Short answer: If your back pain has lasted more than two weeks, radiates into the leg, wakes you at night or returns several times a year, see a physiotherapist. Most mechanical back pain can be managed without medication or surgery through proper assessment and an individual exercise programme.
Common causes
- Prolonged sitting and inactivity
- Weak core muscles
- Tight hips and hamstrings
- Poor lifting and sudden twisting
- Disc-related problems
The first session
- History, daily habits and work
- Posture, range of motion, strength and flexibility tests
- Which movements ease or aggravate the pain
- An individual plan: manual therapy, exercise, daily-life advice
Red flags: see a doctor first
Leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, unexplained weight loss or severe pain after a fall.
