long lasting back pain

Overview

Long-lasting back pain, also called chronic back pain, is pain in your back that goes on for more than three months. It is not a disease itself but a symptom that can have many causes. In most cases, the exact cause is not found, and it is often referred to as non-specific back pain.

Yes, back pain is very common. Most adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives, and long-lasting back pain affects many people every year.

Long-lasting back pain can affect people of all ages, but it becomes more common as you get older. It can also affect younger people, especially those with physically demanding jobs or inactive lifestyles.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• An aching or throbbing pain in the lower back
• Stiffness in the back, especially in the morning
• Muscle spasms or tension in the back
• Pain that spreads into the buttocks or down one leg
• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods

Symptoms in children

• Back pain in children is often linked to sports, carrying heavy school bags, or poor posture.
• Children may complain of pain after sitting for a long time.
• Most childhood back pain improves with rest and gentle activity, but a doctor should check any persistent pain.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have back pain from osteoarthritis or age-related wear and tear.
• Osteoporosis can make bones weak and cause sudden back pain.
• Pain may worsen with movement and improve with rest, and it can affect balance and mobility.

Causes

Main causes

• Strained muscles or ligaments from heavy lifting or sudden movements
• Poor posture or long periods of sitting
• Osteoarthritis, which causes wear and tear in the joints of the spine
• Disc problems, such as a slipped or bulging disc pressing on a nerve
• Osteoporosis, which can lead to broken bones in the spine
• In many cases, no specific cause can be found — this is called non-specific back pain

Risk factors

• Getting older, as wear and tear on the spine increases
• Being overweight or obese, which puts extra strain on the back
• Having a physically demanding job that involves lifting or twisting
• Being inactive or having weak core muscles
• Smoking, which can affect blood flow and healing in the spine
• Stress, anxiety, or depression, which can make pain feel worse

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have back pain after a serious accident or fall.
• You have back pain with loss of bladder or bowel control.
• You have back pain with fever, chills, or severe stomach pain.
• You have back pain with sudden weakness or numbness in your legs.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Your back pain lasts more than around three weeks.
• Your pain is getting worse despite trying self-care measures.
• Your back pain is stopping you from doing everyday tasks.
• You have back pain along with unexplained weight loss or a feeling of being unwell.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the pain started, and what makes it better or worse. They will also ask about your health history and examine your back, checking for tenderness, movement, and any signs of nerve problems.

Tests that may be done

• Usually no scans or tests are needed in the first few weeks.
• An X-ray may be used to check for bone damage or alignment issues.
• An MRI scan might be recommended if the pain is severe, long-lasting, or if there are signs of a specific cause like a disc problem or nerve compression.
• Blood tests may be done if there is a suspicion of infection, inflammation, or other underlying condition.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will likely encourage you to stay active and give you advice about managing your pain. They may refer you to a physiotherapist or other specialist if needed. The goal is to help you understand your back pain and find ways to keep moving and function well.

Treatment

Treatment for long-lasting back pain focuses on relieving your symptoms and helping you return to your normal activities. In most cases, this involves a mix of self-care, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered when other treatments have not helped or if there is a serious underlying cause.

Self-care at home

• Keep moving — gentle activity like walking or swimming is often better than staying in bed.
• Apply heat or cold packs to the painful area for short periods.
• Use good posture when sitting, standing, and lifting.
• Avoid long periods of rest or inactivity, which can make pain worse.
• Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing to help manage pain-related stress.
• Choose a supportive mattress and a comfortable chair.

Medical treatments

Doctors may suggest pain-relieving medicines that you can buy at a pharmacy, but always ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice. They may also recommend physical therapy, exercise classes, or manual therapy such as massage or spinal manipulation. In some cases, a specialist may offer pain-relieving injections or other procedures. Any medical treatment should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery for long-lasting back pain is uncommon. It may be considered if there is a serious condition like cauda equina syndrome, or if a nerve is severely compressed and other treatments have not worked. Your doctor will only discuss surgery if it is likely to help your specific situation.

Living with this condition

Living with long-lasting back pain can be challenging, but you can take steps to manage it. Try to stay as active as possible, break tasks into smaller parts, and use good body mechanics. It can help to find a comfortable balance between rest and activity, and to set small, realistic goals.

Lifestyle tips

• Build physical activity into your daily routine, like walking or swimming.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your back.
• Quit smoking, as it can slow healing and worsen back problems.
• Manage stress with relaxation, hobbies, or talking to someone you trust.
• Make your work and home spaces more back-friendly with supportive chairs and proper work surfaces.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps keep your bones and muscles healthy. Enough calcium and vitamin D are important for bone strength. Exercise, especially exercises that strengthen your core and back muscles, can reduce pain and help you recover. A physiotherapist can suggest specific exercises that are safe for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with chronic pain can feel exhausting and emotionally wearing. It is common to feel frustrated, anxious, or low. Your mood can also make the pain feel worse. If you are struggling, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional — support is available, and you are not alone.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent long-lasting back pain, but you can lower your risk. Keeping your back and core muscles strong, staying physically active, using safe lifting techniques, and avoiding long periods of inactivity all help. Maintaining a healthy weight and not smoking also reduce your chances of developing long-term back problems.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain can lead to long-term disability and difficulty doing everyday activities.
• You may develop sleep problems because of pain and discomfort.
• Long-lasting pain can cause anxiety, depression, or social isolation.
• Muscle weakness or deconditioning can happen if you become inactive to avoid pain.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for long-lasting back pain is generally good. Most people see improvement over time with self-care, physical activity, and support. It may take weeks or months, but many people find ways to manage their pain and lead a full, active life. Even when pain does not completely go away, it can be managed so that you can keep doing the things you enjoy.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.