Back and neck pain FAQs

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This video gives an overview of the common causes of back pain, how you can help yourself, and advice on when to seek further help.

Click here to visit our "Looking after yourself" page.

Click here for information on how to seek further help, including how to be referred to your local CIC MSK service.

Common causes of back and neck pain

Acute lower back pain or acute neck pain. The onset is often sudden with acute pain and spasm in the lower back or neck. Most episodes will get better within 6-12 weeks, with simple painkillers and home exercise treatment.
However some low back pain will become more persistent and persistent neck pain with acute episodes occurring repeatedly after relatively simple events, such as putting shoes on or bending to pick things up. It may also become persistent than the usual 6-12 weeks. This does not mean you there is a serious cause or you need a scan. It does mean you should increase your exercise and get appropriate advice from a clinician such as a physiotherapist.
Low Back Pain with leg pain (sciatica) and neck pain with arm pain. In more severe cases pain may travel from the lower back down the leg as far as the foot (sciatica) or from the neck down the arm. It is the pain that occurs when the sciatic (in lower back) or cervical (in neck) nerve, becomes compressed or irritated. It results in pain, numbness and/or tingling from the lower back and buttock, down one of the legs to the foot in the lower back or from neck to arm in case of the neck. While 90% resolve with no intervention it does require clinician. It is usually caused by a ‘’slipped’’ (prolapsed disc) in the spine.
Thoracic Back Pain – less commonly pain may arise between the neck and the lower back in the Thoracic spine. It is often worse on movement (mechanical). However if it is persistent and disturbing sleep, worse in the morning or associated with non-mechanical symptoms such as cough or abdominal symptoms you should seek advice from your GP.

What can I do myself to get better – now and in the future

There are some simple strategies you can use to manage your symptoms.

Keep moving and exercise. Remain active as much as possible even if you are uncomfortable. This won’t harm your back and you can expect to get better more quickly. Stay positive and keep going out to do the things that you enjoy if at all possible.
Most exercise is good exercise. Walking is particularly helpful, more general exercise such as pilates or swimming can be helpful.
Heat and cold – A hot bath or hot water bottle (cover the water bottle with a tea towel to prevent against burns) can ease pain from tense muscles, whilst cold from an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas (wrap in a cloth to prevent against ice burns and apply to the painful area) can help relieve discomfort from sudden back pain.
Posture – Try to vary your posture regularly. There is limited research to suggest that posture is linked to back problems, but staying in awkward positions is likely to increase your pain.
Lifting – Lift close to your body, bend your knees instead of your back and try to avoid lifting heavy items when your back is acutely painful.
Painkillers – ‘Rub on’ (topical) treatments and painkillers such as ibuprofen and paracetamol are effective in most cases. Speak to your pharmacist for further information.
Sleeping position – Try different sleeping positions. Try putting a pillow between your legs or under your knees if you prefer lying on your back. Improving your sleep can improve your pain symptoms.
Lose weight – upper body weight can put strain on the lower back, so aiming to achieve a healthy weight should protect against back pain.

Visit our Looking after yourself page for lots of helpful advice, including exercises you can try.

When should I seek help?

You should contact your GP surgery and ask to see a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) or a GP, or refer yourself to your local MSK service if that’s an option if:

Your pain is very severe, lasts for a long period of time or affects your everyday activities.
You have symptoms of sciatica.

To find out how to be referred to your local NHS Circle MSK service, click here.

Very rarely, back pain can indicate a more serious problem such as Cauda Equina Syndrome.

See your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following problems:

Problems passing or controlling urine
Loss of control of your bowels
Numbness around your back passage or genitals
Weakness in your legs or are unsteady on your feet.