Back Pain

Osteopathy

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek osteopathic care. It can come on suddenly or build gradually over time, often affecting how you move, work, and rest.

At Sophie Hannan Osteopathy, I focus not only on relieving pain, but understanding what’s contributing to it - so you can move more comfortably and with greater ease.

What causes back pain?

Back pain can arise from a range of factors, and is often influenced by a combination of physical and lifestyle elements.

Common contributors include:

  • Muscle strain or tension

  • Joint irritation or stiffness

  • Prolonged sitting or desk work

  • Postural or movement habits

  • Lifting or changes in activity levels

  • Stress and nervous system load

  • Previous injuries

Sometimes there isn’t a single clear cause, even when imaging findings like disc bulges or degeneration are present. Pain often reflects how your body has adapted to ongoing demands over time.

Common types of back pain

I commonly see people experiencing:

  • Acute lower back pain (sudden onset)

  • Chronic or recurring back pain

  • Upper and mid-back tension

  • Stiffness and reduced mobility

  • Pain related to prolonged sitting or standing

  • Back pain during pregnancy

  • Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms

Back pain diagnoses and presentations

Back pain is sometimes linked to specific diagnoses, although many people experience symptoms without a clear structural cause.

I work with people who have been diagnosed with:

  • Disc bulges or disc injuries

  • Facet joint irritation

  • Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) pain or dysfunction

  • Muscle strains or ligament sprains

  • Sciatica or nerve-related pain

  • Degenerative changes such as osteoarthritis

  • Postural or loading-related back pain

A diagnosis can be helpful, but it’s only one part of the picture. I focus on how your symptoms are presenting for you, and what will best support your recovery.

How can osteopathy help with back pain?

Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach, considering how different areas of the body may be contributing to your symptoms.

In treatment, I may use:

  • Hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension

  • Joint mobilisation to support movement

  • Soft tissue work and gentle stretching

  • Guidance around posture and daily movement

  • Exercise advice to support recovery

  • Strategies to help regulate the nervous system

The aim is to help your body move more freely, reduce discomfort, and support longer-term resilience.

What to expect from treatment

In your initial consultation, I’ll take a detailed history and assess how you move to better understand your symptoms and what may be contributing to them.

Treatment is always tailored to you, and may change over time depending on how your body responds.

Some people experience relief relatively quickly, while others benefit from a more gradual approach - particularly if pain has been present for a longer period.

When should you see an osteopath for back pain?

You might consider booking an appointment if:

  • Pain isn’t improving after a few days

  • It’s affecting your work, sleep, or daily activities

  • You notice recurring flare-ups

  • You feel stiff, restricted, or “out of balance”

  • You’d like support to prevent future episodes

A more personalised approach to back pain

Back pain is rarely about just one structure or one moment. I take the time to understand your individual pattern - how you move, what your body has adapted to, and what it may need to recover.

Book an appointment

If you're experiencing back pain and are looking for an osteopath in Leichhardt, Inner West Sydney, you're welcome to book an appointment or get in touch if you'd like to see whether osteopathy is the right fit for you.