.
Need Help with Lower Back Pain?
Spine and Posture Care has offices in Sydney’s CBD and in Barangaroo.
Whether your back pain started last week or it’s been bothering you for months, we’ll help you figure out what’s behind it and build a plan that fits your goals.
Book your consultation now. Same-day and next-day appointments are often available.
