Back Pain Treatment in Cardiff
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see us. It might have built up slowly from long days at a desk, or appeared suddenly after lifting, gardening or training. Either way, it can make everyday things like getting out of bed, sitting at work or picking up your kids feel like hard work.
At ADT Chiropractic, our Cardiff chiropractors look beyond where it hurts to find why it hurts. We then build a clear, hands-on plan to ease your pain, get you moving well again and help stop it coming back.
Book a new patient consultation or call 02920 501880.
"Pain is often the final warning sign, not the first."
What causes back pain?
Most back pain is mechanical. That means it comes from how the joints, muscles, discs and ligaments of your back are moving and coping with load, rather than from serious disease. It is very common and usually very treatable.
Common types include:
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Joint restriction – stiff spinal or pelvic joints that don't move as well as they should, often with local muscle tightness
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Muscle strain or spasm – a sudden sharp pain, often after lifting, twisting or a heavy session
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Disc-related pain – deeper pain that can be worse sitting or bending, and sometimes spreads into the buttock
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Postural and desk-related pain – a dull, nagging ache that builds through the day
Things that commonly contribute:
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Long periods of sitting or driving
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Lifting without bracing, or lifting more than you're used to
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A sudden jump in training, gardening or DIY
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Poor sleep, stress and low activity levels
"The better your body can handle load, the less likely you are to get hurt."
If your pain travels down your leg, or you have numbness or tingling, see our sciatica page.
How we can help
We don't just treat the sore spot. We look at how your back, hips and pelvis are moving as a whole, and what is overloading them. Your plan usually combines:
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Spinal and pelvic adjustments to free up stiff, restricted joints
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Soft tissue therapy and massage to ease muscle tension and spasm
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Rehabilitation exercises to build strength and help your back tolerate everyday load
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Practical advice on desk setup, lifting, sleep and staying active while you recover
UK guidelines from NICE recommend manual therapy alongside exercise for low back pain. That combination is exactly how we work.
Your first visit
Your new patient consultation lasts up to 60 minutes and costs £60. It includes:
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A full case history: your symptoms, health, work and lifestyle
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A physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination
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A clear explanation of what we think is going on
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Your first treatment where appropriate, and a plan for what comes next
Follow-up appointments are 30 minutes and cost £42.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone is different. Many people with recent back pain notice a change within the first few sessions, while pain that has been around for months can take longer. Our aim is to get you managing well on your own, not to keep you coming back. We review your progress regularly and will always be upfront about what to expect.
What you can do in the meantime
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Keep moving gently. Short, regular walks usually help more than bed rest.
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Change position often. Break up long periods of sitting every 30–45 minutes.
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Use heat on tight, achy muscles if it feels comfortable.
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Ease off, don't stop. Reduce heavy lifting or training for now rather than stopping everything.
When to get urgent help
Most back pain is not serious, but go to A&E or call 999 if you have back pain with any of these:
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Numbness or tingling around your genitals, bottom or inner thighs
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New problems passing urine, or losing control of your bladder or bowels
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Weakness or numbness in both legs, or weakness that is quickly getting worse
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us. We will let you know if we think you need to see your GP as well.
Will I need a scan?
Most back pain doesn't need a scan. We will tell you if we think one would help and explain how to arrange it.
Does an adjustment hurt?
Most people find it comfortable. We explain everything first and adapt our approach to you, using gentler techniques where needed.
How do I stop it coming back?
Building strength and getting your back used to load again is key. That's why rehab exercises and advice are a core part of every plan.
Book your appointment
We are at Maindy Centre, Crown Way, Cardiff CF14 3AJ, with free parking. We're open Monday to Thursday 07:30–20:30 and Friday 07:30–17:00.
Book online or call 02920 501880.
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