Back pain
What is back pain?
Back pain is very common – with eight out of ten people suffering from it at some point during their lives.
It can affect anyone, at any age. It can be very mild or sometimes very severe but over 99% of cases are not caused by anything concerning.
Ask for an urgent GP practice appointment or call 111 if:
You have back pain and
- a high temperature
- you’ve lost weight without trying to
- there’s a lump or swelling in your back or your back has changed shape
- the pain does not improve with relative rest and is much worse at night
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You have back pain and:
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks
- difficulty peeing
- loss of bladder or bowel control (peeing or pooing yourself)
- New inability to gain or maintain an erection.
- chest pain
- it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident
With simple advice and by keeping moving as much as your pains allow you to, most people will see a great improvement in their back pain within two weeks of it starting and will settle fully.
Facts (and myth busting) about back pain:
–
:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hif5Cxikdmo
For those who unfortunately have persisting pains then consider seeking professional advice for the appropriate help and guidance.