We’d like to use cookies to understand how our website is used and to measure our Google advertising. They’re only set if you agree. Essential settings, such as remembering this choice, are always used. Find out more.
Most back pain isn’t caused by anything serious and gets better, but it can be very painful while it lasts. We assess what’s going on and help you get moving again, with hands-on treatment, exercise and, where needed, other options.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a clinician. In most cases it comes from the muscles, joints, ligaments and discs of the lower back, rather than from damage or disease. Doctors often call this non-specific low back pain.
It can start suddenly, after lifting or twisting, or build up gradually. Most episodes settle within a few weeks, but back pain often comes back, and for some people it lasts longer.
Symptoms
Symptoms of back pain
Aching or stiffness
A dull ache or stiffness in the lower back, often worse in the morning or after sitting.
Sharp pain with movement
Sharp or catching pain when bending, lifting or twisting.
Muscle spasm
Tight, guarded muscles that make it hard to stand up straight.
Pain spreading
Pain into the buttocks or thighs. Pain below the knee may come from a nerve (sciatica).
If your back pain comes with any of the warning signs listed under When to get urgent help, seek medical help straight away.
Treatment options
Treatment for back pain
We usually start with hands-on treatment and exercise, and add other options only if they’re needed.
Chiropractic
First appointment £70, follow-ups £50
Spinal manipulation, mobilisation and soft tissue work, combined with exercises and advice to keep you active.
Hands-on treatment combined with exercises you can do at home
Several treatment options under one roof
No GP referral needed
How it works
Your four-step journey
01
Get in touch
Book online or call us. Many of our consultations are free.
02
Assessment
We listen to your history, examine you and, where it helps, scan the area with ultrasound.
03
Your plan
We explain what we think is going on and your options, with costs, so you can decide.
04
Treatment and review
We start treatment if it’s right for you, and check your progress as you go.
Causes
Why back pain happens
Back pain usually comes from a combination of things rather than a single injury: lifting or twisting awkwardly, long periods of sitting, low fitness, stress and poor sleep can all play a part. Less often, it’s linked to a disc problem, arthritis in the spine or, rarely, a more serious condition, which is why we check for warning signs at your first appointment.
The research
What does the evidence say?
UK guidelines recommend staying active and exercise for low back pain, and say hands-on treatment such as spinal manipulation can be considered as part of a package that includes exercise. A large review found that spinal manipulation gave similar benefits to other recommended treatments for long-standing low back pain [1]. The effects are usually modest, which is why we combine treatment with exercise and advice.
Self-care
Helping yourself
Keep moving gently, and return to normal activities as soon as you can.
Change position regularly if you sit for long periods.
Heat packs and simple painkillers can help in the short term. Ask a pharmacist which are right for you.
When to get urgent help
Don’t wait with these
Call 999 or go to A&E straight away if you have back pain with any of these:
new difficulty passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control
numbness around your genitals or back passage
weakness in your legs that is getting worse quickly
Seek urgent medical advice if your pain comes with a fever, follows a significant fall or injury, or you have a history of cancer, or feel generally unwell.
Your clinicians
Meet our chiropractors
Gary Edwards
Injection Therapist and Chiropractor, Clinic Director
GCC 03996
Orit Edwards
Chiropractor
GCC 04042
Jean-Luc Lafitte
Chiropractor
GCC 00771
Registered and regulated
Google reviews
What our patients say
5.0from 150 Google reviews
Lower back pain★★★★★
I went to see Gary as I was having some lower back issues. He was very friendly and knowledgeable, explaining what the likely causes were… and he followed it up with some helpful exercises to prevent future issues, as well as practical advice.
Matt and Alice K. · 2024 · Google review
Sacroiliac pain★★★★★
After the first appointment with Gary I noticed a marked improvement, and it has continued to improve with subsequent treatments. Gary’s advice on precipitating factors has been really useful and the remedial exercises he suggested are also very effective.
Paul H. · 2017 · Google review
Back and neck★★★★★
Both my wife and I have been seeing Gary Edwards… initially for acute flares of back/neck problems and now for maintenance treatment. He is extremely professional and thorough… giving us a full half hour on each visit.
Haydn B. · 2018 · Google review
Chiropractic★★★★★
I recommend Jean Luc to everyone I meet. He adopts a holistic, whole person approach… and offers great advice for continuing the work at home. The clinic is beautiful and centrally located.
Lauren T. · 2025 · Google review
Chiropractic★★★★★
Professional, friendly and most importantly effective. What’s also nice is that I was never forced to rebook or given a ‘minimum number of sessions’ for results. It’s straightforward. Book again if it helps and you need additional support.
John C. · 2024 · Google review
Headaches★★★★★
I went for a consultation with Jean Luc who suggested my migraines could be caused by a problem with my neck. After several treatments to my neck, back and jaw, my headaches began to improve and become less frequent… Jean Luc is very knowledgeable and kind.
ClinicVale Health Clinic, 31–33 Vale Road, Tunbridge Wells TN1 1BS
References
Rubinstein SM, de Zoete A, van Middelkoop M, Assendelft WJJ, de Boer MR, van Tulder MW. Benefits and harms of spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of chronic low back pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ 2019;364:l689. doi:10.1136/bmj.l689
Written by Orit Edwards, Chiropractor (GCC 04042). Last updated 15 October 2026.
