Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and one of the most common reasons people consult a doctor. Most episodes — even severe ones — improve significantly within a few weeks with the right guidance. Early, active management and expert advice lead to the best outcomes.
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This page provides general health information only. If you experience loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain, seek emergency care immediately.
Causes of lower back pain
The vast majority of lower back pain — classified as non-specific — has no single identifiable structural cause and is related to muscle strain, poor posture, deconditioning, or mechanical stress on the lumbar spine.
Specific causes include disc herniation (pressing on nerve roots, causing sciatica), degenerative disc disease, facet joint arthritis, spinal stenosis, and less commonly, inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis or sacroiliitis.
Symptoms
- Dull, aching, or sharp pain in the lower back
- Stiffness — particularly on waking or after prolonged sitting
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks, thigh, or down the leg (sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg or foot if a nerve root is compressed
- Pain that worsens with specific movements, bending, or lifting
Red flag symptoms
Seek urgent medical attention if lower back pain is accompanied by: loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness or numbness in both legs, pain following significant trauma, unexplained weight loss or fever, or severe constant pain not relieved by rest. These may indicate a serious condition requiring emergency assessment.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if pain is severe, persistent beyond 4–6 weeks, or if you develop sciatica or neurological symptoms. Early professional guidance on movement and exercise prevents short-term pain from becoming chronic.
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Treatment options
- Staying active — bed rest worsens outcomes; gentle movement and walking speed recovery
- Pain relief — paracetamol, NSAIDs, and topical anti-inflammatories
- Physiotherapy — targeted exercises to strengthen the lumbar and core muscles
- Manual therapy — spinal mobilisation by a physiotherapist or osteopath
- Steroid injections — for severe nerve root pain not responding to oral medication
- Surgical review — for structural causes such as disc herniation causing persistent neurological symptoms
How eMedClinic can help
Our doctors provide thorough assessments, prescribe appropriate pain relief, arrange imaging where indicated, and refer to physiotherapy or specialist care. We provide evidence-based guidance to help you recover as quickly as possible and reduce the risk of recurrence.
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