Low back pain
Low back pain is one of the most common health problems and affects most adults at some point. It is usually caused by strained muscles or ligaments from lifting, bending, poor posture or long hours of work, and it is rarely serious. Most back pain improves within a few weeks by staying active and using simple pain relief.
Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Pain that is worse with bending, lifting or sitting for a long time
- Muscle spasm
- Pain spreading to the buttock or down one leg (sciatica)
- Tingling or numbness in the leg
Causes
- Lifting heavy loads, especially with a bent back
- Long hours of sitting, bending or standing (farming, carpet weaving, driving)
- Poor posture and weak back and stomach muscles
- Being overweight
- A slipped (herniated) disc pressing on a nerve
- Less often: infection such as TB of the spine, fractures from osteoporosis, or cancer
Prevention
- Lift with bent knees and a straight back, keeping the load close to your body
- Take breaks to stand and stretch during long work
- Exercise regularly to strengthen the back and stomach muscles; walking helps
- Keep a healthy weight
- Sleep on a firm, comfortable surface
Treatment
- Stay as active as you can; long bed rest slows recovery
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen for a short time, or a warm compress
- Gentle stretching and exercises, and physiotherapy if the pain lasts
- Most pain improves within 4 to 6 weeks
- X-rays and scans are usually not needed unless there are warning signs
- Avoid repeated painkiller or steroid injections and strong painkillers without a doctor
Common questions
Should I stay in bed until my back pain goes away?
No. Staying in bed for more than a day or two makes back pain last longer. Gentle movement and returning to normal activities as soon as you can helps you recover faster.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI for back pain?
Usually not. Most back pain gets better without scans, and scans often show normal age changes that do not explain the pain. A doctor will order a scan if there are warning signs or the pain does not improve.