Back Pain
Back pain is discomfort arising from spinal structures, muscles, nerves or referred internal organs, with seriousness determined by the pattern and associated signs.
Key takeaways
- Most new non-specific low-back pain improves without imaging, and prolonged bed rest can delay recovery.
- Pain radiating down a leg with numbness or weakness suggests nerve involvement and needs neurological assessment.
- Trauma, fever, cancer history, immune suppression or bladder and bowel changes are important warning features.
The listings below are not a diagnosis; medicine choice depends on the cause and on kidney, stomach, cardiovascular and sedation risks.
What assessment looks for
Clinicians ask about onset, injury, radiation, night pain and systemic symptoms, then examine strength, sensation and reflexes when indicated. Imaging is useful when fracture, infection, cancer or serious nerve compression is suspected, but often does not explain ordinary short-term pain.
Supporting recovery
Continue tolerable activity and gradually restore movement. Heat and a structured exercise or physiotherapy plan may help. Paracetamol, NSAIDs and muscle relaxants have different evidence and adverse effects; sedating combinations can impair driving. Persistent pain needs reassessment rather than indefinite escalation.
When to seek urgent care
Seek emergency care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle area, progressive leg weakness, major trauma, fever with severe back pain or a cold numb limb.