My Back Pain Comes and Goes — So Is There Actually a Problem?
Recurring pain can offer useful clues about movement, recovery, musculoskeletal health, and nervous system adaptability. Learn when to seek advice.
One of the phrases we hear surprisingly often in practice is: “It comes and goes.”
Sometimes people will tell us their back has been troubling them on and off for years. They might have a bad few days, then it settles. Maybe they use some heat, stretch, have a massage, take some medication, or simply wait.
Then they feel better for several weeks or even a couple of months and think: “Great. It’s gone.” Until it comes back again.
In recent consultations, people described exactly this pattern: recurring episodes that settled for a time, then returned.
If the pain goes away, does that mean the problem is fixed?
Not necessarily.
Pain is only one piece of information your body gives you. You may feel better because an irritated area has settled, because you’ve stopped doing the activity that aggravated it, or simply because your body has adapted.
But if the same problem repeatedly returns, particularly with similar movements or activities, it may be worth looking more closely at the pattern.
“It normally settles when I…”
We also hear people describe the things they have learned to do when their back flares up: stretch, use heat, lie in a particular position, avoid certain movements, take pain relief, or stop going to the gym for a while.
Sometimes those strategies are useful for helping them through an episode. The problem is when the cycle becomes: flare-up → settle it down → carry on → flare-up again.
At that point, simply getting through the latest episode may not be the only question worth asking.
Ask: “Why does this keep happening?”
One of the useful parts of a chiropractic assessment is looking beyond the current pain.
We want to understand: How often is this occurring? What tends to trigger it? Has the pattern changed over time? What movements have become difficult? Have you started avoiding certain activities? How is your spine moving and functioning? Could an old injury or long-standing movement pattern be contributing?
That doesn’t mean every recurring back ache has one simple cause. It means the pattern itself is useful information.
Don’t only measure whether it hurts today
Don’t only measure whether it hurts today. Function matters too. Improvement can mean walking further, standing longer, getting out of the car more easily, or returning to exercise.
It may also show up in smaller moments, like bending to pick something up without hesitation or making plans without wondering whether your back is going to “go” again. Those changes can be just as meaningful as a lower pain score.
If your back keeps returning to the same conversation…
Perhaps it is worth listening.
If your back pain repeatedly comes and goes, rather than simply waiting for the next episode to settle, a thorough assessment may help you better understand what is happening and what your options are.
At The Chiropractic Domain, our chiropractors assess how your spine moves and functions, alongside your history, examination findings and the activities that matter to you.
Because sometimes the better question isn’t: “How quickly can I get rid of this pain?” It’s: “Why does it keep coming back?”
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not necessarily. Pain may change with activity, sleep, stress, workload, and recovery. Recurring pain does not automatically indicate serious damage, but it is worth discussing with a healthcare professional if it is becoming more frequent, limiting your activities, or causing concern.
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Symptoms may settle when your physical or emotional load decreases. They can return when the same demands are reintroduced or when several factors, such as poor sleep, stress, and increased activity, occur together.
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Not always. Pain and tissue damage are not the same thing. Previous injury, current capacity, sensitivity of the nervous system, movement habits, and general health can all influence symptoms. An individual assessment can help clarify what may be contributing.
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A chiropractor can assess your symptoms, movement, function, and health history to determine whether chiropractic care may be suitable. Care may include education, movement advice, exercise, hands on treatment, or referral to another healthcare professional when appropriate. Recommendations should always be tailored to the individual.
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Not everyone with recurring musculoskeletal pain needs imaging. Scans are generally considered when the findings are likely to change management or when a healthcare professional identifies signs that require further investigation. Your practitioner can discuss whether imaging is appropriate for you.
Omega-3 and Inflammation: Could This Be the Missing Piece in Your Recovery?
Have you ever felt like you are doing everything right but still feel stiff, sore, or slow to recover?
You stay active, attend your chiropractic appointments, and try to make healthy choices, yet your body does not seem to bounce back as quickly as you would like.
Sometimes recovery is not about doing more. It is about giving your body the support it needs to heal and adapt.
Understanding Inflammation
Inflammation often gets a bad reputation, but it is actually an important part of the body's natural healing process. When you experience an injury or your body repairs damaged tissue, inflammation helps begin that recovery.
The problem is when inflammation remains elevated for a long time. Ongoing low level inflammation may contribute to:
Persistent aches and stiffness
Slower recovery after exercise or injury
Reduced comfort during everyday activities
Changes in how your body functions and adapts
Instead of supporting healing, long lasting inflammation can make it more difficult for your body to recover efficiently.
How Omega-3 can reduce stiffness, soreness and speed up MSK recovery
How Omega 3 Supports Your Body
Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats that help your body regulate inflammation. They do not stop inflammation altogether. Instead, they help your body maintain a healthy balance so inflammation can do its job without remaining higher than it needs to be.
Many people do not eat enough foods that are naturally rich in omega 3, including:
Salmon
Sardines
Mackerel
Walnuts
Chia seeds
Flaxseeds
Without enough omega 3 in your diet, your body may not have the nutritional support it needs for optimal recovery.
Why This Matters for Chiropractic Care
At The Chiropractic Domain, we focus on helping your spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal system function at their best.
While chiropractic care supports movement and nervous system adaptability, your overall health also influences how your body responds to care. Nutrition, sleep, physical activity, and stress all play a role.
When your body is supported by healthy lifestyle habits, it may be better able to:
Recover from everyday physical stress
Adapt to chiropractic care
Move more comfortably
Support healthy function throughout the body
Looking after your internal health works alongside chiropractic care as part of a whole person approach to wellbeing.
Sometimes Less Is More
If you feel like your recovery has slowed or your body is not responding as you expected, it may be worth looking beyond treatment alone.
Sometimes the next step is not adding another therapy. It is supporting your body's natural healing processes through healthy habits, including eating enough omega 3 rich foods as part of a balanced diet.
Small changes made consistently can have a meaningful impact over time.
The Takeaway
Inflammation is not something to fear. It is an essential part of healing. The goal is to help your body regulate it effectively.
Healthy nutrition, regular movement, quality sleep, stress management, and chiropractic care all work together to support your body's ability to adapt, recover, and function well.
Ready to Support Your Recovery?
If you are experiencing ongoing stiffness, discomfort, or slower recovery, our team at The Chiropractic Domain is here to help. We can assess how your spine, nervous system, and musculoskeletal health may be contributing to the way you feel and provide care that is tailored to your individual needs.
If you are outside our area, you can also find an Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) chiropractor near you for evidence informed, individualised chiropractic care.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No. Inflammation is a natural part of your body's healing process. It helps repair tissues and protect against illness or injury. Problems can arise when inflammation remains elevated for long periods, as this may contribute to ongoing discomfort and slower recovery.
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Some of the best sources of omega 3 include oily fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel, as well as plant based sources like chia seeds, flaxseeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds. Eating a variety of these foods as part of a balanced diet can help support overall health.
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Omega 3 does not treat pain directly, but it plays a role in supporting a healthy inflammatory response. For some people, maintaining healthy omega 3 levels may support recovery and musculoskeletal health as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. If you have ongoing pain, it is important to seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional.
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Chiropractic care focuses on supporting healthy movement, spinal function, and nervous system adaptability. Nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management all influence how your body adapts and recovers. A healthy lifestyle can complement the care you receive and support your overall wellbeing.
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Not everyone needs a supplement. Many people can meet their omega 3 needs through a balanced diet that includes foods rich in healthy fats. If you are considering taking a supplement, speak with your GP, pharmacist, or another qualified healthcare professional to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs.