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Back pain, anatomical illustration
Conditions we treat

Back pain treatment in Christchurch

Back pain can affect every part of your life. Whether it's disrupting your sleep, limiting your work, stopping you exercising or preventing you from enjoying time with your family, we'll help you understand what's causing your pain, what's preventing recovery, and create a personalised plan to help you get back to the life you enjoy. Many patients begin noticing meaningful improvement within two to three visits.

ACC handled in-house No referral needed Same-day appointments often available

Common back pain symptoms

Most people we treat for back pain recognise two or more of these. If that's you, you're a strong candidate for hands-on assessment and osteopathic treatment.

Recognising two or more? That's exactly the pattern we treat every day. Book a consult and we'll work it out together.

Book a back pain consult

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 consult

How 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
01 Relieve

Settle the pain

Reduce pain, ease muscle tension and help you move more comfortably.

02 Rebuild

Restore movement and strength

Improve the way your back moves, builds strength and copes with everyday activities.

03 Prevent

Keep it from returning

Address the factors contributing to your back pain and help reduce future flare-ups.

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

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 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."

Brian and Linda Cousins

★★★★★
"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!"

Stewart Wilson

★★★★★
"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."

Mel Stopford

★★★★★
"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."

Georgia Black

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.

  • 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.

FAQs about back pain

What does an osteopath do for back pain?

We assess the spine, pelvis, and surrounding chain (hips, mid-back, ribs), then tailor hands-on treatment plus a progressive plan to reduce pain and rebuild capacity.

Should I rest or keep moving?

Usually keep moving within tolerable limits. Total rest tends to slow recovery. We'll guide you on what's safe based on your assessment.

Do I need a scan for back pain?

Not always. Most back pain doesn't require imaging. If your presentation suggests a scan would change management, we'll discuss options and refer where appropriate.

How long will it take to feel better?

It varies. Many people improve within a few sessions; longer-standing or recurring pain often needs a structured plan. We'll outline a realistic timeline at your first visit.

Can Osteopathy help if my back pain keeps coming back?

Often yes. Recurring pain usually has identifiable contributors (load, capacity, habits). A clear assessment and a Relief-Rebuild-Prevent plan reduces recurrence.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

Yes. Many pregnant patients see osteopaths for back pain. Treatment is adapted for comfort and stage of pregnancy.

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.

When to seek urgent care

Some signs need same-day attention

These are uncommon, but if any apply, do not wait for an appointment.

Call us now 0800 67 77 00

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

Care tailored to people like you

Back pain shows up differently depending on your life and work. Explore the care built for your situation.