Back pain

Back pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own.

A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain).

Sometimes, medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain.

Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.

You have back pain and:

• it does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks
• it's stopping you doing your day-to-day activities
• you're worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope
• you've lost weight without trying to
• there's a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape
• it does not improve after resting or is worse at night
• it's worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing
• it's coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.

• stay active and try to continue with your daily activities

• take anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen (these may not be suitable for everyone) – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller

• check with a pharmacist or GP if you're unsure about which painkiller is suitable for you

• use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling

• use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms

• try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain

• do not stay in bed for long periods of time

If your back pain is severe or not getting better, you may prescribed painkillers.

Other treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks.

These include:

• group exercise sessions and physiotherapy
• manual therapy – where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back
• cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you cope with the pain
• a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain)

If your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option.

Back pain can have many causes, including an injury like a strain. Sometimes conditions like sciatica or a slipped disc can cause back pain.

Things you can do to ease back pain include staying active and continuing with daily activities, taking ibuprofen, and doing exercises and stretches.

Treatments for back pain include medicines, group exercise, physiotherapy, massage and sometimes surgery.