Going home after your visit
Low back pain — advice for adults
How to ease your back pain at home, and the warning signs to watch for.
You have low back pain. It is very common and we found no sign of a serious cause. Most back pain improves within a few weeks, and staying active is the best way to recover.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Call 999 now if any of these happen
Together these can mean pressure on the nerves at the bottom of the spine. This is an emergency — treatment within hours protects bladder, bowel and sexual function.
- Numbness or tingling around your back passage, genitals or inner thighs — the area you would sit on a saddle
- Trouble passing urine, or not being able to tell when your bladder is full
- Losing control of your bladder or bowels, or not feeling it when you pass water or open your bowels
- New numbness or weakness in both legs, or your legs giving way
- New loss of feeling during sex, or new trouble getting an erection
CALL 999 Do not wait to see if it settles and do not wait for a GP appointment — go straight in.
Get same-day reassessment if any of these happen
Arrange an urgent same-day review — these need checking but do not need an ambulance.
- A fever, night sweats, or feeling generally very unwell with the back pain
- Back pain after a serious fall or injury, or if you have osteoporosis or take steroids
- Losing weight without trying, or a past history of cancer
- Pain that is much worse at night, or that wakes you from sleep
- Pain down the leg that is severe, or is getting worse rather than settling
- You are still no better after 6 weeks of self-care and pain relief
Helping your back
- Keep moving and carry on with normal activities as much as you can — avoid bed rest.
- For pain, an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen often helps — if it is safe for you.
- Paracetamol can be added if you need a little more relief.
- A heat pack can ease tight, sore muscles.
- Try gentle stretches and short walks each day, and stay at work if you can.
What to expect
These are common with back pain and usually settle on their own:
StiffnessAchingPain into the buttockPain down the thighMuscle spasmWorse after sitting
Most settle within about 6 weeks. See your GP if it is not improving, or you need stronger pain relief.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a severe breathing or circulation problem
ED / urgent service
A warning sign above that needs same-day reassessment
111
Urgent advice when it is not life-threatening, or you are unsure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team / GP
Use the number and follow-up plan in Your care details above