The NHS has issued advice to anyone suffering from back pain and it is important to know the signs that it is a serious issue that requires further investigation
The NHS has rolled out some crucial guidance for those grappling with back pain. According to the official NHS website, while “back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common”, there are certain instances when it might indicate something more serious.
The site states: “It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back.”
Naturally, back pain can stem from numerous sources, and pinpointing the exact cause is not always straightforward. With the Christmas period looming, you might find yourself sprucing up the home, spending hours in the kitchen, assembling presents or playing with the little ones.
Any of these activities could set off your back troubles, with health professionals highlighting that a “common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain).” That said, should you develop any discomfort in your back, don’t brush it aside. Monitor it carefully, even if you reckon it’s down to one of these activities.
Any of these activities could set off your back troubles, with health professionals highlighting that a “common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (strain).” That said, should you develop any discomfort in your back, don’t brush it aside. Monitor it carefully, even if you reckon it’s down to one of these activities.
Additional triggers might include medical conditions such as a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis. The NHS cautions: “Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection”.
How to ease back pain at home
The NHS warns that you should “not stay in bed for long periods of time.” Instead you should:
- Stay active: Try to continue with your daily activities as much as possible, as movement helps recovery.
- Use anti-inflammatory medicine: Options like ibuprofen are effective. Note that paracetamol on its own is not usually recommended for back pain, though it can be used alongside other painkillers.
- Apply cold therapy: Use an ice pack (or a bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Apply heat therapy: Use a heat pack or a hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel to relieve muscle spasms and joint stiffness.
- Exercise and stretch: Incorporate specific stretches designed for back pain to improve flexibility and strength.
When should I see a GP?
You should make a doctors appointment if:
- your back pain does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks
- the pain is stopping you doing your day-to-day activities
- the pain is severe or getting worse over time
- you’re worried about the pain or you’re struggling to cope
NHS pain scale
According to the NHS, severe pain is characterised by pain that is:
- always there and so bad it’s hard to think or talk
- so bad you cannot sleep
- makes it very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities
Refer yourself
You may be able to refer yourself for help and treatment, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP. You can check out how you can get NHS help for back or joint problems here
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111
You have back pain and:
- a high temperature
- you’ve lost weight without trying to
- there’s a lump or swelling in your back or your back has changed shape
- the pain does not improve after resting or is worse at night
- the pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing
- the pain is coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back
Call 999 or go to A&E
You have back pain and:
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks
- difficulty peeing
- loss of bladder or bowel control (peeing or pooing yourself)
- chest pain
- it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident
