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Back Pain & Sciatica in Wānaka: What a Chiropractic Assessment Involves

Quick answer: Back pain is one of the most common reasons people in Wānaka see a chiropractor. Sciatica is a term for pain that travels from the lower back or buttock down the leg. At Active Chiropractic, the first step is a thorough assessment, which includes a case history, a physical examination, and a discussion of your findings and options. Appointments are available online or by phone on 03 443 0741.

Rob Chiropractor explaining Chiropractic.jpg

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a general term for pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back through the buttock and down the back of the leg. People describe it in different ways, including sharp, burning, aching, or tingling sensations, sometimes with numbness or a feeling of weakness in the leg or foot. It is usually felt on one side.

Sciatica is a description of symptoms, not a diagnosis in itself. Many different factors can be associated with leg pain that starts in the back, which is why an individual assessment matters.

Back pain and sciatica in an active community

Wānaka is a very active place. Riding, skiing, snowboarding, hiking, golf, pickleball, gardening, long drives, and desk work can all put different demands on the lower back. People in our community often tell us their back or leg symptoms have started to interfere with the things they enjoy, or have made sitting, sleeping, or travelling uncomfortable.

If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. Low back pain is common worldwide, and most people will experience it at some point.[1]

What does a chiropractic assessment involve?

At Active Chiropractic, new patients are seen over two visits. Here is what to expect.

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Visit one: initial assessment

  • A conversation about your symptoms, health history, activity, work, and what you would like to be able to do

  • A physical examination, which may include movement, posture, orthopaedic and neurological screening tests, depending on your presentation

  • Discussion of whether any further investigation or referral to another health professional is appropriate

  • If appropriate care can start on the first visit.

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Visit two: Report of Findings

  • A review of X-rays if they were referred on the first visit

  • A clear explanation of what was found during your assessment

  • A discussion of the options available to you and what each involves

  • Time for your questions, so you can make your own informed decisions

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Chiropractic services at Active Chiropractic may include manual care, exercise and movement advice, and general self-management information. What is offered is based on your individual assessment and preferences.

You can read more about the process, and about fees, on our New Patient Pricing and What to Expect page.

When to seek urgent medical attention

Most back pain and leg pain is not an emergency. However, some symptoms need prompt medical assessment. Please contact your GP, an after-hours medical service, or emergency services (111) if you experience:

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control, or difficulty passing urine

  • Numbness around the groin, genitals, or inner thighs (sometimes called saddle numbness)

  • New or worsening weakness in a leg or foot

  • Back pain following significant trauma, such as a fall or accident

  • Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or a history of cancer

  • Severe pain that is constant and not eased by changing position

Your chiropractor will also screen for signs that suggest you should be seen by another health professional, and will refer you on where appropriate.

Using ACC for back pain

Active Chiropractic works within the ACC system alongside private billing. If your back or leg symptoms began with an accident, such as a fall, a mountain bike crash, or a lifting injury, ACC cover may be available. ACC decides whether a claim is accepted, and we can explain how lodging a claim works at your visit. See our guide to understanding ACC-covered chiropractic care in Wānaka.

Frequently asked questions

Is sciatica the same as back pain?
Not quite. Back pain is pain in the lower back. Sciatica is pain that travels along the sciatic nerve pathway into the buttock or leg. Some people have one, some have both.

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Do I need a referral or scan before I book?
No. You can book straight in. During your assessment I’ll talk with you about whether imaging or input from another health professional is appropriate.

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What should I wear and bring?
Comfortable clothes you can move in. If you have previous scans, reports or a medication list, bring them along or let me know about them.

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How long is the first visit?
Our New Patient Pricing and What to Expect page has current appointment details and fees.

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What if my pain came from an accident?
You’re welcome to book in. We work within the ACC system, and ACC decides on cover case by case.

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Who will I be seeing?
Me. I own and run Active Chiropractic, hold FICS sports chiropractic credentials, and teach as a FICS instructor. I’ve been working in Wānaka since the clinic reopened in July 2018.

Book an appointment

If you would like to talk through your back or leg symptoms with a chiropractor in Wānaka:

General information disclaimer

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This page contains general information only and is not a substitute for individual health advice, diagnosis, or care. It does not claim that chiropractic will diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition, and individual experiences and outcomes vary. If you are unsure whether your symptoms need urgent attention, seek medical advice promptly.

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References

  1. Hartvigsen J, Hancock MJ, Kongsted A, Louw Q, Ferreira ML, Genevay S, et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. Lancet. 2018;391(10137):2356-67.

  2. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59). London: NICE; 2016 [updated 2020 Dec 11]. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng59

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