Spinal health · Patient guide
What Causes Low Back Pain? When Should You See a Doctor?
Why does the lower back hurt? Common causes, emergency symptoms, the need for examination and imaging, and the approach to movement and treatment in low back pain.
Updated: · General information
Why does the lower back hurt?
Unaccustomed loading or muscle strain can cause pain. Lumbar disc herniation, sciatica and inflammatory spinal disease are also considered in the assessment. Feeling pain at a single point does not on its own indicate its cause. Rarer causes such as infection or fracture are distinguished by the history and the examination.
What does low back pain radiating into the leg mean?
Low back pain may be accompanied by an electric sensation, tingling or numbness in the leg. These symptoms can be related to nerve involvement; a diagnosis cannot be made from the pattern of radiation alone. If there is new loss of strength, assessment should not be delayed.
What can help low back pain?
Rather than staying in bed for long periods, it is generally advised to continue the daily activities you can tolerate. Breaking activity into smaller parts and increasing the load in stages can help. The choice of medication must be assessed alongside any accompanying illnesses and other medicines taken; the same drug or exercise is not suitable for everyone.
When should you be examined?
Seek advice for pain that restricts daily activities, does not settle within a few weeks or keeps returning. Earlier assessment is needed if there is fever, unexplained weight loss or rapid deterioration. At the consultation, the onset and radiation of the pain, the medicines you take and any previous investigations are all important.
How is physical therapy planned?
The aim of rehabilitation is to support movement and participation in daily life. Exercise, education and adjustment of activity are combined according to the person’s needs. Sleep, workload and the psychosocial effects of pain are also addressed. At FizyoCare, the appropriate programme and review interval are discussed after the initial assessment; the number of sessions is not fixed in advance in the same way for everyone.
How can you prepare for a review appointment?
Noting which movements increase the pain and how it affects your sleep and your work makes the consultation easier. Tell us about the methods you have already tried, the benefit they gave and any side effects you experienced. Follow-up assesses not only a pain score but also walking time, sitting tolerance and return to daily responsibilities.
Your questions
Patient information
Is low back pain always a disc herniation?
No. In a substantial proportion of cases of low back pain, no single disease or structural cause can be identified. The examination helps to understand which condition the symptoms relate to.
What should I do if my back hurts when I sit?
Rather than staying in the same position for long periods, change your posture and take movement breaks that you can tolerate. If the pain persists or restricts daily life, seek assessment.
Which department should I go to for low back pain?
The initial assessment can begin with a general practitioner or a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Depending on the findings, assessment by orthopaedics, neurology or neurosurgery may be needed.
Should I continue if the pain increases while exercising?
Do not push through a marked increase in pain. Stop the movement and review the programme with your treatment team. Report any new numbness or loss of strength separately.
Which department should you go to for low back pain?
In the absence of emergency warning signs, a general practitioner or a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation can carry out the initial assessment. Referral to other specialties may be needed depending on the findings.
