Back Pain
Chiropractor
- Only Gonstead Clinic in Scotland
- 17+ Years' Experience
- On-Site Digital X-Ray
- GCC Registered
- All Major Insurers Accepted
Back pain keeping you from living your life? We can help.
At Capital Chiropractic on Frederick Street in Edinburgh's New Town, we use the Gonstead method — the most precise system in chiropractic — to identify exactly what's causing your back pain and correct it. Whether you've walked up one too many of Edinburgh's steep Old Town closes, spent long hours at a desk in the financial district, or you're a runner training along the Water of Leith, our team gets you back to doing what you love. Most patients feel a difference within the first few sessions.
★★★★★ 170+ five-star Google reviews · Treating Edinburgh patients since 2008
Get to the Root of Your Back Pain
Back pain is rarely just "wear and tear." Whether you've thrown your back out this week or been managing it for years, there's usually a structural reason — and until that's addressed, the pain keeps coming back.
Using the Gonstead method, we conduct a thorough spinal analysis before any treatment begins: postural assessment, heat-sensing instrumentation, hands-on palpation, and on-site X-rays where needed. We identify the exact vertebral level causing the problem, then adjust precisely that segment. We see patients from across Edinburgh — from Morningside and Marchmont to Leith and Stockbridge — as well as from the Lothians and Fife who make the journey specifically for Gonstead care.
01
Precise Diagnosis
5-step Gonstead analysis identifies the exact source before treatment begins — no guesswork, no generic protocols.
02
Faster Results
Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 3–6 sessions. We reassess formally and tell you honestly how you're responding.
03
Long-Lasting Relief
We treat the cause, not the symptom, so results stick — and we give you the tools to stay pain-free long term.
What We Treat
We see patients with all types of back pain at our Edinburgh chiropractic clinic, including:
Lower Back Pain & Sciatica
From a sudden spasm to nerve pain running into the leg. Whether it's a disc problem at L4/L5, a facet joint issue, or sacroiliac dysfunction, Gonstead analysis identifies the precise segment involved. Sciatica in particular responds very well to this approach when the root disc level is correctly identified. Many Edinburgh patients come to us after months of NHS physio that hasn't resolved the underlying nerve irritation.
Mid & Upper Back (Thoracic) Pain
The tight, aching feeling between the shoulder blades that massage never quite fixes. Thoracic joint restrictions respond quickly to specific chiropractic adjustment. If there's also a rib joint component — that sharp catch when you breathe or twist — we treat that too. Common in Edinburgh's office workers, especially those hot-desking or commuting by bike.
Acute Back Pain
If you've just "gone your back," early treatment reduces the risk of it becoming a chronic problem. We offer same-week appointments and emergency chiropractic appointments, so you're not left waiting in pain. Don't wait weeks: early intervention makes a real difference to recovery time.
Chronic Back Pain
If you've had daily back pain for months or years and nothing has held, our Gonstead X-ray analysis often identifies structural issues missed by other practitioners. We see many patients who've already tried massage therapy and standard physio. We'll be honest with you about what we find and what's realistic — and if podiatry or another discipline would better address your root cause, we'll tell you.
What Our Patients Say
★★★★★
"I've been using Capital Chiropractic for over 10 years and can say the services are excellent. Having had a history of back problems, the regular treatment now helps me maintain a healthy, pain-free physical state, letting me do all of the activities I love."
Ann Flynn
★★★★★
"Stuart and team are warm and friendly. They've helped me manage mid back and neck issues for nearly 10 years."
David Hood
★★★★★
"Can't thank Stuart and the team at Capital Chiropractic enough — last year was a painful one for my back, but now after receiving adjustments every 2 weeks my back is feeling much stronger and better."
Austin Shirley
Meet Your Chiropractors
Stuart Cooper
Clinical Director17+ years of clinical experience. Graduate of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic. Scotland's only Gonstead-certified chiropractor, trained directly under Dr Alex Cox, Dr Gonstead's first-ever associate. 300+ hours of advanced Gonstead training across the USA, Denmark, Paris and Manchester. Gonstead Extremity Certification (GCEC) — only the 3rd chiropractor in the UK to hold this qualification. Stuart has been based on Frederick Street since 2008 and is well known across Edinburgh for his precise, results-focused approach. Recognised by all major private health insurers.
Pietro Gandini
ChiropractorGraduate of the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic. Uses the Gonstead system and has attended advanced seminars worldwide. Originally from Rome, Pietro brings extensive Gonstead training to every patient he sees at our Edinburgh clinic.
What to Expect
We understand that coming to a chiropractor for the first time can feel daunting. Here's exactly what happens at each stage.
01
On Arrival
You'll be met by a friendly team member and made to feel at home in a calm, relaxing environment on Frederick Street. A chiropractic assistant will help you with brief paperwork.
02
Consultation
Your chiropractor will take a thorough history covering your condition, past medical history, and lifestyle. Share as much as possible — even details that seem minor can be relevant.
03
Examination
A full chiropractic, orthopaedic, and neurological examination. Your chiropractor will decide whether further investigations such as X-rays are needed. Your initial consultation takes approximately 30 minutes.
04
Report of Findings
Your chiropractor will explain exactly what was found, walk through your results, and outline your diagnosis, expected recovery timeline, number of treatments required, and cost — clearly and without jargon.
05
First Treatment
Once it's established that chiropractic care can help, you'll receive your first adjustment — gentle, precise movements applied by hand to restricted spinal joints. You'll leave with home-care advice tailored to your recovery.
06
What to Bring
You're welcome to bring a friend or family member. Bring any questions, a list of current medications, and any recent X-ray, MRI, or CT reports if you have them.
Common Questions
Can a chiropractor help a slipped disc?
Yes. Chiropractic is one of the most effective conservative treatments for disc injuries. We don't "push discs back" — that's a myth. Gonstead adjustments restore proper vertebral alignment around the disc, reducing nerve pressure and giving it the best environment to heal. Many of our Edinburgh disc patients avoid surgery as a result.
How quickly will I feel a difference?
Many patients notice improvement after the first or second session, especially with acute pain. We reassess formally every few sessions and will tell you directly how you're responding — no vague timelines or open-ended treatment plans.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly — chiropractic is a primary contact profession, so you don't need to go through your GP or NHS Lothian first. If you have recent scans or X-rays, bring them along. We can also write to your GP if you'd like us to co-ordinate your care.
Do you accept health insurance?
Capital Chiropractic is recognised by all major private health insurers. Check your policy to see if chiropractic is covered — many plans include it. Call us on 0131 226 1336 and we'll help you confirm.
Where are you located and how do I get there?
We're at 50 Frederick Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EX — right in the heart of the New Town, a short walk from Princes Street and Edinburgh Waverley station. There is paid parking nearby on Frederick Street and in the St Andrew Square area. We're also easily reached from across Edinburgh and the Lothians by Lothian Buses routes along George Street and Princes Street.
Find Us
50 Frederick Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1EX — in Edinburgh's New Town, minutes from Princes Street and Waverley station. Served by Lothian Buses along George Street and Princes Street.
Don't Wait. Get Relief Today.
If you're dealing with back pain anywhere in Edinburgh or the Lothians, don't put off getting help. Our chiropractors are ready to provide immediatecare so you can get back on your feet.
Call 0131 226 1336