Back Pain

General Information

Resources for your

Back Pain

Alternatively visit our Pain, Neck, Hip or Thigh/Leg/Calf resource pages or Back to Resources Home

Lower back pain is very common.  Around 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their life.  Some people may experience back pain more frequently.  Back pain can hurt a lot but it is rarely caused by anything serious.

What causes low back pain?

Some common causes of low back pain are:

  • muscle pain – this can be from lifting awkwardly, a sporting injury or work activities
  • age-related changes – also known as spondylosis
  • sudden changes in activity levels – doing much more than usual or being much less active can cause pain
  • poor sleep, stress, low mood, or feeling run down can also make pain worse

Sometimes back pain starts slowly, and we don’t know why. Even then, scans are usually not needed and do not change treatment. The good news is that most back pain improves within a few weeks.

What are the symptoms?

Everyone’s symptoms are different, but you may experience:

  • aching or stiffness in your lower back
  • pain that spreads into the hips, buttocks or leg.
  • pain when bending or moving
  • stiffness after sitting or resting for a while

It is normal for pain to change day to day. This does not mean you are doing damage.

Self Help

Most new back pain will improve within 6-8 weeks. Following some of these useful tips should help:

  • change your activity levels – we do not recommend complete rest but changing or slightly reducing your activity levels can help in the early stages.
  • keep moving – short walks and gentle movement can help reduce stiffness.
  • simple pain relief – ask a pharmacist or GP for advice first.
  • stay at work or return as soon as you can – your employer or GP can help with adjustments.
  • look after your sleep and stress levels – both can affect pain.
  • try gentle exercises – moving regularly and doing simple exercises can help.
  • use heat – a heat pack/hot water bottle can help reduce pain (don’t put it straight on your skin).

Should I refer myself to Physiotherapy?

You may benefit from physiotherapy if:

  • your pain is not improving after a few weeks
  • you are struggling to return to work or normal activities
  • you keep getting episodes of back pain
  • you would like more advice on exercises and recovery

If you have tried the self-help measures on these pages and the symptoms have not settled, you can self-refer to MSK Physiotherapy if you live in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.

For more information on how to self-refer to MSK Physiotherapy visit our Service Page.

When should I seek urgent medical advice?

Back pain is rarely serious, however you should go to Accident & Emergency now if, within the last 4 weeks you have noticed:

  • altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself
  • change in ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate
  • inability to stop a bowel movement or leaking
  • increasing difficulty when you try to stop or control your flow of urine
  • increasing difficulty when you try to urinate
  • leaking urine or recent need to use pads
  • loss of feeling or pins and needles between your inner thighs or genitals
  • loss of sensation when you pass a bowel motion
  • loss of sensation when you pass urine
  • not knowing when your bladder is either full or empty
  • numbness in or around your back passage or buttocks
  • severe weakness in your legs or your ankle is not moving properly when walking

You should contact your GP or call 111 urgently if you have:

  • new, unexplained lower back pain, accompanied by a history of any of the following
    • cancer
    • HIV
    • TB (Tuberculosis)
    • inflammatory arthritis
  • lower back pain combined with any of the following
    • feeling unwell
    • a loss of appetite
    • fever
    • unexplained weight loss
    • night sweats

Remember

Most low back pain improves with time, movement and the right advice.  Staying active and confident in your movement helps your recovery.

Useful Resources

Advice and Information Leaflets

Leaflets:

Advice and Information Videos

Videos:

Exercises

Virtual Exercise Classes:

Back Exercise Class YouTube LPT MSK Physiotherapy Service

Suitable for people experiencing back pain. Demonstrates a variety of exercises aimed at strengthening muscles and improving confidence with moving your back.

 

Urgent / Out of Hours Health Care

If in doubt which service is best for you, call 111 for advice or visit LLR ICB Urgent Health Care for more information.

Need information for a different body area?

Alternatively visit our Pain, Neck, Hip or Thigh/Leg/Calf resource pages or Back to Resources Home.

MSK Physiotherapy Service Page

Disclaimer

 

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