Back pain is common and often starts for no obvious reason. The spine is strong and back problems are rarely due to any serious disease or damage.
Back problems can cause a range of symptoms, including:
In many cases, new or flare-up of long-standing back problems should begin to settle within 6 weeks without the need to see a healthcare professional.
For most back pain problems, you’ll not normally need an X-ray or MRI scan.
Back pain can sometimes be so sudden and severe that you end up on the floor and in too much pain to move. If this happens, there are techniques you can use to get back on your feet safely and in relative comfort
Only attempt this if you feel well, additional symptoms like stomach or abdominal pain can indicate other conditions which should be discussed with a Healthcare Professional.
To get up safely from lying face down:
To get out of a chair safely:
To get into bed safely:
To get out of bed safely:
Alternatively:
Your back problem may cause hot, burning, shooting, or stabbing pains into one or both of your legs. You may also get pins and needles. This can be due to nerve irritation.
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious back condition which can lead to permanent damage or disability. If you develop this condition you’ll need to be seen by an emergency specialist spinal team.
You have experienced a new onset of the following symptoms:
If your GP is closed, contact 111.
If you have back pain you can get advice and treatment directly from a pharmacy. Find your local pharmacy on Scotland’s Service Directory.
Although most back problems start for no obvious reason, back pain can be influenced by:
Keeping active is an essential part of your treatment and recovery and is the single best thing you can do for your health. Exercising can really help your back and reduce the pain you feel.
Read more about keeping active.
If you have to sit or rest, try to change positions regularly and find one that reduces any pain in your back or legs.
It’s beneficial to do specific exercises that can help in your recovery. They may be challenging at the beginning so just do what you can and try to build it up over time.
Exercises to help with back pain
Although your posture doesn’t need to be perfect, try and move often so you don’t stay in the same position for too long. This will help you improve and get back to your normal activity levels.
The following can help to reduce the pain:
More about taking painkillers.
Remember to never place ice or heat directly on your skin. Use a barrier, like a towel, to protect your skin from a burn.
How long you use ice as a treatment can depend on the painful area but generally up to 15 minutes leaving a few hours between treatments.
You should stop treating the area with ice or heat and seek advice from a medical professional if you notice an increase in redness, discolouration or blistering of the skin.
If you have any issues with circulation or sensation, you shouldn’t use ice or heat as a treatment for back pain.
It’s easy to start worrying about all the possible things that could be wrong, but research has shown that most back pain settles with time.
Keeping as active as possible helps you to cope better and get back to your usual activities more quickly.
It’s recommended you stay at or return to work as quickly as possible during your recovery. You don’t need to be pain and symptom-free to return to work.
Following this advice, you should see gradual improvements over time.
You should see the biggest change in your symptoms within the first couple of weeks. Most problems should have improved within 6 weeks.
If your back problem hasn’t improved within 6 weeks of following this advice, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional about your symptoms.
Last updated:
17 November 2023