True Chiropractic Heidelberg
Conditions We Treat
Chiropractic care can help with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Below you will see some of the common conditions we assess and treat at our Heidelberg clinic, with a dedicated page explaining each one in detail.
124-126 Mount Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084 • Early and late appointments available • Same chiropractor every time
How chiropractic care works
What Chiropractic Care Involves
Chiropractic is a regulated health profession focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal conditions — particularly those involving the spine, joints, and associated nervous system. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners, which means you can book an appointment directly without a referral from your GP.
At True Chiropractic in Heidelberg, every appointment begins with a thorough assessment. This includes a detailed health history, postural and movement screening, and an evaluation of the specific areas contributing to your symptoms. Dr Nicholas Lee takes the time to explain his findings clearly before any care is provided, so you understand what is happening and what the proposed approach involves.
Chiropractic techniques vary depending on the condition, the individual, and the clinical findings. Common approaches include spinal manipulation and mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, therapeutic exercise, and postural and movement education. Care is always adapted to the person — not applied as a one-size-fits-all protocol.
What we assess and address
Three Areas Chiropractic Care Commonly Addresses
Spinal and Joint Function
Chiropractic assessment looks at how the spine and joints are moving, where restrictions or dysfunction may exist, and what effect this has on the surrounding tissues and nerves. Manipulation and mobilisation techniques aim to restore normal movement and reduce associated pain and stiffness.
Muscle and Soft Tissue
Muscle tension, trigger points, and soft tissue tightness often accompany spinal and joint problems. Chiropractic care frequently includes soft tissue work alongside manipulation to address the muscular component of pain and stiffness, and to support longer-term function and recovery.
Posture, Movement and Education
Understanding the contributing factors to your symptoms is a core part of chiropractic care. This includes posture, movement patterns, ergonomics, and lifestyle habits. Where relevant, exercise and movement advice is provided to support your recovery and help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.
Looking for a chiropractor for neck pain, back pain, sciatica, headaches or shoulder pain in Heidelberg? Start here.
Explore by condition
Conditions We Assess and Treat in Heidelberg
Select a condition below to read about how it commonly presents, what may be contributing to your symptoms, and how chiropractic care approaches assessment and treatment at True Chiropractic.
Neck Pain
Stiffness, aching, restricted movement or referred pain into the shoulders and arms
Neck pain is one of the most common presentations in chiropractic practice. It can arise from poor posture, prolonged screen use, sleeping position, trauma such as whiplash, or gradual spinal degeneration. Chiropractic assessment looks at joint mobility, muscle tension, and nerve function to understand what is contributing.
Lower Back Pain
Acute or chronic pain in the lower back, often affecting movement, sleep and daily function
Lower back pain affects a significant proportion of adults at some point in their lives. Causes include lumbar joint dysfunction, disc involvement, muscle strain, and postural loading over time. Understanding the source of the pain is critical — which is why a thorough assessment is the starting point for all care.
Sciatica
Shooting, burning or aching pain from the lower back through the buttock and into the leg
Sciatica refers to pain that follows the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back into one or both legs. It is often associated with disc involvement or lumbar joint dysfunction causing nerve irritation. Chiropractic assessment aims to identify the source and level of nerve involvement.
Headaches
Tension-type, cervicogenic, or recurring headaches that start in the neck or base of the skull
Many headaches have a cervicogenic component — meaning they originate from dysfunction in the neck. Tension-type headaches and cervicogenic headaches are among the most commonly seen in chiropractic practice. Assessment includes evaluating the upper cervical spine, posture, and contributing lifestyle factors.
Disc Bulge
Local or referred pain associated with intervertebral disc involvement in the neck or lower back
A disc bulge occurs when the outer layer of an intervertebral disc protrudes beyond its normal boundary. Depending on location and severity, this can cause local pain, referred pain, or nerve-related symptoms. Chiropractic assessment considers the clinical picture as a whole, not just the imaging findings.
Upper Back Pain
Mid-back stiffness, aching between the shoulder blades, or pain worsened by prolonged sitting
Upper back and thoracic pain is commonly associated with prolonged desk work, poor seated posture, and restricted thoracic mobility. The thoracic spine also influences neck and shoulder function, which means upper back restriction can contribute to a wider pattern of symptoms beyond the mid-back itself.
Shoulder Pain
Pain, weakness or restricted movement in the shoulder, often affecting sleep and overhead activities
Shoulder pain can originate from the shoulder joint itself, the surrounding rotator cuff, or from the cervical and thoracic spine. Because the neck and shoulder share nerve supply and movement patterns, an assessment that looks at both regions often reveals more about what is driving the symptoms than a localised approach alone.
Whiplash
Sudden neck injury following acceleration-deceleration forces, often from car accidents or trauma
Whiplash commonly occurs after sudden movements that strain the neck, affecting joints, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues. Symptoms may include stiffness, reduced movement, headaches, or pain referring into the shoulders. Chiropractic assessment focuses on joint mobility, muscle tension, and how the injury has affected normal movement patterns to guide appropriate care.
Postural Dysfunction & Scoliosis
Imbalances in posture or spinal alignment that may contribute to ongoing stiffness or discomfort
Postural issues and scoliosis can affect how forces are distributed through the spine over time, leading to muscle fatigue, joint restriction, and uneven movement patterns. Whether structural or functional, these changes can influence daily comfort and mobility. Chiropractic assessment looks at posture, spinal curves, and movement patterns to better understand contributing factors.
BPPV & Vertigo
Dizziness, spinning sensations, or balance issues often linked to the inner ear or vestibular system
BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo) is a common cause of dizziness, often triggered by changes in head position such as rolling in bed or looking up. It occurs when small crystals in the inner ear become displaced, disrupting normal balance signals. Symptoms may include brief spinning sensations, unsteadiness, or nausea. Assessment focuses on identifying the source of dizziness, ruling out other causes, and guiding appropriate management strategies to help restore normal function and confidence with movement.
Pregnancy-related back and pelvic pain
Changes during pregnancy that can contribute to lower back, pelvic, or hip discomfort
During pregnancy, hormonal changes and shifts in posture can place increased stress on the spine and pelvis. This may lead to discomfort in the lower back, hips, or pelvic region, sometimes affecting walking, sleeping, or daily activities. Symptoms can include aching, stiffness, or sharp pain with movement. Assessment considers posture, joint stability, and muscle support to help manage symptoms safely and support comfort throughout pregnancy.
Hip Pain
Groin aching, buttock pain, or stiffness in the hip that limits walking, sitting or exercise
Hip pain is frequently accompanied by lumbar spine and pelvic involvement. The relationship between the lower back, pelvis, and hip joint means that symptoms felt in the hip may partly originate elsewhere. A thorough assessment that considers the whole region is important for accurate understanding and effective care.
TMJ (Jaw) Issues
Jaw pain, clicking, or tension often linked to the temporomandibular joint and surrounding muscles
TMJ dysfunction can present as jaw pain, clicking, locking, or tension that may also contribute to headaches or neck discomfort. It is often associated with muscle overactivity, clenching, or postural strain. Assessment considers the relationship between the jaw, neck, and upper spine, as these regions work closely together and can influence one another.
Sports Injuries
Strains, joint irritation, or movement dysfunction related to physical activity or training
Sports injuries can involve muscles, joints, or ligaments and often result from overload, poor mechanics, or inadequate recovery. Common presentations include sprains, strains, and joint restriction that limit performance or cause ongoing discomfort. Assessment focuses on identifying the source of the issue, movement patterns, and contributing factors to support effective recovery and return to activity.
Facet Joint Irritation
Localised spinal pain often arising from irritation of the small joints between vertebrae
Facet joint irritation involves the joints that connect each vertebra in the spine, which can become sensitive due to overload, poor movement patterns, or prolonged postures. It often presents as localised pain in the neck or lower back, sometimes with stiffness or discomfort during certain movements like extension or rotation. Assessment focuses on joint mobility, surrounding muscle tension, and movement patterns to identify contributing factors and guide appropriate care to improve comfort and function.
Lifting Injuries
Strain or irritation from improper lifting technique or excessive load
Lifting injuries commonly occur when the body is placed under load without adequate support, control, or preparation. This can affect muscles, joints, or ligaments, often resulting in local pain, stiffness, or reduced movement. Symptoms may develop suddenly or build over time with repeated strain. Assessment focuses on identifying the injured structures, reviewing lifting mechanics, and addressing contributing factors to support recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Not sure which condition applies to you?
Book a first appointment for a thorough assessment to understand what is contributing to your symptoms and explain everything clearly before any care begins.
Your first visit
How We Approach Assessment and Care
Regardless of which condition brings you in, the approach at True Chiropractic is the same: start with a thorough assessment before anything else. This is not a formality — it is the foundation of care that actually makes sense for your individual situation.
Your first appointment begins with a detailed health history conversation. Dr Nicholas Lee wants to understand not just your current symptoms but how long they have been present, what aggravates or eases them, your general health history, and how the problem is affecting your work, sleep, and daily activities.
This is followed by a physical assessment including postural evaluation, range of motion testing, orthopaedic and neurological tests where indicated, and hands-on assessment of the relevant spinal and joint regions. Where imaging such as X-ray or MRI is clinically indicated, a referral will be provided.
Before any treatment is provided, Dr Lee will explain the assessment findings in plain language, outline what he believes is contributing to your symptoms, and discuss the proposed care approach. You are always in control of what happens next.
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Chiropractic Care
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
No. Chiropractors are primary contact practitioners in Australia, which means you can book directly without a referral from your GP. You can book online or call us on 03 9039 5243.
What conditions can a chiropractor help with?
Chiropractors most commonly assess and treat musculoskeletal conditions involving the spine, joints, and nervous system. This includes neck pain, lower back pain, sciatica, headaches, disc-related problems, shoulder pain, hip pain, and upper back pain. If you are unsure whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your particular symptoms, we are happy to discuss this with you before you book.
How long will it take to see results?
This varies significantly depending on the nature of the condition, how long symptoms have been present, and individual factors. Some people notice improvement after their first few appointments. Others with more longstanding or complex presentations require a longer course of care. Dr Lee will give you a clear picture of what to realistically expect at your first appointment after the assessment.
Is chiropractic treatment safe?
Chiropractic care is generally considered safe when performed by a registered practitioner who has conducted an appropriate clinical assessment. All chiropractors in Australia are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and must meet professional standards set by the Chiropractic Board of Australia. Dr Nicholas Lee will discuss any relevant risks and considerations with you as part of your assessment.
Will I need X-rays?
Not necessarily. X-rays are only recommended where there is a specific clinical indication — for example, to rule out pathology, assess the degree of degenerative change, or evaluate trauma. If imaging is considered appropriate following your assessment, Dr Lee will provide a referral.
Can I claim chiropractic on private health insurance?
Yes. Chiropractic is covered under the Extras component of most private health insurance policies. We have HICAPS on-site so you can claim your rebate on the spot at the time of your appointment. The amount you can claim depends on your specific policy — check with your fund before your visit to confirm your entitlements.
What is the difference between a chiropractor, physiotherapist and osteopath?
All three are registered health professions in Australia that address musculoskeletal conditions, and there is significant overlap in what each can treat. Chiropractors have a particular focus on the spine and its relationship to the nervous system, and commonly use spinal manipulation as a core treatment technique. The best approach depends on the individual, the condition, and the practitioner’s specific training and style. If you are unsure which is right for you, we are happy to discuss your situation before you book.
Ready to Get Started?
True Chiropractic is located in Heidelberg at 124-126 Mount Street. Same-week appointments available. Same chiropractor, every visit. No referral needed.
Important: The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary. True Chiropractic complies with AHPRA guidelines for health practitioner advertising.