Physio for lower back pain
A physio can help with lower back pain that has not improved after a few weeks, keeps coming back, or stops you doing day-to-day things. The NHS lists physiotherapy, group exercise and manual therapy among the treatments for back pain that is not getting better.
Most back pain improves within a few weeks, so staying active comes first. A small number of symptoms need 999 or NHS 111, not a physio: check the warning signs on this page before anything else.
- When to get it looked at
- See a GP or a physio if it has not improved after a few weeks, or it is stopping your day-to-day activities.
- How long it tends to take
- The NHS says back pain usually improves within a few weeks, but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. Sciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months.
- Getting a physio
- In many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy without seeing a GP, or you can pay privately.
Does this sound familiar?
- Your back went when you bent down or lifted something, and now it is stiff and sore.
- It aches after sitting for a while, and moving about eases it.
- Pain runs from your bottom down the back of one leg, sometimes with tingling.
- It has come and gone for months or years.
- Getting out of a chair or the car takes a moment to straighten up.
These are common ways people describe lower back pain. They are not a diagnosis. If you recognise them, check where it hurts to see a suggested next step.
Common causes of lower back pain
The NHS says back pain can have many causes, it is not always obvious what they are, and it often gets better on its own. Do not try to diagnose yourself: a physio or GP can assess it.
| What people notice | What the NHS lists as a possible cause |
|---|---|
| Came on after lifting, bending or a sudden movement | An injury such as a pulled muscle (strain), a common cause of back pain |
| Pain in your bottom and down the back of one leg, sometimes with tingling, numbness or weakness | Sciatica: the sciatic nerve is irritated or pressed on, most often by a slipped disc |
| No clear reason | Often none that can be found |
| Less often | Sometimes a medical condition such as a slipped disc or ankylosing spondylitis |
| Less often | Very rarely, a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection |
When to get help first
If you have lower back pain and any of these, do not wait to see a physio. This is the same list our check asks, taken from the NHS pages below. If you are not sure, call 111.
Call 999 or go to A&E
If you have lower back pain and:
- Sudden pain, pressure or tightness in your chest that does not go awayIncluding chest pain that spreads to your arm, neck, jaw or back, or comes with sweating, feeling sick, light-headed or short of breath.
- Pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- Loss of feeling around your genitals or your bottom (anus)
- Changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself
- Changes in how your genitals feel during sex, or new trouble getting an erection or reaching orgasm
- The back pain started after a serious accident, such as a car crash
Get help from NHS 111, or ask for an urgent GP appointment
If you have lower back pain and:
- You feel hot, cold or shivery, or generally unwell, as well as the pain
- Severe back pain that started suddenly, or is getting worse quickly
See a GP
If you have lower back pain and:
- You have lost weight without trying to
- A lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape
- Back pain that does not ease when you rest, or is worse at night
- Back pain that is worse when you sneeze, cough or poo
What you can do now
If none of the warning signs apply, the NHS suggests:
- Stay active and keep up your daily activities as far as you can.
- Use a heat pack or hot water bottle wrapped in a tea towel for stiffness or muscle spasm.
- Try exercises and stretches for back pain, and stop if the pain gets worse.
- Do not stay in bed for long periods.
See a GP or a physio if it has not improved after a few weeks, or it is stopping your day-to-day activities.
What a physio usually does
Treatment can include group exercise sessions and physiotherapy, and manual therapy, where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles and joints in your back.
- At a first appointment, a physio asks about your symptoms, your health and your daily life, and may check how you move, your strength and your balance.
- Treatment may include exercises to improve movement and build strength, and manual therapy, where the physio uses their hands to massage and move the area.
- You usually get advice on managing your symptoms and exercises to do at home between sessions.
In many areas of England you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy through community musculoskeletal (MSK) services, without seeing a GP first. Waiting times can be long. You can also pay to see a physio privately. The NHS says to check they are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
How long lower back pain tends to take
The NHS says back pain usually improves within a few weeks, but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. Sciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months. Everyone is different, and a physio or GP can tell you more once they have assessed you.
Questions people ask about lower back pain
Can a physio help with lower back pain?
Yes. The NHS lists group exercise sessions, physiotherapy and manual therapy, where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles and joints in your back, among the treatments for back pain that has not got better after a few weeks. A physio will also help you keep moving, which the NHS says helps you recover.
Should I rest or keep moving with lower back pain?
Keep moving. The NHS says to stay active and carry on with your daily activities as far as you can, and not to stay in bed for long periods. A heat pack wrapped in a tea towel can ease stiffness and muscle spasms. Exercises and stretches for back pain can help too, but stop if the pain gets worse.
Should I see a GP or a physio for back pain?
With none of the warning signs on this page, you can go straight to a physio: in many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy, or pay privately. The NHS says to see a GP if it has not improved after a few weeks at home, it is stopping your daily activities, or you are struggling to cope.
How long does lower back pain last?
The NHS says back pain usually improves within a few weeks, but it can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. Sciatica, pain that travels down the leg, usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months. If yours is not improving after a few weeks, a physio or GP can assess it.
Is sciatica the same as back pain?
Not quite. Sciatica is pain from an irritated or pressed sciatic nerve, usually felt in your bottom and the back of one leg, sometimes with tingling or numbness. The NHS says you probably do not have sciatica if you only have back pain. Physiotherapy is one of the main treatments it lists for sciatica.
Sources
- NHS: Back pain page reviewed
- NHS: Sciatica page reviewed
- NHS: Shoulder pain page reviewed
- NHS: Elbow and arm pain page reviewed
- NHS: Hip pain in adults page reviewed
- NHS: Chest pain page reviewed
- NHS: Septic arthritis page reviewed
- NHS: Unintentional weight loss page reviewed
- NHS: Physiotherapy page reviewed
- NHS: Get NHS help for back or joint problems page reviewed
This is general information, not medical advice or a diagnosis. A physio or GP can assess your own situation.