My Back Pain Story

In 2012, I injured my back lifting weights. I felt a sharp pop, followed by intense, searing pain in my lower back. What I thought would be a minor setback turned into nearly four years of ongoing pain and frustration.

I tried countless treatments. Each offered short-term relief but failed to help me get back to what I loved — exercise, training, and an active life. Every time I attempted to lift weights or go for a run, the pain would return, sometimes lingering for weeks.

The impact reached every part of my life.
Driving hurt (I had an hour-long commute each way). Working with patients was painful. Exercise was completely out of reach. Even sitting or standing for extended periods became a daily challenge. My social life, energy, and confidence suffered.

Through that experience, I learned firsthand how deeply chronic pain affects not just the body — but the mind and life itself. It taught me that healing requires more than short-term fixes — it needs a full, long-term strategy.


Frustrations with Traditional Care

At the time, I became increasingly frustrated with the traditional care model — whether from doctors, chiropractors, or physios.
Treatment often felt rushed. A quick adjustment, a few stretches, and a “see you next week” — with no clear diagnosis, no clear path forward, and little empathy for the real-life impact the pain was having.

There had to be a better way.


The Turning Point

In 2016, by coincidence, I found a small gym and a coach who listened — really listened — to my story.
He empathized with the frustrations I’d faced and convinced me to commit to a new approach: six months of sustainable strength training, proper technique, and patient, consistent work.

The goal wasn’t to train harder — it was to train smarter.
Each session was designed to finish with energy left in the tank, not exhaustion. Instead of burning out, we built a foundation slowly and consistently across five manageable sessions per week.

Over those six months, everything changed.
A structured strength program, combined with ongoing treatment and guidance, rebuilt my back’s strength, resilience, and confidence — and to this day, the pain hasn’t returned.


Philosophy and Approach to Care

That journey inspired me to dive deeper.
I went on to complete a Master’s in Exercise Science, specializing in Strength and Conditioning, to better understand how the body adapts, heals, and thrives with the right stimulus.

Today, with qualifications in both Chiropractic and Exercise Science, I bring a unique perspective to injury recovery and long-term health:
Treatment alone isn’t enough — movement, strength, education, and consistency are the foundation of real, lasting change.

At Scope, everything we do centers around you — your goals, your life, and your recovery.

We combine expert treatment, structured rehabilitation, strength training, and ongoing support to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love — for good.

Because true recovery isn’t just about feeling better — it’s about becoming better.


A Final Note

If you’re ready for a new way forward — if you want to not just manage your pain, but truly change the direction of your health and future — I encourage you to check out our Back 2 Your Best Rehab Program.

This program was built from my own journey — and it’s helping people every day move past pain and into a stronger, healthier life.

Daniel Rothenberg – MExSci, MChiro, BChiroSc
Owner & Founder, Scope Sports Injury Clinic

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Daniel Rothenberg

Daniel Rothenberg is a Sports Chiropractor with a Masters of Chiropractic and Masters of Exercise Science majoring in Strength & Conditioning. He works closely with a range of athletes in Brisbane and Ipswich.