Back problems

Most back problems start for no obvious reason, which can be very frustrating. The spine is strong and back problems are rarely due to any serious disease or damage.

Back problems can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• stiffness
• muscle spasms
• hot, burning, shooting or stabbing pains in your back and sometimes into one or both of your legs

You may also get pins and needles - this can be due to nerve irritation.

You don't normally need to see a healthcare professional. New or flare-up of longstanding back problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks.

For most back pain problems, you'll not normally need an X-ray or MRI scan.

What causes back problems?

Although most back problems start for no obvious reason, back pain can be caused by:

• staying in one position too long
• lifting something awkwardly
• a flare-up of an existing problem

Can this cause problems anywhere else?

Your back problem may cause hot, burning, shooting, or stabbing pains into one or both of your legs. You may also get pins and needles - this can be due to nerve irritation.

Self-help

Keeping active is an essential part of your treatment and recovery and is the single best thing you can do for your health. Exercising can really help your back and reduce the pain you feel.

Try not to:

• brace or hold yourself still - your back is designed to be mobile
• sit down or rest for too long - resting in bed doesn't help back pain, and often makes it harder to get going again.

If you have to sit or rest, try to change positions regularly and find one that reduces any pain in your back or legs.

Being physically active throughout your recovery can:

• prevent a recurrence of the problem
• maintain your current levels of fitness – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none
• keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible
• help you aim for a healthy body weight

It's recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don't need to be pain and symptom-free to return to work.

Advice to help with your pain

The following can help to reduce the pain:

• Pain medication - this can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery.
• Heat or ice packs.
• Tens machine - this is a small battery operated machine that stimulates the skin to help reduce the level of pain you feel. They can be bought from chemists or online.

Speak to your community pharmacist or other healthcare professional about taking medication. It's important to take medication regularly.

Stay positive

It’s easy to start worrying about all the possible things that could be wrong, but research has shown that most back pain settles with time. Keeping as active as possible helps you to cope better and recover more quickly.

Consider your posture

Although your posture doesn’t need to be perfect, resting in poor positions can affect your back problem. Try and move often so you don't get stuck in a poor position for long.

When to speak to a health professional

If you experience any of the following, phone the 111 service as soon as possible:

• Difficulty passing or controlling urine
• Numbness or altered feeling around your back passage or genitals - such as wiping after toilet
• Pins and needles around your back passage or genitals - such as wiping after toilet

If you experience any of the following, speak to your GP as soon as possible:

• Generally feeling unwell
• Back pain that starts when you're ill with other problems - such as rheumatoid arthritis or cancer
• Unsteadiness when you walk

Help and support

If, after following the above advice, your back problem hasn't improved within 6 weeks a referral to a physiotherapist may be of benefit.

If available in your health board area, the Musculoskeletal (MSK) Helpline can refer you to a healthcare professional if you need it.