What it is
Common causes include strains, poor posture, lifting awkwardly and long periods of sitting. Less often it comes from a slipped disc, sciatica or an inflammatory condition such as ankylosing spondylitis.
Painkillers, heat, gentle exercise and physiotherapy help most people. Pain that lasts more than a few weeks or keeps coming back is worth getting checked.
Common signs
- Pain, stiffness or aching anywhere in the back
- Pain that spreads into the buttock or leg
- Pain that is worse with certain movements
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions and an examination are usually enough
- Scans (X-ray or MRI) only when a specific cause is suspected
- Blood tests if inflammation or infection is a concern
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Physiotherapy assessments and exercise plans
- Any X-ray or MRI reports
- Notes on what makes it better or worse and which treatments helped
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is there anything here that needs a scan?
- Which exercises are safe for me?
- How long should it take to improve?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Numbness around the genitals or bottom, or new problems controlling your bladder or bowel: go to an emergency department
- Back pain with fever, after a serious fall, or with unexplained weight loss
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.