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Back pain

Last Updated: July 3, 2026

Key Points

  • Very common, often in the lower back
  • Usually improves within a few weeks
  • Can be caused by muscle strains or medical conditions
  • Staying active helps with recovery

Overview

Back pain is a very common condition, frequently affecting the lower back, and typically improves on its own within a few weeks. While it can sometimes last longer or recur, there are many ways to manage and ease the discomfort. The pain can stem from various causes, such as a pulled muscle or strain. Sometimes, underlying medical conditions like a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped nerve), or ankylosing spondylitis are responsible. In rare cases, back pain may signal a more serious problem like a broken bone, infection, or cancer. Most back pain resolves with self-care, including staying active and using pain relief. If pain persists or worsens, or if other concerning symptoms appear, medical advice should be sought to determine the best course of action.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain not improving after a few weeks
  • Pain stopping daily activities
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Lump, swelling, or change in back shape
  • Pain worse at night or with rest
  • Pain worse when sneezing, coughing, or pooing
  • Pain in the upper back (between shoulders)
  • Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell
  • Severe, sudden, or quickly worsening pain
  • Numbness, tingling, or weakness in both legs
  • Loss of feeling around genitals or anus
  • Changes in bladder or bowel control
  • Changes in sexual function
  • Chest pain
  • Pain starting after a serious accident

Things That Increase the Risk

  • Muscle strain or injury
  • Slipped disc
  • Sciatica (trapped nerve)
  • Ankylosing spondylitis
  • Underlying serious medical conditions (rarely)
  • Sedentary lifestyle or lack of activity

Diagnosis

  • Doctor's physical examination
  • Review of symptoms and medical history
  • Referral to physiotherapy or musculoskeletal services
  • Imaging tests (if serious condition suspected)

Treatment & Management

  • Staying active and continuing daily tasks
  • Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines (e.g., ibuprofen)
  • Applying ice packs for pain and swelling
  • Applying heat packs for stiffness or spasms
  • Specific back exercises and stretches
  • Group exercise sessions
  • Physiotherapy
  • Manual therapy (massage, joint movement)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Nerve sealing procedures (for long-term lower back pain)
  • Surgery (rarely, for specific conditions like a slipped disc)

Prevention

  • Maintain an active lifestyle
  • Perform regular exercises and stretches
  • Avoid prolonged periods of bed rest
  • Use proper body mechanics for lifting
  • Manage underlying medical conditions

Available Treatments

Explore our range of treatment options for Back pain:

Back Pain Treatment

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View treatment

Surgical Options

Learn about surgical procedures available for Back pain:

Discectomy

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View surgery

Contents

Quick Info

Affects

Most people at some point

Prevalence

Very common

Diagnosis

Doctor's assessment, symptom review

Treatment

Self-care, pain relief, physiotherapy

Medically Reviewed

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Dr. Vijay Bhat

Orthopedic Surgeon · Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Reviewed on July 3, 2026

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