Lower back pain in Gladstone
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see us. Most cases settle with the right approach, and most people never need a scan or surgery.
In Gladstone a lot of the back pain we see is tied to the work people do here: long shifts, repetitive lifting, plant and maintenance work, extended driving, and rosters that leave little recovery time in between.
Common causes
- Muscle and joint strain from lifting, twisting or holding one position too long
- Disc-related pain, which often refers into the buttock or down the leg
- Stiffness through the lower back and pelvis
- Deconditioning after a period of reduced activity
- Gradual overload, where what is being asked of the back outpaces what it can currently handle
What an assessment involves
We start with your history: what brought it on, what makes it better or worse, and what you need to get back to. Then we look at how you move, how you load your spine, and your strength through the hips and trunk. We also screen for anything that needs onward referral.
The aim is to work out what is driving the pain, not just where you feel it.
How it is treated
Treatment follows what the assessment finds. It commonly combines hands-on treatment to ease pain and restore movement, a graded exercise program to rebuild strength and tolerance, and practical advice for managing work and daily activities while you recover. Shockwave and ultrasound therapy are available where they suit the problem.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Some back pain needs a doctor rather than a physiotherapist. Seek prompt medical assessment if you have numbness around the groin or buttocks, difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, progressive weakness in a leg, or back pain alongside fever, unexplained weight loss, or a recent significant injury.
Funding options
We work with NDIS participants who are plan-managed or self-managed, DVA cardholders, WorkCover Queensland claims, and Medicare Chronic Condition Management plan referrals — and we bulk bill every CDM appointment, so there is no out-of-pocket cost. HICAPS is available on site for private health fund claiming.
Book an appointment
You do not need a referral to see a physio privately. Book online any time, or call the clinic on (07) 4962 1255. We are at Shop 11, Palms Shopping Fair, 172 Goondoon Street, Gladstone, open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.
Common questions
Do I need a scan for lower back pain?
For most lower back pain, no. Imaging rarely changes what treatment is needed, and scans often show changes that are normal for your age and unrelated to your pain. A physio assessment will identify the small number of cases where a scan or a doctor’s opinion is warranted, and you will be referred on if so.
How long does lower back pain take to settle?
Most episodes improve substantially within two to six weeks with the right approach. Pain that has been there for months takes longer and needs a graded plan rather than a quick fix. Your physio will give you a realistic timeframe after the assessment rather than a generic one.
Should I rest or keep moving with back pain?
Staying as active as your pain allows is generally better than bed rest. Complete rest tends to stiffen the back and slow recovery. What that means in practice depends on your job and your symptoms, which is what the plan is for.
Can I claim back pain treatment on Medicare?
Yes, if your GP refers you under a Chronic Condition Management plan. Nordic Physio bulk bills every CDM appointment, so there is no out-of-pocket cost. WorkCover Queensland and DVA claims are billed directly to the insurer.
Reviewed by Eric Wahlander, Director and Senior Physiotherapist at Nordic Physio. Registered with Ahpra (PHY0002305253) and practising in Gladstone since 2019.