Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints in the world, and most of us will experience it at some point. The good news is that in the vast majority of cases it is not serious and settles well on its own. Understanding what it is takes a lot of the worry out of it, and worry itself can make pain feel worse.
This is the first in a four-part series. Here we cover what back pain actually is, the difference between acute back pain and chronic back pain, the back pain symptoms to look out for, and when it is worth getting checked. Later parts cover the causes, the treatment options, and the best exercises to help you recover and stay well.
What Is Lower Back Pain?
In simple terms, it is pain felt anywhere in the lower part of your back, from below the ribs to the top of the legs. It can be a dull ache, a sharp catch, or stiffness that makes moving hard. Most of it is what clinicians call non-specific, which means it is not caused by any serious disease, just the normal aches and sensitivities of a hard-working part of the body. That word, non-specific, sounds vague, but it is actually reassuring: it means nothing sinister is going on, even when the pain feels intense.
How Common Is It?
Very. It is one of the leading reasons people see a doctor or physiotherapist worldwide, and the large majority of adults will have at least one episode in their life. Because it is so common, having it does not mean something is badly wrong. For most people it is a normal, temporary experience that improves within a few weeks, whether or not they seek treatment. Even when it comes back from time to time, that pattern of flare-ups and recovery is normal and does not mean your back is deteriorating.
Acute vs Chronic Back Pain
Back pain is often grouped by how long it lasts. Acute back pain comes on suddenly and usually settles within a few weeks; it is by far the most common type, and acute back pain typically has a very good outlook. Chronic back pain is pain that persists for more than about three months. Chronic back pain is more complex and often involves factors beyond the tissues themselves, such as sleep, stress and activity levels, but it is still very treatable. Knowing whether yours is acute back pain or chronic back pain helps guide the right approach.
Common Back Pain Symptoms
Back pain symptoms vary from person to person. Typical back pain symptoms include a dull ache or stiffness in the lower back, sharp pain with certain movements, and tightness that eases as you warm up. Some people notice their back feels worse after long periods of sitting or standing, or first thing in the morning. Most of these back pain symptoms are uncomfortable rather than dangerous, and they tend to ease as you get moving through the day.
Is Lower Back Pain Serious?
In most cases, no. But there are a few warning signs worth knowing. Seek medical advice promptly if your pain comes with numbness or weakness in the legs, problems controlling your bladder or bowels, unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain after a significant injury such as a fall or car accident. These red flags are uncommon, but they matter. For the everyday back pain most people experience, none of these apply, and there is no need to panic.
Why Your Back Isn’t as Fragile as It Feels
One of the most helpful things to understand is that back pain rarely means your spine is damaged or fragile. Your back is strong, well-built and designed to move, bend and twist. Pain is your body’s alarm system, and it does not always reflect harm; you can hurt without being injured. Staying calm, keeping moving within comfort, and avoiding the trap of fear and rest usually leads to a better, faster recovery than wrapping your back in cotton wool. Most episodes settle with time, gentle movement and a bit of reassurance, and the earlier you get moving, the better things tend to go.
Common Questions About Lower Back Pain
Is lower back pain normal?
Yes. It is extremely common and, for most people, a normal part of life that settles on its own. It is rarely a sign of anything serious.
What’s the difference between acute and chronic back pain?
Acute back pain lasts up to a few weeks and usually settles well. Chronic back pain lasts more than three months and tends to involve more factors, but it can still improve a great deal with the right approach and consistency.
When should I worry about back pain symptoms?
Most back pain symptoms are not dangerous. Get checked promptly if you have leg weakness or numbness, bladder or bowel changes, fever, unexplained weight loss, or pain after a major injury.
How BeFit Can Help With Lower Back Pain
At BeFit Training Physiotherapy, we take the fear out of your back pain and help you understand exactly what is going on. Our physiotherapy team assesses your back, rules out anything concerning, and builds a simple, practical plan to get you moving comfortably again. Initial consultations run for 45 minutes, one-on-one, so there is time to answer your questions.
Our team at Edgecliff and Coogee would be glad to help. No referral is required, and HICAPS is available on-site for immediate health fund claiming.
Book an appointment at BeFit Training Physiotherapy — no referral needed.
Edgecliff: (02) 9327 7749 | Coogee: (02) 7205 2805 | befittrainingphysio.com/book-now
Related Services at BeFit
Learn more about how our team can help:
Lower Back Pain Physiotherapy
Sports Physiotherapy
Strength & Conditioning
Further Reading
What Really Causes Lower Back Pain? (Part 2)
How to Know Which Lower Back Pain Treatment Works (Part 3)
How to Ease Lower Back Pain With the Right Exercises (Part 4)
How to Get Rid of Low Back Pain for Good
The Truth About Trunk Core Stability and Low Back Pain
References
Hartvigsen J, et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. Lancet. 2018.
Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R. Non-specific low back pain. Lancet. 2017.
Balagué F, et al. Non-specific low back pain. Lancet. 2012.
Australian Physiotherapy Association. Clinical guidelines. physiotherapy.asn.au.
