Getting to the Source of Back Pain

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, but it does not have to define your life. Whether your pain came on suddenly after a lift, built gradually over years of desk work, or follows you from an old injury that never quite healed, there are effective treatments available. The key is identifying what is actually causing your pain and addressing that specifically.

At Physiolab, back pain is assessed and treated by physiotherapists and chiropractors who work together to give you the most complete care possible.

Common Causes of Back Pain We Treat

  • Lumbar joint dysfunction and facet irritation
  • Disc injuries including bulging and herniated discs
  • Muscle strain and spasm
  • Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
  • Postural pain from prolonged sitting or standing
  • Sciatica and nerve root irritation
  • Degenerative disc disease
  • Post-surgical back pain

Treatment Approaches for Back Pain Relief

Depending on what your assessment reveals, treatment may include chiropractic spinal adjustment, physiotherapy manual therapy, IMS or dry needling, core stability exercises, postural retraining, and massage therapy. Your care team at Physiolab will build a plan that addresses your specific pain drivers rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach.

When Back Pain Becomes Chronic

If back pain has lasted more than 3 months, it may involve central nervous system sensitization alongside the original structural issue. Our approach to chronic back pain includes pain education, graded activity, and a long-term rehabilitation focus that builds lasting resilience, not just short-term symptom suppression.

Book Back Pain Treatment in Vancouver

Available at all four Physiolab Vancouver locations. ICBC and WorkSafeBC accepted. Direct billing available.

Back pain that keeps coming back is telling you something. Listen to it.

Book a back pain assessment at Physiolab in Vancouver. Our physio and chiropractic team will find what is driving your pain and build a plan to fix it. Book today.

Book Now

What Our
Patients Say

★★★★★
Can't say enough good things about Jackson Lam. I'd had chronic pain in my lower back for way too long and after our first few sessions I was pain free for the first time. His easy going nature and broad treatment skills make this the place to go.
A
Adam Parent
★★★★★
My first time at Physiolab and I was extremely impressed. I went in with a very painful back injury. Jackson assessed the situation and did a combination of IMS and manual therapy. The results were immediate and I could feel the difference right away.
K
Ken Wong
★★★★★
After experiencing major back pain earlier this year, my friend recommended Physiolab and Jackson Lam to me. Jackson is very knowledgeable and has patiently listened to my concerns. My back pain has improved significantly since starting treatment.
W
Wendy Luong
★★★★★
Courtney has been fantastic for helping me with lower back/hip/sciatica pain and stiffness. In my first session she identified and targeted an area as a root source that I and other specialists had never been close to. I really appreciate her divergent thinking.
J
J Haveruk

FAQs

Common questions about back pain relief, what treatments work for different types of back pain, and how to book physiotherapy or chiropractic in Vancouver.
What is the fastest way to get back pain relief?

For acute back pain, a combination of staying gently active, avoiding complete rest, and starting physiotherapy or chiropractic care early tends to produce the fastest results. Hands-on treatment from a skilled practitioner can provide significant relief even within the first session.

Should I see a physiotherapist or chiropractor for back pain?

Both are effective for back pain and they complement each other well. Physiotherapy offers a broader rehabilitation approach including exercise. Chiropractic focuses on joint mobility through adjustment. At Physiolab both are available and can be combined in an integrated care plan.

Can a herniated disc heal without surgery?

Yes. The majority of disc herniations improve significantly with physiotherapy without surgery. Disc material can retract over time, and inflammation settles with proper treatment. Surgery is typically reserved for cases that do not respond after an adequate trial of conservative care.

How long does back pain last with physiotherapy?

Acute back pain often improves substantially within 4 to 8 weeks of physiotherapy. Chronic back pain takes longer and may require an ongoing maintenance program, but meaningful improvement is still very achievable.

Is back pain from work covered by WorkSafeBC?

Yes. Back injuries sustained at work are covered under WorkSafeBC. Physiolab is an approved provider with direct billing. Contact us with your claim number to get started.

Can massage therapy help with back pain?

Yes. Massage therapy reduces muscle tension and guarding that contributes to back pain. It works well alongside physiotherapy and chiropractic as part of a complete treatment plan.

What exercises help with lower back pain?

Core stability, glute strengthening, hip mobility, and gentle spinal movement exercises are commonly prescribed for lower back pain. The specific exercises depend on your assessment. Your physiotherapist will design a program tailored to your condition.

Is back pain treatment covered by extended health insurance?

Yes. Physiotherapy and chiropractic for back pain are covered under most extended health plans. Physiolab offers direct billing. ICBC and WorkSafeBC are also accepted.

Our
Locations

We are proud to serve multiple convenient locations, ensuring quality physiotherapy care is always within reach.