Back pain: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clear, clinically reviewed guide to back pain — what causes it, when to worry, and how most people recover.
Medically reviewed by D.C Matt
Lead DirectorLast reviewed 1 July 2026
- Around 8 in 10 adults experience back pain at some point in their lives.
- Most back pain is mechanical — related to muscles, joints and discs — not a serious disease.
- Staying gently active usually aids recovery more than bed rest.
What is back pain?
Back pain is any pain felt along the spine, from the neck to the lower back, though the lower back (lumbar spine) is the most common site.
It is usually described as mechanical, meaning it comes from the muscles, joints, ligaments or discs of the spine rather than from a serious underlying disease. Most episodes are short-lived and improve on their own.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
The main symptom is aching, stiffness or sharp pain in the back, which may spread to the buttocks or legs and often changes with movement or posture.
- A dull ache or sharp pain in the back
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Muscle tension or spasm
- Pain that eases with movement or worsens with certain positions
What causes back pain?
Most back pain is caused by strain of the muscles or joints, disc problems, or age-related wear rather than a single injury.
- Muscle or ligament strain from lifting, twisting or poor posture
- Disc problems such as a bulge or herniation
- Age-related changes like degeneration or arthritis
- Prolonged sitting and deconditioning
How is back pain treated?
Most back pain is treated without surgery, using a combination of staying active, targeted exercise, manual therapy and short-term pain relief.
The aim is to reduce pain, restore movement and build support around the spine so episodes are less likely to return.
The Postura approach
At Postura Wellness, care for back pain is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
When to seek urgent care
Get emergency medical attention for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or inner thighs, or sudden severe weakness in a leg. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, a rare but serious condition.
Sciatica FAQs
How long does back pain last?
Most mechanical back pain improves within a few weeks. Pain lasting more than six weeks, or that is severe or worsening, should be assessed by a clinician.
Should I rest or stay active with back pain?
Staying gently active is usually better than bed rest, which can stiffen the back and slow recovery. Keep moving within comfortable limits.
When should I worry about back pain?
Seek prompt care for pain after a significant injury, pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or any loss of bladder or bowel control.
Can chiropractic or physiotherapy help back pain?
Yes. Manual therapy and a targeted exercise programme can ease pain and restore movement, most effectively when matched to the underlying cause.
This guide is informed by patient information from accredited medical institutions:
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