Four out of five people suffer back pain at some time. Most often it's caused by strains, minor injury or simple inactivity.

Acute (short-term) back pain can be treated with pain killers.

Chronic (long-term) back pain might require specialist treatment and you should seek medical advice if the pain persists.

Symptoms

Localised pain in one part of upper or lower back, which may worsen when bending or coughing.

Causes

• Stiffness or spasm of the spine muscles caused by activites you're not used to or an uncomfortable sleeping position
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Incorrect lifting
• Dislodgement of spinal disc

Treatment

Initially, rest for a painful back is important. Take simple painkillers like paracetamol and apply local heat to the affected area. Some people like Ibuprofen more than paracetamol.

Prevention

• Keep active
• Change your position regularly when standing, sitting or stooping for long periods of time
• Sleep on a firm mattress
• When lifting, crouch down whilst keeping your back straight
• Keep to a healthy weight

Seek medical advice

Seek advice from your healthcare professional if...

• the pain persists for more than a few days
• the pain extends into one or both legs or arms
• the pain came on with no cause
• your bottom, arms or legs are numb or tingling
• it's difficult to move any arm or leg
• coughing or sneezing makes the pain worse
• you do not have normal bladder or bowel control

Recommended web sites

an independent national charity registered as the National Back Pain Association

Understanding back pain

An excellent information leaflet from Patient UK