Back problems
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:
- stiffness
- muscle spasms
- hot, burning, shooting or stabbing pains in your back and sometimes into one or both of your legs or feet
- pins and needles, numbness or, weakness likely due to nerve irritation
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.
Sudden or worsening back pain
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.
Can back pain cause problems anywhere else?
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.
When to get professional advice
Cauda equina syndrome
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.
Urgent advice: Phone 111 if:
- there has been a new, significant trauma within the last 7 days, for example a fall from height or direct blow to the back
You have experienced a new onset of the following symptoms:
- loss of feeling/pins and needles between your inner thighs or genitals
- numbness in or around your back passage or buttocks
- altered feeling when using toilet paper to wipe yourself
- increasing difficulty when you try to urinate
- increasing difficulty when you try to stop or control your flow of urine
- loss of sensation when you pass urine
- leaking urine or recent need to use pads
- not knowing when your bladder is either full or empty
- inability to stop a bowel movement or leaking
- loss of sensation when you pass a bowel motion
- change in ability to achieve an erection or ejaculate
- loss sensation in genitals during sexual intercourse
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if:
- you have back pain that is persistent and unchanging after following self-care advice
- the level of pain is not affected by movement
- the pain levels are worse at night
If your GP is closed, contact 111.
Pharmacy First Scotland: Back pain treatment from your pharmacy
If you have back pain you can get advice and treatment directly from a pharmacy. Find your local pharmacy on Scotland's Service Directory.
What causes back problems?
Although most back problems start for no obvious reason, back pain can be influenced by:
- staying in one position too long
- lifting something awkwardly
- a flare-up of an existing problem
- doing more activity than you normally would
Self-help
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.
Do
- try to maintain your current levels of fitness – even if you have to modify what you normally do, any activity is better than none
- try and keep your other muscles and joints strong and flexible
- try to prevent a recurrence of the problem
- try to aim for a healthy body weight
Don't
- brace or hold yourself still - your back is designed to be mobile
- sit down or rest for too long - resting in bed doesn't help back pain, and often makes it harder to get going again
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
Consider your posture
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.
Pain treatments
The following can help to reduce the pain:
- pain medication - this can help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery
- heat or ice packs
Treating with ice or heat
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.
Stay positive
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.
Work
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.
Help and support
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:
21 April 2023