Understand why your back hurts, and what to do about it.
A personal back pain assessment based on your own history and how you move. Not a generic exercise sheet. Free, and fully online.
Who this service is for
This service is for adults with ordinary back pain. A doctor must first confirm there is no serious cause. This is education and coaching, not medical treatment. There is no physical contact at any time.
This is a good fit if:
- A doctor has already checked for serious causes, such as cancer, infection, or a broken bone, and found none
- Your pain keeps coming back, or has lasted a long time
- You want to understand why the pain happens, not just cover it up
- You can complete a form, try some simple movements at home, and join one video call
Please see a doctor first if you have:
- Sudden weight loss, fever, or night sweats along with the pain
- Numbness between your legs or around your bottom, or a new problem controlling your bladder or bowels
- Pain after a serious injury, or a past history of cancer or weak bones (osteoporosis)
- Growing weakness or numbness in a leg
This is education, not medical treatment
I have a Master of Education, majoring in Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology. I am not a doctor, physiotherapist, or other registered health professional, and using this service does not create a doctor–patient relationship. It does not replace advice from your own doctor or health professional. More detail is in the disclaimer below.
How it works
Three steps. All online. In simple English, wherever you live.
Complete the form
Download the form and answer it in your own time. Try a few simple movements at home — for example, notice if pulling yourself upright while sitting changes your pain. Then email the form back to me.
Video call
We talk about your history on a video call. If there is time, I will also guide you through a few simple movements on camera in the same call. If not, we will arrange a short second call for that. No equipment is needed, and there is no physical contact at any time.
Your plan, then email support
You receive a written summary of what may be causing your pain, a step-by-step plan, and specific exercises. After that, you can email me with any questions.
Clear, specific, and useful
- What may be causing your pain, and what makes it worse
- A step-by-step plan: calm the pain, rebuild movement, then build strength
- Exercises chosen for your own body, not a general list
- How your breathing and posture affect your back
- A realistic timeline, based on your own body
Download the form
Fill it in whenever you have time. There is no deadline. Email it back to me to arrange your video call.
The form includes a short consent section. It explains the process and the small risks involved. It also asks if you agree to let your information, with your name removed, help wider research into back pain. If you would prefer a PDF, or a version that works better with a screen reader, just ask by email.
Who you'll be working with
My name is Ian Browne. I am a retired exercise physiologist and biomechanist. I offer this service for free, as an educational project — not a commercial clinic. My background is in studying how people move, why some movements cause pain, and how to safely rebuild strength and movement.
- Master of Education, majoring in Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology
- Not a doctor, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or other registered health professional
- Works by video call and email only — no physical contact
- This service is education and self-management support, based on what you report and how you move
- With your consent, your information (with your name removed) may help wider research into back pain
Questions & policies
Can this replace seeing a doctor?
No. This service assumes a doctor has already ruled out serious causes of your back pain. It does not diagnose or treat you, and it does not replace ongoing medical care. It is education, to help you understand and manage everyday back pain.
Is it really free?
Yes. This is a free educational project. There is no cost now, and no cost later.
Will you record the video call, or take photos?
The video call may be recorded, with your permission, so I can follow up accurately. You can say no and still take part. Sometimes, with your separate permission, a photo of a movement or of a medical scan may help the assessment. These are never stored in a way that identifies you. Both of these are optional, and explained in the consent section of the form.
What happens to the information I share?
Only the information needed to help you is collected. It is never sold, and it is stored securely. Full detail is in the privacy policy below.
Disclaimer of liability
Educational purpose only. This service reflects my training in exercise physiology and biomechanics. It is for education only. It is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Using this service does not create a doctor–patient relationship.
Your responsibility. You are responsible for your own health choices, including whether and how you use anything discussed. Your progress depends on your own effort and your own body. I cannot promise a particular result.
Not a substitute for medical care. This service does not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health professional. If you get new or worse symptoms, including any of the warning signs listed above, stop and see a doctor.
Assessment risks. The self-tests and movements used are gentle. You may feel more sore for a day afterwards. In rare cases, people feel briefly light-headed. You can pause or stop at any time. Full detail is in the consent section of the form.
Assumption of risk. By using this service, you accept that any physical activity carries some risk. You agree to stop and get medical help if something feels wrong. You agree not to hold me responsible for results from using this information.
International use. This service is offered from Australia, to people anywhere in the world. Health laws are different in different countries. Nothing here is meant to conflict with the laws where you live. It is your responsibility to check local rules if this matters to you.
Last updated: [insert date]
Privacy policy
What is collected. Information you choose to give me: your form, anything discussed on the video call, and any follow-up emails. The website also uses basic, non-identifying analytics.
How it is used. This information is used only to understand your situation and prepare your assessment and plan. It is never sold, and never used for marketing. With your separate, clear consent on the form, your information, with your name removed, may also help wider research into back pain. This is optional. It does not affect your assessment either way.
Your rights
- See, correct, or delete the information I hold about you, at any time
- Stop using this service at any point, without giving a reason
Security. I take reasonable steps to keep your information safe. No online system is completely secure.
Last updated: [insert date]
Ready to get started?
Download the form above, work through it in your own time, and email it back whenever you're ready.
Email your completed form