Back Pain
Checked against current published health guidance — last reviewed 2026-09-22. See how we check.
Most back pain is caused by muscle or ligament strain and improves within a few weeks with gentle movement, everyday activity, and pain relief if needed. Back pain with numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control needs urgent medical attention.
Overview
Back pain is extremely common and, in the vast majority of cases, isn't caused by anything serious — it usually relates to how you've moved, lifted, sat, or slept, rather than damage to the spine itself.
Staying as active as you comfortably can, rather than resting completely, generally leads to a faster recovery.
What may help
- Keep moving and stay as active as the pain allows — avoid prolonged bed rest
- Apply heat or a cold pack to the area, whichever feels better
- Over-the-counter pain relief, as directed
- Gentle stretching or short walks, gradually increasing as it improves
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Pain that hasn't improved after a few weeks of self-care
- Pain that's severe or getting worse rather than better
- Back pain following a fall or injury
- Pain that's disturbing your sleep most nights
When it could be an emergency
- Numbness or tingling around the genitals, buttocks, or inner thighs ("saddle" area)
- New loss of control over your bladder or bowel
- Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in one or both legs
- Back pain with unexplained weight loss, fever, or a history of cancer
If any of these apply, don't wait — check Red Flags for your country's emergency number, or go straight to your nearest emergency department.
Want more detail, tailored to your own situation?
Look up "Back Pain" in the appCommon questions
Should I rest in bed with back pain?
No — for most back pain, staying gently active and keeping up normal activities as much as possible helps you recover faster than prolonged bed rest.
When is back pain a sign of something serious?
It's uncommon, but sudden numbness in the saddle area, loss of bladder or bowel control, or leg weakness are red flags that need same-day medical assessment.
Does back pain mean I need a scan?
Not usually — most back pain settles without any imaging being needed. A GP or physiotherapist would only usually arrange a scan if red-flag symptoms are present or pain persists despite treatment.
Read more on the NHS website →
General information only, last checked 2026-09-22 — not medical advice and not a diagnosis. This page doesn't cover every cause or every person's situation; for anything specific to you or someone in your care, speak to a pharmacist, GP, or other qualified professional. Content is checked against current published guidance from official public health sources — see how we check. Be Health Wise is part of the Be Wise family of apps.