What's usually behind ongoing back pain
Ongoing back pain is usually mechanical, and that's good news. It responds to the right examination and treatment.
Back pain usually builds from ordinary movement like sitting at a desk or in a van, lifting the same way every day, carrying heavy things without thinking about it. Then one day it's the thing you're managing around.
From your first chiropractic visit, we focus on finding what's actually driving your back pain using evidence-based practice and techniques so you can keep doing what you need to do while it gets better.
Two chiropractors, one assessment-first approach
The same standard before any treatment begins.
Care at our Rotherham clinic is delivered by Gareth Rhys and Poppy Shentall, and every appointment starts the same way: a full history and a physical examination before any hands-on treatment, so you know what is actually being treated and why.
Gareth Rhys, BSc(Chiro), DC, CCEP, ICSSD, MCC, has practised in the area since 1993 and has over 30 years in the profession. Outside the clinic he treats athletes competing at national and international level, work that means he's used to assessing back pain caused by repeated load and high-impact movement.
Poppy Shentall completed her Master's in Chiropractic at London South Bank University and treats at Rotherham. Her approach centres on spinal manipulation and mobilisation paired with structured rehabilitation exercises, so treatment doesn't stop at relief. It comes with a plan for keeping the improvement between visits.
Treatment can include:
- Hands-on spinal manipulation and mobilisation, matched to what the examination finds
- Soft tissue work and rehabilitation exercises, so the improvement holds after you leave
- Expert guidance on posture and movement, to help you reduce re-occuring symptoms
What to expect in our Rotherham clinic
Step 1: Assessment
Step 2: Treatment
Step 3: Review
What back pain treatment can change
- Getting through a working day without stopping to stretch every twenty minutes. Sitting, driving, or standing for a full shift stops being something you have to manage around.
- Getting back to the things you'd given up. The garden, a round of golf, or picking up your grandkids comfortably.
- Fewer repeat flare-ups. Rehab exercises target the pattern behind the pain and help you reduce flare ups.
Chiropractic
Chiropractors specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders of the joints, muscles and soft tissues, particularly those of the spine and their effect on the nervous system.
The chiropractor is a specialist clinician. Five years of training mean highly developed diagnostic skills, and as a professional consultant he/she can determine whether manipulation is appropriate for the condition, or whether the patient should be referred for other types of treatment or further investigation.
Frequently asked questions
What people usually ask before their first Rotherham appointment.
No. Chiropractors in the UK are primary contact practitioners, so you can book directly without going through your GP first. We're happy to liaise with your doctor if you'd like us to.
Yes. Gareth and Poppy both start with the same thorough assessment for back pain, so you're not choosing between different standards of care, just who has an appointment that suits you. If you have a preference, you can select either when you book.
We won't put a number on that before examining you, and you should be cautious of anyone who does upfront. After your assessment we'll give you a realistic estimate based on what we find, and reassess as you go.
Spinal manipulation isn't usually painful. Some patients feel mild soreness for a day or so afterwards, similar to after exercise. We explain what we're going to do before we do it, and work within what you're comfortable with.
Yes. Pain, numbness or pins and needles referring into the buttock or leg is common with back problems, and testing for nerve involvement is part of the standard assessment.
We don't bill insurers directly. Patients pay at the appointment and many claim back through a health cash plan such as Westfield Health. It's worth checking the terms of your own policy.
Ready to get a proper answer for your back pain?
Book an assessment at 1 Clifton Lane, Rotherham.
You don't have to keep managing it and hoping it settles. Book an assessment with Gareth or Poppy at our Rotherham clinic and find out what's actually going on.
