Lumbago
Sudden, shooting pain in the lower back, often after a movement or when lifting. Frequently caused by blockages and muscle tension.
Condition · Back & neck
Targeted treatment for back pain.
Whether it is sudden lumbago, a stiff neck or pain that has persisted for months: we thoroughly investigate the cause and treat you with a combination of manual medicine, acupuncture, spinal injections, physical therapy and targeted exercise.
In short
Most back pain is muscular or functional and improves with movement and targeted treatment. We carry out an orthopaedic examination, add X-ray or ultrasound in the practice if needed, and treat with chiropractic therapy, acupuncture (covered by statutory insurance for chronic lower back pain), spinal injections, physical therapy and physiotherapy, among other options.
The condition
Understanding back and neck pain
Common conditions and the warning signs that call for immediate medical help.
Conditions
Common causes of back and neck pain.
Back pain has many faces. An accurate diagnosis is the basis of every effective treatment.
Disc-related problems
Pain that may radiate into the leg or arm – sometimes with tingling or numbness.
Neck pain & cervical syndrome
Tension and blockages of the cervical spine, often combined with headaches or shoulder problems.
Muscle tension
Painful muscle knots (trigger points) caused by poor posture, stress or one-sided strain.
Blockages & restricted movement
Reduced mobility of spinal and sacroiliac joints that can trigger pain.
Posture & scoliosis
Postural disorders, scoliosis or Scheuermann's disease – particularly important to detect early in children and adolescents.
Paediatric orthopaedicsIn later life, vertebral fractures caused by osteoporosis can also be behind sudden or persistent back pain. More about osteoporosis
Warning signs: when you need medical help immediately
Seek medical help immediately – outside consulting hours via the German out-of-hours medical service (116 117) or, in an emergency, by calling 112 – if back pain occurs together with any of the following:
- Paralysis or increasing weakness in the legs or arms
- Numbness in the genital, buttock or inner thigh area
- Problems passing urine or controlling your bowels
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- Pain after an accident or fall
- Severe pain at night, unexplained weight loss or a known history of cancer
The assessment
How we find the cause
Consultation, examination, and X-ray and ultrasound on site.
Diagnostics
Understand first, then treat.
Consultation & examination
We ask about the onset, course and triggers of your symptoms and examine posture, mobility, muscles and nerve function.
X-ray & ultrasound on site
If necessary, we add imaging directly in the practice. We discuss with you whether further tests are useful and refer you if required.
Your treatment plan
We combine the methods that suit your symptoms – and explain openly what is covered by insurance.
Our treatment
What we offer you
Manual medicine, acupuncture, physical therapy, spinal injections and targeted exercise – and what is good for your back.
Treatment
Non-surgical treatment for back pain.
We rely on proven methods from orthopaedics, manual and physical medicine – combined individually.
Chiropractic therapy
Covered by statutory insurance
Targeted, gentle manual techniques release blockages in the spine and joints and relax the muscles – e.g. for lumbago or neck pain. More about chiropractic therapy
Acupuncture
Chronic lower back: coveredSelf-pay (IGeL)
Covered by German statutory insurance for chronic lower back pain. Available as a self-pay service for neck pain and muscle tension. More about acupuncture
Physical therapy
Heat, cold, electrical stimulation and other physical stimuli relieve pain, promote circulation and relax tense muscles.
Physiotherapy
Covered with prescription
Strengthening and mobilisation are key to preventing recurring back pain. We prescribe physiotherapy and agree the focus with you.
Medication
In acute phases, pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory medication can help you get moving again – at the lowest dose for the shortest time possible.
Cupping & trigger point acupuncture
Self-pay (IGeL)
Cupping promotes circulation and releases tension. In trigger point acupuncture, muscle knots are needled precisely and electrically stimulated.
Osteopathic techniques
Self-pay (IGeL)
Dr Rode offers extended chiropractic treatment including osteopathic techniques that consider the musculoskeletal system as a whole.
Spinal injections
Targeted injections into the back muscles, facet joints, sacroiliac joint and trigger points – without X-ray or CT, ultrasound-guided where useful. All options at a glance
Injection therapy
Spinal injections.
If pain persists despite exercise, physiotherapy and medication – or is so severe that active therapy is hardly possible – targeted injections close to the spine can help. They interrupt the pain cycle, calm irritated structures and release tension so that you can get moving again. We inject without X-ray or CT radiation – ultrasound-guided where useful.
Paravertebral injections
A local anaesthetic is injected into tense back muscles or painful points next to the spine – also as neural therapy. Releases tension and breaks the pain cycle.
Facet joint injection
Targeted injection at the small joints of the spine. Suitable for back pain caused by irritated or worn facet joints (facet syndrome).
SI joint injection
Injection at the sacroiliac joint for deep lower back pain that often radiates into the buttock.
Ultrasound-guided, no radiation
Where it improves accuracy, we guide the needle to the target under ultrasound. This means no exposure to X-ray or CT radiation.
Trigger point injection
Injection directly into painful muscle knots (trigger points) in the back and neck.
What is injected
Usually a local anaesthetic, combined with a low dose of cortisone to reduce inflammation where appropriate.
Procedure & safety
- We examine you first and explain the benefits and risks in detail.
- Please tell us if you take blood thinners, have diabetes or allergies, or are pregnant.
- After the injection you stay with us briefly for observation. Temporary numbness around the injection site is possible.
- Rare side effects include bruising, infection or a temporary rise in blood sugar due to cortisone.
Part of an overall plan
Injections do not replace active therapy. They give you a less painful window in which physiotherapy, chiropractic therapy and exercise can work better. We decide together after the examination whether an injection makes sense for you and which one. We will inform you in advance about any costs.
We do not offer nerve root injections (e.g. periradicular therapy). If such treatment is advisable, we will discuss the next steps with you.
Self-help
What is good for your back.
Stay active
For most back pain, movement is better than bed rest – within what feels manageable.
Strengthen your core
Regular exercises for abdominal and back muscles help prevent relapses.
Warmth & relaxation
Warmth loosens tense muscles; breaks and stress reduction take strain off the back.
Ergonomic everyday life
Change position at work, lift in a back-friendly way and break up long periods of sitting.
Last updated: September 2026 · Responsible for content: Dr med. Andreas Kochs and Dr med. Henrik Rode. This information does not replace a medical examination.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about back pain.
When should I see an orthopaedic specialist for back pain?
If the pain does not improve after a few days, keeps coming back, radiates into the leg or arm, or significantly limits your daily life. If you have paralysis, numbness in the genital or buttock area, bladder or bowel problems, fever or pain after an accident, you need medical help immediately.
Does health insurance cover acupuncture for back pain?
Yes – German statutory health insurance covers acupuncture for chronic lower back pain under certain conditions. For other complaints, such as neck pain, acupuncture is available as a self-pay service (IGeL).
Does chiropractic therapy help with lumbago?
Lumbago is one of the most common reasons for chiropractic therapy. After ruling out risk factors, targeted mobilisation can bring rapid relief.
Do I need an MRI for back pain?
Usually not straight away. Many cases of back pain can be assessed well through consultation and examination. We have X-ray and ultrasound in the practice; whether an additional MRI is useful is decided after the examination, and we refer you if necessary.
Should I rest if I have back pain?
Strict bed rest is not advisable for most back pain. Stay as active as you comfortably can. We will discuss the right level of activity for you after the examination.
What are spinal injections?
Usually a local anaesthetic – combined with a little cortisone where appropriate – is injected precisely close to the spine: into the back muscles, at the small facet joints, at the sacroiliac joint or into painful muscle knots (trigger points). We work without X-ray or CT, using ultrasound guidance where useful. The aim is to relieve pain and inflammation so that active therapy and exercise become possible again.
Are spinal injections dangerous?
When indicated and performed carefully, serious complications are rare. Possible side effects include bruising, infection, temporary numbness around the injection site and, with cortisone, a brief rise in blood sugar. We explain everything in advance and ask about blood thinners, diabetes and allergies.
Do you operate on slipped discs?
No, we provide non-surgical treatment. Most disc problems improve without surgery. If an operation is indicated, we advise you independently and put you in touch with surgical partners.
Autologous blood therapy (ACP): For back pain involving the spine, facet joints or sacroiliac joint, ACP may also be an option after medical advice. ACP is a self-pay service. More about ACP
Book an appointment
Book an appointment for back pain.
Book online via Doctolib or by phone – we will investigate your symptoms thoroughly.