Video : Physiotherapy advice on managing back pain
(Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, UK, 2017)
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(Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, UK, 2017)
Back pain can start suddenly or it can come on slowly over a few days or weeks.
Back pain refers to pain or stiffness in the back. You may have limited movement and moving your back may increase you pain. Sometimes pain may spread to your buttocks or legs. You may also feel pins and needles or numbness in one of your legs or feet.
You should go the the emergency department (ED) about your back pain if:
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Most back pain isn't due to any serious injury or disease. People often have back pain for no apparent reason or after a minor or common movement. This means that there hasn't been any injury.
Sometimes back pain starts after you use your back differently or more than normal (eg, heavy lifting), this doesn't necessarily mean that you're injured. Back pain can also start after something traumatic like a fall or collision.
Ideas about back pain have changed a lot over recent years. It's a good idea to read more about back pain as you may be surprised to discover that some of the things you thought were bad for your back are actually not a problem – or are even good for it.
Image credit: Healthify He Puna Waiora
Read more by clicking on the links below:
Most people do well with self-care strategies. Here are some things you can do:
You should seek health care if:
Read more about all of these self-care strategies on the back pain self-care page.
You may find it useful to look at some Pain management apps and Back exercise apps.
If self-care approaches are not working, you may need to approach your healthcare provider or physiotherapist for assessment and advice.
Assessment will include:
Treatment for back pain can include:
More information about all of these can be found on the back pain treatment page.
Video showing simple back exercises to help prevent aches and pains.
(Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, UK, 2017)
(NHS, UK, 2020)
Back care classes(external link) NHS, UK
These set of 6 classes focus on a variety of movements to help improve strength and flexibility of muscles that support the back
Exercises for back pain(external link) Chartered society of physiotherapists, UK
Back pain pilates video workout(external link) NHS, UK
This video demonstrates pilates exercises that are suitable for those with chronic back pain.
What we do day-to-day is very important to help keep us healthy and prevent back pain.
Low back pain(external link) Pain Health, Australia
Low back pain clinical care guidelines for consumers(external link) Australian Commission on Quality and Safety in Health Care, Australia
10 things you need to know about your back(external link) CPS, UK
How physio can help back pain(external link) Physiotherapy NZ
Back pain – range of resources(external link) Medline Plus, US
Pain management apps
Back exercise apps
Common questions about back pain(external link) Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, Australia
Back exercises(external link) NHS, UK
What is back pain?(external link) National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease English(external link), Chinese(external link), Korean(external link), Vietnamese(external link)
10 facts about back pain(external link) LaFisiotherapia.net
15 things you didn't know about back pain(external link) Irish Independent, 2015
Back pain – imaging tests(external link) Choosing Wisely, NZ, 2016
Caring for your...Short term low back pain (acute)(external link) ACC NZ
Knowing about your low back pain [PDF, 155 KB]ACC NZ
10 things you need to know about your back(external link) Chartered Society of Physiotherapy UK
Back pain – imaging tests(external link) Choosing Wisely, NZ
Back Up(external link) by Liam MAnnix
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
English(external link), Chinese(external link), Korean(external link), Vietnamese(external link)
NHS, UK
LaFisiotherapia.net
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Dr Ben Darlow, musculoskeletal physiotherapy specialist in private practice; Associate Professor and researcher, University of Otago, Wellington.
Last reviewed: