Low back pain
Low back pain describes tension, soreness and stiffness in the lower half of the back.
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Back pain is one of the most common reasons worldwide that people seek medical attention, and around eight in ten people will have back pain during their lives. The good news is, low back pain is rarely due to a serious cause and will usually get better by itself, even though it can take around 6 weeks to go away.
This video provides helpful information on how to treat back pain and when you might need to seek medical attention:
You should book an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner if:
- your pain is getting worse despite treating it
- you have a fever (high temperature) at the same time
- if the pain travels to or is in your chest as well
- if the pain is waking you at night
- your pain is the result of an accident or an injury
- you're unintentionally losing weight at the same time
You should seek immediate medical attention if:
- you feel numbness or "pins and needles" in both of your legs, your bottom or your genitals that does not go away
- you have weakness in your legs (for example, you have trouble walking)
- you can't control your bladder or bowels (you're unable to keep urine in, or unable to keep poo in)
