There isn't usually a one size fits all underlying condition causing back pain - very often nothing shows up in tests and nothing is permanently damaged. This is called simple or non-specific back pain. Nine out of 10 people with simple back pain recover completely within six weeks without any specific treatment.
back pain if often more common if you:
·stand, sit or bend down for long periods
·lift, carry, push or pull loads that are too heavy, or if you go about these tasks in the wrong way
·have a trip or a fall
·are stressed or anxious
·are overweight
Occasionally, there may be a more serious underlying cause of back pain, but this is rare.

These more serious causes may include osteoporosis, a slipped disc, spinal stenosis, malformation of the spine, infection or collapse of the vertebrae, tuberculosis or cancer.

It is true that simple back pain is often in the lower back and might also spread to the buttocks and thighs. Often described as a dull pain it can come and go at different times, depending on your level of activity. The pain can begin suddenly or might come on gradually if you strain your back over time.
This simple back pain usually only lasts a few days and gets better on its own.
However, sometimes there are underlying problems that make it necessary to see doctor as soon as you can if, as well as back pain, you have:
·a fever
·any redness or swelling on your back
·pain down your legs and below your knees
·any numbness or weakness in one or both legs or around your buttocks
·there is any loss of bladder or bowel control.

Some symptoms are considered "urgent" and may mean that you require urgent treatment. You should seek medical help if:

·your pain is the result of an injury
·you're under 20 or over 55 and the pain lasts for more than a few days
·you have had or currently have cancer in any part of your body
·you have HIV/AIDS
.you have been taking steroid medicines for more than a few months

It is easy to write off back pain as just a twinge but it is worth bearing these other factors in mind.

In order to get back pain properly diagnosed you will have to visit your doctor, who will most likely ask you about your symptoms and examine you and may also ask you about your medical history.

If your back pain lasts longer than six weeks, or if your doctor suspects there might be some underlying cause of your pain, they may recommend more tests such as:
X-rays

CT scans - a CT scan uses X-rays to make a three-dimensional image of the body/or part of the body

MRI - an MRI scan uses magnets and radiowaves to produce images of the inside of your body
certain blood tests

Self-help is often the best form of treating and preventing back pain and there are many things you can do to help yourself.

Stay active try to get back to your usual level of physical activity as soon as possible after you have been incapasitated by back pain. This may hurt at first, but it will help you get better and may reduce your risk of getting simple back pain again.

Bed rest is an option if your pain is so bad that you can't get moving, but try keep the time you stay in bed as short as possible. Lying in bed can do more harm than good.

Try to stay positive and set yourself goals this will help you get back to your usual levels of physical activity.

Try some heat therapy you can apply a hot water bottle or heat pack directly to the affected area, or take a hot bath.

At the other extreme there is ice therapy application of a cold compress, such as ice or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel. But remember don't apply ice directly to your skin because you could damage it.

Take it easy. be careful not to overdo it when your pain improves enough for you to get going again!

Back pain is a tricky one, for people who genuinely suffer there is noting worse but it does take the rap for a lot of skiving too! Genuine back pain can be treated with painkillers (such as aspirin or paracetamol) or anti-inflammatory medicine (such as ibuprofen) which will often be enough to relieve simple back pain and can help keep the sufferer active. Creams, lotions and gels that contain painkillers or anti-inflammatory ingredients that can be applied directly onto the painful area as well.
If the back pain continues, a doctor may prescribe stronger medicines such as diazepam, morphine or tramadol. However, these aren't suitable for everyone because they can be addictive and cause side-effects.
Your GP or pharmacist will advise you which treatment is the most appropriate for you.
But remember always to read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and if you have any questions, go to your GP or pharmacist for advice.

Yes this is a tricky area alright I suffered for ages and no-one believed me! I was called all kinds of work shy so and so but I really did suffer! There are some treatments that I read up about at the time which include:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) relieves back pain by delivering mild electric pulses to the painful area through electrodes on the skin. These stimulate nerve fibres and block the pain signals to the brain. TENS is not suitable for everybody and it isn't always effective. Always check with your GP before using TENS and make sure you know how to use it properly.

Physiotherapists can assess and treat back pain, and teach exercises to do at home that will increase mobility and help manage your pain. Make sure that you only see a physiotherapist registered with the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy.


Osteopathy and chiropractic are treatments involving manipulation of the body, mainly focusing on the spine. (This was the one that worked for me!) They are most useful if you have had back pain for less than three months and can provide short-term (most often) or long-term pain relief. These treatments aren't suitable for everybody and aren't always effective, so it's important to speak to your GP first. You should only see an osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council or a chiropractor registered with the General Chiropractic Council.