Back Pain
Back pain affects up to 80% of adults at some point in their life. It ranges from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain and can have many causes. Most cases improve with the right guidance, but expert assessment ensures nothing is missed.
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This page provides general health information only. If you experience sudden severe back pain with leg weakness or loss of bladder/bowel control, seek emergency care immediately.
What causes back pain?
The majority of back pain — classified as non-specific — has no single identifiable structural cause and is related to muscle strain, poor posture, or deconditioning. It often follows a period of inactivity, awkward movement, or heavy lifting.
Specific causes include herniated or bulging discs (pressing on spinal nerves), degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis of the spine, and less commonly, inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis or referred pain from internal organs.
Symptoms
- Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the lower, mid, or upper back
- Pain that worsens with movement, prolonged sitting, or standing
- Stiffness, particularly on waking in the morning
- Pain radiating into the buttocks, thighs, or down the leg (sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs if a nerve is compressed
Red flag symptoms
Seek urgent medical attention if your back pain is accompanied by any of the following:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Weakness or numbness in both legs
- Back pain following a significant trauma such as a fall or accident
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats
- Severe, constant pain that is not relieved by rest or position change
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if your back pain is severe, persistent for more than a few weeks, or interfering with daily life. Early professional advice on movement, activity, and treatment prevents short-term pain from becoming chronic.
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Treatment options
- Staying active — bed rest is not recommended; gentle movement speeds recovery
- Pain relief — paracetamol, NSAIDs, and topical anti-inflammatories
- Physiotherapy — targeted exercises to strengthen supporting muscles and improve posture
- Manual therapy — spinal manipulation or mobilisation by a trained physiotherapist or osteopath
- Steroid injections — for nerve-related pain or severe flares that do not respond to oral medication
- Surgical review — for structural causes that do not respond to conservative treatment
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors can assess your back pain, recommend appropriate investigations, prescribe pain relief, and refer you to a physiotherapist or specialist where needed. We provide practical, evidence-based guidance to help you recover as quickly as possible.
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