If you have low back pain, you may have tension, soreness or stiffness in your lower back area. This pain is often referred to as 'non-specific' back pain and usually improves on its own within a few days.
Back pain may be called either 'acute' or 'chronic' depending on how long your symptoms last. You may have:
- acute back pain - lasting less than six weeks
- sub-acute back pain - lasting six weeks to three months
- chronic back pain - lasting longer than three months
You should see your GP as soon as possible if, as well as back pain, you have:
- a fever (high temperature)
- redness or swelling on your back
- pain down your legs and below your knees
- numbness or weakness in one or both legs or around your buttocks
- loss of bladder or bowel control (incontinence)
- constant pain, particularly at night
- pain that is getting much worse and is spreading up your spine
These symptoms are known as red flags. It's important to seek medical help for these symptoms to ensure you don't have a more serious, underlying cause for your back pain
No comments:
Post a Comment