Back pain: causes, relief, and when to see a doctor
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a GP, and the good news is that most of it settles on its own. This covers what helps, what doesn't, and the warning signs that mean you should get checked.
What causes back pain?
Most back pain is what doctors call non-specific low back pain. It comes from the muscles, ligaments and joints of the back rather than a specific serious problem. It's often triggered by everyday things: an awkward lift, a sudden twist, long hours at a desk, or simply sleeping in a bad position. Sometimes there's no obvious trigger at all.
Less commonly, back pain is caused by a specific issue such as a bulging disc pressing on a nerve (which can send pain, pins and needles or weakness down the leg, often called sciatica), or a problem with the joints. Serious causes are uncommon, but they're what the "red flags" below help us rule out.
How to relieve back pain at home
For most everyday back pain, the best approach is surprisingly simple:
- Keep moving. Gentle activity such as walking, light stretching and normal daily tasks within comfort helps more than rest. Long periods in bed tend to make back pain last longer.
- Use heat. A heat pack or warm shower can ease muscle tension and stiffness.
- Simple pain relief. Over-the-counter options like paracetamol or anti-inflammatories can help you stay active while things settle. Ask your pharmacist or GP what's suitable for you.
- Stay at work if you can. Modifying your tasks and staying engaged usually leads to a faster recovery than stopping altogether.
- Look after sleep and stress. Poor sleep and high stress can both make pain feel worse. They're part of the picture, not separate from it.
What actually helps, and what doesn't
Research consistently shows that for ordinary back pain, staying active and reassured beats scans and strong medication. Most people don't need an X-ray or MRI. Imaging often shows changes that are normal for your age and don't explain the pain, and can lead to worry and unnecessary treatment. Your GP will let you know if a scan is actually needed.
Movement is medicine for most back pain. The goal is to keep you gently active while it settles.
A physiotherapist can be genuinely helpful: hands-on treatment, a tailored exercise plan, and advice to prevent it coming back. For pain that's ongoing, a structured plan usually works better than any single quick fix.
When should you see a doctor?
Please book an appointment, or seek urgent care, if your back pain comes with any of these red flags:
- Loss of control of your bladder or bowel, or numbness around the groin or inner thighs
- Progressive weakness, numbness or pins and needles in a leg
- Pain following a significant fall or accident
- Fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss alongside the pain
- Constant, severe pain that's worse at night and doesn't ease with rest
- Back pain in someone with a history of cancer or a weakened immune system
Also see your GP if the pain simply isn't improving after a few weeks, keeps returning, or is stopping you doing the things you need to. There's a lot we can do to help.
Back pain that won't settle?
Our GPs and physiotherapist can help you get moving again. Book online, seven days a week.
How Sirius Health can help
At our Chatswood clinic, your GP can assess your back pain, rule out anything serious, guide your recovery and refer you to our on-site physiotherapist if hands-on treatment would help. Because our doctors and physio work under one roof, your care is joined up.
Sources: healthdirect · Back pain; Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) guidance on low back pain.