Low back pain is a common problem that affects most people at some point in their lives1. It may be acute (short-term) or chronic (ongoing). Millions of Australians and New Zealanders experience back pain every year2.
If you have back pain and have lost feeling or movement in your limbs or are having problems controlling your bowels or bladder, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
For most people back pain comes on quickly, but then improves or goes away within 3 to 6 weeks. This is acute back pain. It is also common for back pain to come back, with some people going on to develop more persistent pain (pain that lasts for more than 3 months).2
Causes of back pain3
In most cases (90% to 95%), the cause of back pain is unknown. This is non-specific back pain – it isn’t caused by a specific condition, illness or serious damage to the back.
Non-specific back pain may be caused by:
- soft tissue sprains and strains
- anxiety or depression
- not getting enough exercise
- being overweight or obese
- bad sleep
- smoking
- stress
- sudden or unusual increase in spinal loading – for example, if you have a sick child and have to lift and carry them more than usual.
- Back pain with a specific cause is less common. It includes things such as:
- inflammatory arthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis
- osteoarthritis
- bone fracture
- osteoporosis
- herniated disc– when the intervertebral disc becomes weakened causing it to bulge, sometimes pressing on nerves, however it doesn’t ‘slip’ or move out of place.
When should you see a doctor?
You should see your doctor if your back pain isn’t getting better after about 6 weeks or is affecting your ability to sleep or perform daily activities.
Many back injuries are avoidable. The single best thing you can do to take care of your back is regular exercise. If you need assistance working a good exercise into your schedule contact your EAP on 1800 629 277 in Australia and 0800 327 669 in New Zealand or support@akg.com.au
