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Acute low back pain
Though it may not make you feel any better, acute lower back pain is a common problem - it will affect four out of five Australians at some time in their lives.
Acute low back pain can last up to three months, but most people feel better in a few days or weeks.
VIDEO
Video: Acute low back pain 1: What is it?
(1:11m)
The type of pain can range from an ache to shooting pains or spasms.
Low back pain can be severe at the outset, affecting your ability to do daily tasks at home or at work, so it is natural to be concerned. Even though your back hurts a lot it is unlikely to be caused by anything serious.
You can usually manage acute lower back pain yourself by staying as active as possible and taking a simple pain reliever if needed.
But you should see your doctor if the pain doesn't improve over time or if you have any other unusual symptoms that worry you. Some examples are, fever, difficulty passing urine, weakness, numbness or pins and needles in your legs.
Acute low back pain is often described as 'non-specific', meaning the cause is unknown or uncertain. It is thought to be associated with the muscles, ligaments or joints in the back.
It is rarely due to any serious injury, disease or damage to the spine and does not cause lasting damage.
It's possible to have acute low back pain once, which gets better and never returns. But it's more likely you will experience another episode in the future.
The good news is that there are effective and simple ways for you to manage your recovery.
Top 5 medicinewise questions
When experiencing low back pain
- What are my treatment options and the benefits and risks of each?
- How can I relieve my pain without taking a medicine?
- If I need a pain reliever medicine, which one is safest for me?
- How do I use this medicine safely and effectively?
- What should I do if my pain persists or I get other symptoms?
Date published: 2011-02-25 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
