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.
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
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.
How to get up from the floorTo get up safely from lying face down:
- Bend your stronger knee and slowly raise it and your upper body to a crawling position
- Move towards a chair that can be used for support
- Pause for breath
- Support yourself on the chair with your arms
- Move your stronger leg forward from a kneeling position
- Lean forward and use the chair to support you as you straighten both legs, starting with the strongest
To get out of a chair safely:
- Ease yourself forward to the edge of the chair
- Brace your tummy muscles
- Use the arms of the chair to help you stand up
- If the chair has no arms, push on your thighs for a bit of extra support
To get out of a chair safely:
- Ease yourself forward to the edge of the chair
- Brace your tummy muscles
- Use the arms of the chair to help you stand up
- If the chair has no arms, push on your thighs for a bit of extra support
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.
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
