What we help with
Most people come in because something hurts -- their back, their neck, their head -- and they want to understand why and what they can do about it. We assess and manage musculoskeletal conditions: the joints, muscles, and nerves that affect how you move and feel day to day.
Back pain
Back pain is the most common reason people see a chiropractor, and for good reason -- there is strong evidence that manual therapy, combined with exercise and education, may help manage mechanical back pain. Whether yours came on suddenly after lifting something awkward, or it has been grumbling away for months, we start with a proper assessment to understand what is driving it.
Mechanical back pain often involves a combination of joint restriction, muscle tension, and sometimes nerve irritation. Our management approach may include manual adjustments, mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and specific exercises you can do at home. Many people find that understanding the cause of their pain -- and having a plan to address it -- makes a real difference to how they manage day to day.
You might recognise: lower back pain that comes and goes, stiffness after sitting or driving, pain when bending or lifting, episodes that seem to recur every few months.
Neck pain
If you spend your days at a desk, on a device, or doing repetitive work, your neck is probably doing more than it was designed for. Neck stiffness and pain are among the most common things we see, and they can affect your concentration, sleep, and ability to do simple things like check a blind spot when driving.
We assess the cervical spine to identify areas of restriction and dysfunction. Care may include manual therapy, mobilisation, and practical advice on posture and workspace setup. Current evidence supports chiropractic care for the management of neck pain, particularly when combined with exercise -- so we will usually give you a few things to do between visits as well.
You might recognise: a stiff neck that will not turn properly, pain that creeps into your shoulders, waking with neck pain, or that familiar ache after a long day at the computer.
Headaches
Not all headaches are the same, and not all headaches respond to the same approach. Many headaches -- particularly those that come with neck stiffness or start at the base of the skull -- originate from the structures of the cervical spine. These are called cervicogenic headaches, and they are one of the conditions where chiropractic care has good evidence of benefit.
We assess the neck and upper back for restriction, joint dysfunction, and muscle tension that may be contributing to your headaches. Management typically combines manual therapy with targeted exercises for the deep neck muscles and practical advice on posture, ergonomics, and self-management strategies you can use between visits. Many people find that addressing the musculoskeletal component helps reduce the frequency and intensity of their headaches over time.
You might recognise: a dull ache at the base of your skull, tension headaches that build through the day, headaches behind your eyes, or recurring headaches that paracetamol does not seem to touch.
Sciatica and referred leg pain
Sciatica is one of those words people use to describe a lot of different things -- pain in the buttock, shooting pain down the leg, numbness in the foot. The term actually refers to irritation of the sciatic nerve, but not all leg pain is true sciatica. That distinction matters, because the approach differs depending on what is causing your symptoms.
We assess thoroughly to work out whether your pain involves nerve irritation, a disc issue, joint restriction, or muscular factors. Management may include manual therapy, specific movement strategies, and practical advice on positions and activities that reduce nerve irritation. Some cases improve well with conservative care; others may need imaging or referral, and we will tell you honestly if that is the case.
You might recognise: pain that radiates from your lower back into the buttock or leg, numbness or tingling in the leg or foot, sharp pain when sitting, or difficulty standing from a seated position.
Care during pregnancy
Pregnancy asks a lot of your body. As your centre of gravity shifts, ligaments loosen, and your posture adapts to a growing baby, the spine and pelvis can come under significant strain. Back pain and pelvic girdle discomfort are common, and can make an already demanding time harder than it needs to be.
Our approach combines manual therapy with practical advice on comfortable movement, supported sleeping positions, and simple exercises you can do at home to help manage discomfort between visits. Techniques are adapted for your comfort at every stage, and we work with positioning that supports you as your body changes. If you are already seeing an obstetrician or midwife, chiropractic care can sit alongside that care as part of a broader approach to your physical wellbeing.
You might recognise: lower back pain during pregnancy, pelvic girdle pain, rib and mid-back discomfort, difficulty sleeping due to musculoskeletal pain.
Sports and workplace injuries
You do not need to be an elite athlete to get injured doing something physical. Weekend sports, gardening, farming, trades work, or just lifting something at the wrong angle -- musculoskeletal injuries happen in ordinary life. We assess and manage common conditions affecting the spine, shoulders, hips, and other joints.
Our focus is on identifying what has happened, restoring joint function, addressing any muscle imbalances, and giving you practical rehabilitation exercises. If your injury needs imaging or onward referral, we will let you know.
You might recognise: a sprain or strain that is not settling, shoulder pain that limits reaching, repetitive strain from work, a lifting injury, or lingering pain after physical activity.
Care for children
Annica holds a postgraduate Diplomate in paediatric chiropractic (DICCP), which involves additional training in the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Care is always adapted to be age-appropriate and low-force.
How we work
Regardless of why you come in, every consultation follows the same principles:
- We assess properly -- clinical history, physical examination, neurological screening where indicated. We do not skip this step.
- We explain what we find -- in plain language, so you actually understand what is happening in your body and why.
- We use evidence-informed techniques -- manual therapy selected for your comfort and clinical needs. If you prefer a lighter approach, we have low-force options.
- We give you things to do -- posture advice, exercises, and practical strategies you can use between visits. Your recovery should not depend entirely on being in this room.
- We refer honestly -- if your condition needs a different type of care, we will tell you directly and help you get to the right person.
Is this the right fit for you?
Not every chiropractor works the same way. Our approach tends to suit people who want:
- Care grounded in current musculoskeletal evidence, not outdated theories about what the spine does.
- A practitioner who explains things clearly -- not just tells you to come back next week.
- Practical exercises and strategies you can actually use in your daily life.
- A care plan with clear goals and an endpoint -- not indefinite ongoing treatment.
We cannot predict exactly how your body will respond to care -- everyone is different. But we can promise that we will be thorough, honest, and focused on helping you manage your own health as independently as possible.