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Back pain
Back pain is very common, usually comes from the muscles, joints or discs of the spine, and most often improves on its own within a few weeks.
Education and reference only. This explains the common causes of back pain and the warning signs that need urgent help, in plain language — it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for advice from a clinician. If you feel very unwell or are worried, seek medical help.
Quick answer
What is back pain?
Back pain affects most people at some point in their lives. In the great majority of cases it is what doctors call non-specific or mechanical back pain, meaning it comes from the muscles, ligaments, joints and discs of the spine rather than from a serious underlying disease.
- Get urgent help: Loss of control of your bladder or bowels, numbness around the back passage or genitals, or new weakness or numbness in both legs can signal cauda equina syndrome — this is an emergency, go to A&E immediately. Back pain after a serious injury such as a fall from height or a car crash — seek urgent assessment.
- Self-care: For ordinary back pain, try to keep moving and continue your normal activities as much as the pain allows, as staying active usually speeds recovery and prolonged bed rest tends to make things worse.
About back pain
Back pain affects most people at some point in their lives. In the great majority of cases it is what doctors call non-specific or mechanical back pain, meaning it comes from the muscles, ligaments, joints and discs of the spine rather than from a serious underlying disease. It often follows an awkward movement, lifting, or simply day-to-day wear and tear, and frequently no single cause can be pinpointed. The reassuring news is that most back pain settles within a few weeks, and staying gently active usually helps recovery more than resting in bed. Pain that spreads down a leg can come from an irritated nerve, while pain linked to fever, unexplained weight loss, or problems with bladder and bowel control needs prompt assessment because it can point to something more serious. Understanding which symptoms are warning signs helps you respond appropriately without unnecessary worry.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if back pain comes with any of these warning signs:
- Loss of control of your bladder or bowels, numbness around the back passage or genitals, or new weakness or numbness in both legs can signal cauda equina syndrome — this is an emergency, go to A&E immediately.
- Back pain after a serious injury such as a fall from height or a car crash — seek urgent assessment.
- Back pain with a fever, or with unexplained weight loss, can point to infection or other serious illness — get prompt medical advice.
- Severe pain that is steadily getting worse, especially if it is constant and disturbs your sleep, needs assessment.
- New back pain in someone with a history of cancer should always be checked promptly.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your back pain does not start to improve within a few weeks, if it is severe or stopping you from carrying out daily activities, or if it keeps returning. Seek advice sooner if the pain spreads down your leg with numbness or weakness, if you feel generally unwell, or if you are worried about the cause. Anyone with osteoporosis, a previous cancer, or a weakened immune system should have new or changing back pain assessed promptly. A doctor or physiotherapist can suggest exercises and check that nothing more serious is going on.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
What can cause it
Common causes of back pain
Back pain has many possible causes. Each links to a full, plain-language guide to that condition — what it is, how it's treated and when to seek help.
What helps
Self-care and what you can do
For ordinary back pain, try to keep moving and continue your normal activities as much as the pain allows, as staying active usually speeds recovery and prolonged bed rest tends to make things worse. Gentle stretching, walking and changing position regularly can all help. Applying warmth, such as a wrapped hot water bottle or a warm bath, may ease muscle tension. Pay attention to your posture when sitting and lifting, bending at the knees rather than the back. Most episodes improve over days to a few weeks. Building up gentle exercise and core strength as you recover can reduce the chance of the pain returning.
Answers
Back pain: frequently asked questions
Should I rest or stay active with back pain?
For most back pain, staying gently active and continuing your usual routine as far as the pain allows helps recovery. Long periods of bed rest tend to slow things down, so keep moving within comfortable limits.
When is back pain a sign of something serious?
Warning signs include problems controlling your bladder or bowels, numbness around the back passage or genitals, weakness in both legs, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain after a major injury. These need urgent assessment.
How long does back pain usually take to get better?
Most ordinary back pain improves over a few days to a few weeks. If yours is not settling within about six weeks, is getting worse, or keeps coming back, see a doctor or physiotherapist.
What is cauda equina syndrome?
It is a rare but serious condition where the nerves at the base of the spine are compressed, causing loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, and leg weakness. It is a medical emergency needing immediate care.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Low back pain and sciatica.
- Versus Arthritis
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