Back pain can affect people of all ages. However, as you get older, you’re more likely to experience it because of normal day-to-day wear and tear.

If you have suffered a strain or an injury, or you have an existing condition, such as fibromyalgia, or are overweight, this could be the reason behind your back pain.

Likewise, people that work in a sedentary position, such as at a desk, can be more likely to develop it. And if you participate in high-impact sports or exercise without warming up properly first, you could risk hurting your back. We will look at more causes of back pain further down the page.

The symptoms of back pain will depend on what’s causing it and where it is located in your back. The pain may come on suddenly, or it may develop over time. It could be very painful, or just a dull ache. The pain may get worse when you move, and you could get relief from it by lying down flat – it really varies from person to person.

As we have already mentioned, you can experience back pain for many different reasons. It is usually nothing serious and will get better without the need for treatment. However, sometimes the back pain you have could be caused by an underlying issue, including:

• Slipped/bulging/herniated/ruptured disc — The disc of cartilage between the bones in your spine may slip out of place, bulge, herniate or rupture. This can put pressure on the nerve in your back, causing pain. A slipped disc is usually treated with pain medication and physiotherapy.
• Ankylosing spondylitis — Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes the spine’s vertebrae to fuse together, limiting movement and causing a rigid spine.
• Kidney infection/kidney stones — Pain in the back at waist level where your kidneys are could be caused by a kidney infection, urinary tract infection or be due to kidney stones. This can cause pain on the right or left side of the back.
• Sciatica — Sciatica happens when the nerve that runs from your pelvis to your feet becomes irritated. You may have back pain as well as pain, tingling or numbness in your leg, bottom or groin area.
• Osteoporosis — Osteoporosis is when you have a loss of bone density and thinning of your bones, which can lead to compression fractures in your back and cause severe pain.
• Fungal or bacterial infection in your spine — This may include staphylococcus, tuberculosis or E.coli.
• Cancer or tumour — This is rare, but back pain could be a symptom of cancer or a nonmalignant tumour
• Pregnancy — In women, lower back pain causes could be attributed to pregnancy. In the later stages of pregnancy, as the baby gets bigger, you can often get back pain.

if you have back pain along with other symptoms, you should speak to a doctor, including:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty weeing or pooing
• Chest pain
• Swelling in your back
• Numbness around your legs, genitals or bottom
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• A fever
• If it happens after a trauma, such as a fall or bang to the head.

It is also recommended that you see a doctor if your back pain has not gone within 6 weeks of resting up.

At Push Doctor, you can see a GP online, on any device, on the go, at home or work. They can speak to you over video consultation, listen to your symptoms and suggest the right treatment to get you feeling better as soon as possible.  

Our doctors will be able to discuss a suitable back pain remedy with you. This may be medication or some tips on preventing further problems.

Treatment at home may include back pain exercises, gentle stretching or other moves, which can be recommended by a doctor. Your back pain may start to improve if you take regular gentle exercise, such as swimming or pilates. Improving your posture could also help, so make sure you sit correctly during daily activities, when at a desk or watching TV.

Stay as active as possible because exercise will help to strengthen your back and keep it strong to minimise further back problems.

If you are overweight this could be having an effect on your back pain, so exercising and eating a healthy diet will help you to lose weight. This will help reduce your risk of developing back pain.

You can see a GP about your back pain at a time that suits you. Our doctors are available 7 days a week and can offer you advice, diagnosis and treatment that will be suitable for your back. They can also refer you to a specialist for further treatment, such as physiotherapy, if needed.

Our doctors will always have your best interest in mind and recommend the treatment that they think is the most suitable.

Please note that they can't prescribe diazepam, tramadol, or codeine.

All our prescriptions are issued at the consulting doctor's discretion.