Lower back pain is a common issue affecting millions worldwide, often leading to chronic discomfort and impacting daily activities. Osteopathic care provides a holistic, non-invasive solution not only for lower back pain but also for conditions like hip bursitis, pelvic pain, disc bulges, sciatica, pinched nerves, facet joint sprains, and disc degeneration.
At Riverside Wellness Centre, Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) and his team deliver tailored osteopathic treatments that promote healing and restore function.
In this overview, we’ll explore common conditions, their anatomy, symptoms, and how osteopathy—especially the care provided at Riverside Wellness Centre—can offer effective, lasting relief.
The lumbar spine, or lower back, consists of five vertebrae that provide stability and flexibility. These vertebrae are supported by intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves. When any of these structures becomes strained or misaligned, lower back pain often results.
Common causes of lower back pain include:
– Muscle strain
– Poor posture
– Herniated discs
– Degenerative disc disease
Symptoms can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain down the legs, often accompanied by stiffness and limited mobility. At Riverside Wellness Centre, Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) focuses on relieving lower back pain through spinal alignment, muscle relaxation, and joint mobility enhancement. Techniques like soft tissue manipulation and spinal adjustments are used to address the root causes of pain, providing effective relief and improved function.
Hip bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) cushioning the hip joint become inflamed, often due to repetitive movement, prolonged pressure, or injury.
Symptoms include:
– Pain on the outer side of the hip
– Swelling and tenderness
– Discomfort during movement, especially when lying on the affected side or climbing stairs
Through osteopathic treatment, Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) and his team focus on reducing inflammation and restoring hip mobility. Techniques such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilisation help relieve pressure on the bursae, promote circulation, and facilitate healing. Strengthening exercises for hip muscles are also used to prevent future episodes.
Pelvic pain can result from muscular imbalances, joint misalignment, or even internal organ dysfunction. The pelvis is crucial to movement, balance, and posture.
Symptoms range from aching or sharp discomfort in the lower abdomen, groin, or hips, which may also radiate to the lower back. Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) assesses musculoskeletal imbalances in the pelvic region to develop comprehensive treatment plans. Myofascial release and spinal manipulation are commonly used to relieve tension and enhance alignment, providing lasting relief.
Intervertebral discs cushion the vertebrae, but a disc bulge can press on nearby nerves, often due to age, injury, or poor posture.
Symptoms may include:
– Localised pain
– Numbness, tingling, or weakness
– Sciatica or limited mobility in severe cases
At Riverside Wellness Centre, Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) uses gentle spinal adjustments to relieve pressure on affected discs and improve alignment. Complementary soft tissue techniques and postural exercises support spinal health and prevent future issues.
Sciatica refers to pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. This condition is often caused by herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs compressing the nerve.
Symptoms include:
– Sharp, shooting pain from the lower back down the leg
– Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg
Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) employs spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapies, and targeted stretches to alleviate sciatic nerve compression, leading to enhanced mobility and reduced pain.
A pinched nerve happens when surrounding tissues apply too much pressure, disrupting nerve function. This can occur in the neck, lower back, or wrists.
Symptoms may include:
– Sharp, burning pain
– Tingling or numbness
– Muscle weakness
Through osteopathic care, Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) addresses nerve compression, improving function and offering long-term relief.
Facet joints, located between vertebrae, enable controlled motion in the spine. When injured or inflamed due to sudden movement or poor posture, they can lead to facet joint sprain.
Symptoms include:
– Sharp, localised pain
– Stiffness
– Difficulty moving the affected area
Osteopathic treatment at Riverside Wellness Centre involves gentle spine mobilisation and muscle relaxation to ease inflammation and restore mobility.
Disc degeneration is a natural part of aging, as intervertebral discs lose flexibility and cushioning ability over time. However, injury or poor posture can hasten this process.
Symptoms include:
– Chronic back pain
– Stiffness
– Limited mobility
Osteopathic care from Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) emphasises improving spinal alignment, increasing mobility, and strengthening support muscles. These treatments alleviate pressure on the discs and help slow degeneration, enhancing daily comfort and quality of life.
At Riverside Wellness Centre, our team provides a holistic, non-invasive approach to managing a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including lower back pain, hip bursitis, pelvic pain, disc bulges, sciatica, pinched nerves, facet joint sprains, and disc degeneration.
By addressing the root cause of pain and discomfort, Dr Zac Hakes (Osteopath) and his team help patients across Ballina, Lennox Head, and the Northern Rivers region regain mobility and achieve long-lasting relief. Whether you’re seeking to manage chronic pain or pursue preventative care, Riverside Wellness Centre supports overall well-being and helps restore balance to your body.
