"I started at Better Health Osteopathy 3 weeks ago. Sam, on reception was exceptionally helpful, even calling one of the osteopath's out to answer my questions and putting my mind at ease. Ella, the osteopath assigned to me is amazing. I would totally recommend her and the practice."
What's behind it
What's contributing to your back pain?
Back pain is rarely caused by just one thing. It's usually the result of several factors working together. Our job is to identify what's contributing to your pain and help you recover.
- 01 Mechanical strain: lifting, twisting, or a sudden jump in spinal load
- 02 Disc or nerve irritation, with or without nerve symptoms into the leg
- 03 Joint stiffness through the spine, ribs or pelvis
- 04 Reduced strength or capacity in the core, hips, and glutes
- 05 Sustained postures: long driving, desk sitting or standing
- 06 Pregnancy or postnatal load changes: shifting weight, ligament laxity, lifting a baby
The sooner you understand what is driving your back pain, the sooner you can start recovering.
Book a back pain consultHow we treat it
A clear path to recovery
Every treatment begins with understanding what's causing your back pain and what's preventing it from improving. Once we've completed a thorough assessment, we'll explain what we've found and create a personalised plan to relieve your pain, restore your movement and strength, and help reduce the risk of future flare-ups.
What we assess
- Spinal movement, and which directions or positions reproduce your pain
- Joint mobility and muscle tension through the lower back, pelvis, and hips
- Core, glute, and lower-limb strength, and how you load through the spine
- Posture and daily habits (sitting, lifting, sleep) that keep flaring it
- Nerve involvement, and any signs that warrant a scan or referral
Settle the pain
Reduce pain, ease muscle tension and help you move more comfortably.
Restore movement and strength
Improve the way your back moves, builds strength and copes with everyday activities.
Keep it from returning
Address the factors contributing to your back pain and help reduce future flare-ups.
Your care team
Meet your care team
Every osteopath at Better Health Osteopathy is registered with the Osteopathic Council of New Zealand and follows the same evidence-informed approach to assessment, treatment and rehabilitation. This page is clinically reviewed by Lorraine Herity, Clinic Director & Principal Osteopath.
Experienced osteopaths you can trust
Whoever you see, you will receive the same thorough assessment, hands-on treatment and personalised rehabilitation plan. We work as one team to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible.
- Over 60,000 consultations
- Helping Christchurch for over 10 years
- Registered OCNZ osteopaths
- ACC accredited
- Same-day appointments often available
What patients say
Real stories from Christchurch patients
There is no better measure of our care than the experiences of the people we have helped. Here is what Christchurch patients say about their recovery.
"I’ve been seeing Lorraine for several years now and she is nothing short of a miracle worker. No matter what I walk in with - aches, pains or something that just feels “off” - she always knows exactly what to do and somehow gets my body back on track every single time. Beyond her incredible skill and knowledge, Lorraine is an absolute delight. She creates such a warm, welcoming environment and genuinely cares about her clients. You never feel rushed - she takes the time to listen, understand and treat the root of the problem. As both the clinic owner and manager, it’s clear she pours her heart into Better Health Osteopathy and it shows in every aspect of the experience. If you’re looking for someone you can truly trust with your body, Lorraine is the one. I wouldn’t go anywhere else!"
"Such an awesome clinic. Fixed me every time and helps me to feel stronger and healthier as a result. Couldn’t recommend more. They are worth their weight in gold."
"Highly recommend. I have been seeing Lorraine at BHO for multiple years now including visits for both of my children as newborns. So handy to now have a second location on Colombo street! Beautiful, clean clinic and the staff are friendly as always. Overall a great experience and well worth it in my opinion."
What to expect
What to expect at your first appointment
Our goal is simple: give you answers, explain your options, and help you take the next step towards recovery.
30 minutes
Time to listen, assess and answer your questions.
Bring
Comfortable clothing, any scans, and your ACC details if it is an injury.
You will leave knowing
A clear understanding of what is causing your pain and your personalised recovery plan.
No referral needed
Book directly. We will take care of your ACC claim if needed.
The questions we'll answer
- What's causing my pain?
- Why did it happen?
- Why isn't it getting better?
- Do I need a scan or specialist?
- What's the best path to recovery?
We will explain everything in plain English, answer your questions, and make sure you understand your treatment options before moving forward.
New here? See what to expect at your first visit , or see our fees .
Book your visit
Ready to get back to the life you love?
We will help you understand what is causing your pain and create a personalised plan to help you recover.
Frequently asked
FAQs about back pain
What does an osteopath do for back pain?
Should I rest or keep moving?
Do I need a scan for back pain?
How long will it take to feel better?
Can Osteopathy help if my back pain keeps coming back?
Is it safe during pregnancy?
Start today
What you can do at home right now
Small, safe steps that usually help while you wait for your first appointment.
Keep moving within tolerable limits
Short walks and gentle mobility usually beat total rest.
Reduce the biggest irritator for 7-10 days
Heavy lifting, prolonged sitting, or twisting movements that flare symptoms.
Sleep position matters
A pillow between or under the knees can ease low-back pressure overnight.
Heat for muscle tension
A warm pack on tight muscles for 10-15 minutes can help short-term.
Some signs need same-day attention
These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.
If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek urgent medical care or call 111.
- Severe back pain after significant trauma (fall, vehicle accident)
- Numbness or weakness in both legs, or sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
- Saddle-area numbness (between legs)
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or feeling acutely unwell with back pain
- Severe night pain unrelieved by rest or position changes
Who we help
Care tailored to people like you
Back pain shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.
Office workers
Relief from desk-related back, neck, and shoulder strain. Help with posture, headaches, RSI, and the wear of a sedentary work day.
Tradies & manual workers
Hands-on care for tradies and manual workers. Help with back, knee, shoulder, and wrist strain so you can keep working without recurring flare-ups.
Pregnancy
Gentle, pregnancy-safe osteopathic care for every trimester. Ease back, pelvic, hip, and rib pain so you can move and rest comfortably.
Sports & athletes
Faster recovery, smarter training, and lasting injury prevention. Hands-on Osteopathy for runners, lifters, team-sport players, and weekend warriors.
Seniors
Helping you stay mobile, comfortable, and independent. Gentle Osteopathy for arthritis, balance, post-surgery recovery, and confident movement.
Related conditions
Further reading
- First aid 6 min
Sudden Back Pain: What to Do Today
A clear plan for the first 48 hours of a sudden back pain episode. What helps, what doesn't, when to wait, and when to get checked.
- Guide 5 min
What Is Core Strength and How Do I Maintain It?
What core strength actually is (not just abs), why it matters for back, hip, and shoulder function, and a practical maintenance programme that fits real life.
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Guide 6 minHow Spinal Decompression Actually Works
How does spinal decompression work? Learn how gentle, computer-controlled traction eases pressure on discs and nerves, and when it actually helps.











