Back Pain Red Flags: See UrgentlyBladder or bowel dysfunction (incontinence), numbness in the groin/inner thighs (saddle anaesthesia), progressive leg weakness, or back pain with fever and weight loss.
Common Causes
| Cause | Features | Typical Age |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle strain / sprain | After lifting/twisting, tender muscles | Any age |
| Disc herniation | Radiates down leg (sciatica), worse sitting | 30–50s |
| Degenerative disc disease | Chronic low-grade ache, morning stiffness | 50+ |
| Spinal stenosis | Leg pain on walking, relieved by leaning forward | 60+ |
| Ankylosing spondylitis | Morning stiffness >1 hour, improves with exercise | Under 45 |
| Osteoporotic fracture | After minimal trauma in older patients | 70+ |
| Kidney infection | Loin-to-groin pain, fever, dysuria | Any age |
| Cancer metastases | Night pain, unremitting, weight loss | Older adults |
Stay ActiveBed rest prolongs recovery. Gentle walking, swimming, or yoga significantly outperform bed rest for acute low back pain. Strong evidence supports staying as active as possible.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
The one back pain emergency: compression of the nerve roots at the bottom of the spinal cord. Signs: saddle anaesthesia, loss of bladder/bowel control, bilateral leg weakness. This is a surgical emergency, call 999.
How long should back pain last before seeing a doctor?
Most back pain improves within 4–6 weeks. See a GP sooner if: pain is severe, follows trauma, comes with neurological symptoms, or shows any red flags.
What is sciatica?
Pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg, often to the foot, following the path of the sciatic nerve. Usually caused by a herniated disc pressing on the nerve root.
Does MRI always show the cause of back pain?
No. MRI often shows disc changes that are present in asymptomatic people. Results must be interpreted alongside symptoms: up to 80 % of people over 60 have disc changes with no pain.
What exercises help back pain?
Evidence supports: walking, swimming, yoga, Pilates, and specific physiotherapy exercises. Avoid high-impact exercise in acute severe pain, but do not rest completely.
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Medical Disclaimer: This page is for general education only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.