Conditions
Back Pain
Back pain in athletes and active individuals — assessed, diagnosed, and treated at the root cause.
Back pain is one of the most common and most mismanaged conditions in active individuals. The mistake most people make is treating the pain, not the cause — which is why it keeps coming back.
At INVICTUS, every case of back pain starts with a thorough assessment of the whole system — not just the site of pain. This includes movement analysis, load assessment, neurological screening where indicated, and a complete musculoskeletal examination.
Back pain in athletes often has a specific mechanism — whether it is a disc loading issue, facet irritation, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or a muscular problem secondary to poor movement patterns. Knowing the exact diagnosis shapes the entire treatment approach.
Treatment is specific, progressive, and always paired with rehabilitation. The goal is not just to reduce pain — it is to build the capacity to manage training and sport demands without the same problems recurring.
How we treat it
Root-cause diagnosis
Full assessment to identify the specific structure and mechanism driving your back pain — not a generic diagnosis.
Manual therapy
Targeted spinal manipulation, mobilisation, and soft tissue work to restore movement and reduce pain.
Load rehabilitation
Progressive loading program to rebuild spinal capacity and reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Movement retraining
Correction of the movement faults that are loading your spine incorrectly during training.
Return to sport
A clear, staged return-to-sport plan with objective criteria before you progress.
Long-term prevention
Education and programming to protect your back under the ongoing demands of your sport.
Back Pain — FAQ
In most cases, movement is better than rest — but the right movement matters. Complete rest is rarely the answer. Rudy will guide you on what movements are safe and helpful at each stage of your recovery.
Most back pain is musculoskeletal and responds well to treatment. However, certain symptoms — such as pain that does not change with position, pain at night, or pain accompanied by bowel or bladder changes — require urgent assessment. If in doubt, book immediately.
Recurrent back pain is often a sign that the contributing factors — movement patterns, load management, underlying mechanics — haven't been fully identified or addressed. Managing the acute episode without working on what's driving it means the same conditions that caused it are still present.
Yes. Disc-related back pain — including disc bulges and herniations — is a common presentation in sports chiropractic. Conservative management is appropriate for the majority of disc presentations, and most cases do not require surgical intervention. Where specialist input is indicated, Rudy will refer appropriately.
Related conditions
Dealing with back pain?
Book an initial assessment at INVICTUS Sport & Spine and get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.