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Call an ambulance on triple zero (000) immediately. Support their head, neck and spine to prevent twisting or bending.** ## Key facts - Back injuries can affect any part of your back, but most often happen in your lower back. - They can cause pain and discomfort. - There are many risk factors that make a back injury more likely. - Most minor back injuries get better by themselves — the most important thing is to stay active. - Keeping a healthy lifestyle can help prevent some back injuries. ## On this page - [What is a back injury?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#what-is) - [What are the symptoms of a back injury?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#symptoms) - [What causes back injuries?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#caused) - [When should I see my doctor?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#doctor) - [How are back injuries diagnosed?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#diagnosed) - [How are back injuries treated?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#treated) - [What are the complications of back injuries?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#complications) - [Can back injuries be prevented?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#prevented) - [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#resources) - [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#searchGeneralResults) ## What is a back injury? Back injuries are very common. A back injury is caused when there is damage to your back's: - [bones or joints](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bones-muscles-and-joints) - muscles - nerves - connective tissue This can cause pain and discomfort. Injuries can affect any part of your back, but injuries most often happen in your [lower back](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lumbar-spine). They can also happen to your: - neck (cervical spine) - [upper back](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/upper-back-thoracic-pain) (thoracic spine) - [coccyx](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tailbone-coccyx-pain-and-injury) (tail bone)  Diagram of the different regions of the spine. Back injuries can vary in seriousness, depending on the cause of your injury and the damage done. Common back injuries are: - [sprains and strains](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sprains-and-strains) — when you pull or twist a muscle or tendon in your back - [herniated disc](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/spinal-disc-problems) — when a spinal disc bulges out of shape and irritates a nerve - [fractured vertebrae](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fractures) — a break in a bone in your back - stenosis — the narrowing of the space where your spinal cord sits Most back pain is linked to minor strains. This can be very painful but will improve over time. ## What are the symptoms of a back injury? If you have injured your back, you may have the following symptoms: - [pain](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-pain) or tenderness in your back - pain that radiates down your leg - numbness or tingling in your leg - difficulty walking or standing up straight - pain that gets worse when you move, [cough](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cough), sneeze or laugh - muscle spasms - [bruising](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bumps-knocks-and-bruises) or swelling A compression fracture of your vertebra can cause a hunched posture and a small decrease in your height. It's important to find out the cause of your symptoms so they can be treated properly. [**CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS** — Use the **Symptom Checker** and find out if you need to seek medical help.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker) ## What causes back injuries? You can injure your back: - in a [fall](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/falls) - in a transport accident — as a pedestrian or cyclist or in a car or on a motorbike - at work - doing sport - doing things around the house or garden - in an assault There are many risk factors that make a back injury more likely, such as: - being male and aged over 45 years - physical fitness - poor [posture](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/how-to-improve-your-posture) - being [overweight](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/obesity) - the [type of work](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/wellbeing-at-work) you do - [osteoporosis](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/osteoporosis) ## When should I see my doctor? **If you have been injured in an accident, call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance.** You should see your doctor if you have: - back pain that does not improve after a few weeks - pain that is stopping you from doing your daily activities - pain that is getting worse over time - worries about your back pain ### When to seek urgent care Get urgent care if: - You have changes in urinating (weeing) or passing stools (pooing) — you have difficulty weeing or you can't control when you wee or poo - numbness around your genitals, groin area or anus - your symptoms are getting a lot worse despite treatment - you have weakness or numbness in your feet or legs - you have [fever](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fever) — a temperature of 38℃ or higher - you notice a sudden change in the shape of your spine or a lump or swelling - you've lost weight without trying to - you've been in an accident [**FIND A HEALTH SERVICE** — The **Service Finder** can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services) ## How are back injuries diagnosed? Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and general health. They will examine you to check whether the nerves from your spinal cord are working properly. Make sure you tell them if you have any problems with going to the toilet. Usually, you will not need any tests. Scans and [x-rays](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/x-rays) are usually only needed when you have: - problems with bladder and bowel control - weakness or numbness in one or both legs - risk factors for fractures — such as being female, over 70 years, having cancer, being in an accident, or being on corticosteroid therapy Scans and x-rays do not usually show the cause of your pain or change how your pain is treated. They may also expose you to unnecessary radiation. Your doctor may organise for you to have other tests. [**ASK YOUR DOCTOR** — Preparing for an appointment? Use the **Question Builder** for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/question-builder) ## How are back injuries treated? Your treatment will depend on your back injury and how severe it is. Most minor back injuries improve a lot within 6 weeks. Minor back injuries can usually be treated with simple measures such as: - staying active — do as many of your usual activities as possible - simple pain-relief measures Your doctor may also refer you for [physiotherapy](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/physiotherapy). ### Staying active The most important thing you can do is to continue to stay as active as possible. You may find that you can do a bit more each day. A common myth is that bed rest will cure back pain. In fact, bed rest slows down the recovery period. Depending on your job, you may need some time off work to allow your back to heal. It's a good idea to try and get back to work as soon as possible. This may be part time or on reduced duties, but it will help you recover more quickly. ### Pain relief You may find that simple pain-relief methods are helpful, such as: - heat packs - relaxed breathing Your doctor may suggest short term [pain relief](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/pain-relief-medicines) medicines, such as [paracetamol](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/paracetamol) or [anti-inflammatory medicines](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anti-inflammatory-medicines). These may help to keep you moving while you are recovering. Stronger pain medicines such as [opioids](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/opioid-medicines) and benzodiazepine medicines, aren't recommended. This is because they can lead to tolerance and dependence. You can talk with your doctor or [pharmacist](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/getting-the-most-out-of-your-pharmacist) about the best pain relief for your back injury. ### Quitting smoking or vaping Research shows that smoking or vaping may slow your recovery. If you need help to [give up smoking](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/quit-smoking-vaping), you can call the Quitline on 13 7848 (13 QUIT). ## What are the complications of back injuries? Complications from back injuries will depend on the cause of your injury. Most minor back injuries will not lead to complications. More serious back injuries can lead to long-term disability that may affect your mobility and independence. Having a back injury may affect your mood. Learn more about where to get [mental health support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-resources). ## Can back injuries be prevented? Ways to prevent back injuries depend on the cause of the injury. Adopting a healthy lifestyle may lower your risk of back pain in the future. This includes: - eating a [balanced diet](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/balanced-diet) - doing [regular exercise](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tips-for-getting-active) - [losing excess weight](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/weight-loss-and-dieting) - keeping your [bones healthy](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthy-bones) There is little evidence to support the use of general manual handling training to prevent back injury or disability. ## Resources and support healthdirect's page on [back pain](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-pain) has more information on causes and treatments for back pain. [Mybackpain.org.au](https://mybackpain.org.au/) has a range of information and resources on managing low back pain. You can also call the healthdirect helpline on [1800 022 222](tel:1800022222) (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. #### Sources: BMJ Best Practice *[(Evaluation of back pain)](https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/189/pdf/189/Evaluation%20of%20back%20pain.pdf "Evaluation of back pain")*, Agency for Clinical Innovation *[(Managing low back pain)](https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/553861/ACI-MSK-SIRA-Managing-low-back-pain-information-patients.pdf "Managing low back pain")*, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare *[(Back problems)](https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems/contents/what-are-back-problems "Back problems")*, NHS *[(Back pain)](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/ "Back pain")*, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare *[(Spinal injuries in Australia 2020-21)](https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/25e722fc-c00e-43c2-a9fd-ca902548bbf3/spinal-injuries-in-australia-2020-21.pdf "Spinal injuries in Australia 2020-21")*, Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care *[(Common questions about low back pain)](https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/sites/default/files/2022-08/low_back_pain_ccs_-_common_questions_about_low_back_pain_-_final_accessible_version.pdf "Common questions about low back pain")*, BMJ Best Practice *[(Back pain (lower back))](https://bestpractice.bmj.com/patient-leaflets/en-gb/html/1550903709967/Back%20pain%20%28lower%20back%29 "Back pain (lower back)")*, BMJ Best Practice *[(Spinal stenosis)](https://bestpractice.bmj.com/patient-leaflets/en-gb/html/3000273/Spinal%20stenosis "Spinal stenosis")*, Canadian Medical Association *[(The clinical course of acute, subacute and persistent low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Wallwork et al))](https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/196/2/E29.full.pdf "The clinical course of acute, subacute and persistent low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis (Wallwork et al)")*, Australian Family Physician *[(Back injuries: getting workers back to work (Low, Lai and Connaughton))](https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/6986cd09-c1fc-4324-a15f-8c78bc4b4407/attachment.aspx "Back injuries: getting workers back to work (Low, Lai and Connaughton)")*, NHS *[(Your back and how to look after it)](https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/our-services/a-z-services/emergency-zone/ed-miu-patient-information/back-injuries "Your back and how to look after it")*, Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service *[(Back care)](https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0026/424736/back-care.pdf "Back care")*, SafeWork *[(Research on "how to lift" training)](https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/hazards-a-z/hazardous-manual-tasks/how-to-lift-training/how-to-lift-research-accordion/research-on-how-to-lift-training "Research on ")* Learn more here about the [development and quality assurance of healthdirect content](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/about-our-content). Last reviewed: July 2025 [Back To Top](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#backToTop) ## Related pages - [Tailbone (coccyx) pain and injury](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tailbone-coccyx-pain-and-injury "Tailbone (coccyx) pain and injury") ## Search our site for - [Back Pain](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/search-results/Back%20Pain "Search results for: Back Pain") ## Need more information? These trusted information partners have more on this topic. General search results Results for medical professionals Top results [Back pain - myDr.com.au Most Australian adults will experience low back pain at some time. Most uncomplicated low back pain resolves after a period of active recovery in 4 weeks. *Read more on myDoctor website* ](https://mydr.com.au/pain/back-pain/) [Back pain — Arthritis Australia Back pain is common but is rarely due to serious disease. Staying active will help you get better faster and prevent more problems. *Read more on Arthritis Australia website* ](https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/what-is-arthritis/areas-of-the-body/back/) [Low back pain - young painHEALTH Condition · 14 min read · 10 Jun 2021 Learn about low back pain and... *Read more on youngpainhealth website* ](https://youngpainhealth.com.au/pain-conditions/low-back-pain/) [Lower back pain - Exercise Right Low back pain is very common. So common, in fact, that most (80%) Australian adults will experience at least one episode of low back pain during their lifetime. Although often very painful, most low back pain is not caused by a serious problem and will resolve with some simple care. Physical activity is an important part of that care. *Read more on ESSA website* ](https://exerciseright.com.au/lower-back-pain/) [Back pain \| Better Health Channel Back pain is common. Some people will develop back pain that is persistent (lasts more than three months). There are many things that you can do to live well with back pain. *Read more on Better Health Channel website* ](https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/Back-pain) [Back Pain — Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment \| MHA Do you have back pain? Find out about the different causes, how you can manage your musculoskeletal condition, and where to find support. Call us: 1800 263 265 *Read more on Musculoskeletal Health Australia website* -c25236.png)](https://muscha.org/back-pain/) [Low Back Pain - Pain Conditions - painHEALTH Learn about low back pain as a musculoskeletal pain condition to identify how you can approach low back pain in your co-management treatment plan *Read more on painHEALTH website* ](https://painhealth.com.au/pain-module/low-back-pain/) [Back pain – disc problems \| Better Health Channel Most disc problems resolve without specific treatment. *Read more on Better Health Channel website* ](https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/back-pain-disc-problems) [10 things you need to know about low back pain Low back pain is common, affecting 1 in 4 Australians. Find out why scans are often unnecessary, and how staying active helps you recover faster. *Read more on NPS MedicineWise website* ](https://www.nps.org.au/consumers/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-low-back-pain) [Areas of the body (back pain) \| Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) support program - homepage \| Arthritis Australia , MyRA is designed to help people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) seize control and become active participants in their journey with RA *Read more on Arthritis Australia website* ](https://myra.org.au/article/your-arthritis-what-ra/areas-body-back-pain) Show more Top results [Pregnancy-Related Back Pain Low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy is often accepted as normal - and even though multiple research studies suggest that the quality of life for patients is adversely affected, many are still advised to self-manage. *Read more on Ausmed Education website* ](https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/pregnancy-related-back-pain) [Investigating and Managing Low Back Pain About 16% of Australians (4 million) are currently affected by back problems, and about 70 to 90% of people are expected to experience low back pain at some point during their lifetime. Back pain is a leading cause of disability that may adversely affect all aspects of daily functioning. Between 10 and 40% of adults with low back pain are estimated to experience persistent and disabling symptoms. *Read more on Ausmed Education website* ](https://www.ausmed.com/learn/articles/low-back-pain) [RACGP - Exercise for chronic low back pain Non-specific LBP is a major health problem worldwide and is estimated to affect up to 70% of adults, exercise therapy is being recommended to manage this condition *Read more on RACGP website* ](https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/musculoskeletal/exercise-for-chronic-low-back-pain) [RACGP - Exercise for acute lower back pain Exercise and diet based therapies for the management of coronary heart disease,cancer fatigue,stroke and type 2 diabetes *Read more on RACGP website* ](https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/musculoskeletal/exercise-for-acute-lower-back-pain) [RACGP - Imaging in adults with acute low back pain Most people will experience acute (short-term, lasting less than two months) low back pain at some point in their lives. *Read more on RACGP website* ](https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/first-do-no-harm/patient-resources/imaging-in-adults-with-acute-low-back-pain) [RACGP - Imaging in adults with acute low back pain The routine imaging of adult patients experiencing acute low back pain. *Read more on RACGP website* ](https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/first-do-no-harm/gp-resources/imaging-in-adults-with-acute-low-back-pain) [RACGP - Mindfulness and CBT for chronic low back pain Low back pain is a leading cause of disability and MBSR and CBT have produced small but clinically meaningful improvements in patients *Read more on RACGP website* ](https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/musculoskeletal/mindfulness-and-cbt-for-chronic-low-back-pain) [RACGP - Advice to stay active for people with acute low back pain Advising patients with acute low back pain to stay active rather than rest in bed *Read more on RACGP website* ](https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/handi/handi-interventions/musculoskeletal/advice-to-stay-active-for-people-with-back-pain) [Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard \| Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care Overview *Read more on ACSQHC (Health Professionals) website* ](https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/clinical-care-standards/low-back-pain-clinical-care-standard) Show more ## Disclaimer Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering. 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## Key facts - Back injuries can affect any part of your back, but most often happen in your lower back. - They can cause pain and discomfort. - There are many risk factors that make a back injury more likely. - Most minor back injuries get better by themselves — the most important thing is to stay active. - Keeping a healthy lifestyle can help prevent some back injuries. ## On this page - [What is a back injury?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#what-is) - [What are the symptoms of a back injury?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#symptoms) - [What causes back injuries?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#caused) - [When should I see my doctor?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#doctor) - [How are back injuries diagnosed?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#diagnosed) - [How are back injuries treated?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#treated) - [What are the complications of back injuries?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#complications) - [Can back injuries be prevented?](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#prevented) - [Resources and support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#resources) - [Related information on Australian websites](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-injuries#searchGeneralResults) ## What is a back injury? Back injuries are very common. A back injury is caused when there is damage to your back's: - [bones or joints](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bones-muscles-and-joints) - muscles - nerves - connective tissue This can cause pain and discomfort. Injuries can affect any part of your back, but injuries most often happen in your [lower back](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/lumbar-spine). They can also happen to your: - neck (cervical spine) - [upper back](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/upper-back-thoracic-pain) (thoracic spine) - [coccyx](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tailbone-coccyx-pain-and-injury) (tail bone)  Diagram of the different regions of the spine. Back injuries can vary in seriousness, depending on the cause of your injury and the damage done. Common back injuries are: - [sprains and strains](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sprains-and-strains) — when you pull or twist a muscle or tendon in your back - [herniated disc](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/spinal-disc-problems) — when a spinal disc bulges out of shape and irritates a nerve - [fractured vertebrae](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fractures) — a break in a bone in your back - stenosis — the narrowing of the space where your spinal cord sits Most back pain is linked to minor strains. This can be very painful but will improve over time. ## What are the symptoms of a back injury? If you have injured your back, you may have the following symptoms: - [pain](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-pain) or tenderness in your back - pain that radiates down your leg - numbness or tingling in your leg - difficulty walking or standing up straight - pain that gets worse when you move, [cough](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cough), sneeze or laugh - muscle spasms - [bruising](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bumps-knocks-and-bruises) or swelling A compression fracture of your vertebra can cause a hunched posture and a small decrease in your height. It's important to find out the cause of your symptoms so they can be treated properly. [**CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS** — Use the **Symptom Checker** and find out if you need to seek medical help.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/symptom-checker) ## What causes back injuries? You can injure your back: - in a [fall](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/falls) - in a transport accident — as a pedestrian or cyclist or in a car or on a motorbike - at work - doing sport - doing things around the house or garden - in an assault There are many risk factors that make a back injury more likely, such as: - being male and aged over 45 years - physical fitness - poor [posture](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/how-to-improve-your-posture) - being [overweight](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/obesity) - the [type of work](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/wellbeing-at-work) you do - [osteoporosis](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/osteoporosis) ## When should I see my doctor? You should see your doctor if you have: - back pain that does not improve after a few weeks - pain that is stopping you from doing your daily activities - pain that is getting worse over time - worries about your back pain ### When to seek urgent care Get urgent care if: - You have changes in urinating (weeing) or passing stools (pooing) — you have difficulty weeing or you can't control when you wee or poo - numbness around your genitals, groin area or anus - your symptoms are getting a lot worse despite treatment - you have weakness or numbness in your feet or legs - you have [fever](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fever) — a temperature of 38℃ or higher - you notice a sudden change in the shape of your spine or a lump or swelling - you've lost weight without trying to - you've been in an accident [**FIND A HEALTH SERVICE** — The **Service Finder** can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services) ## How are back injuries diagnosed? Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and general health. They will examine you to check whether the nerves from your spinal cord are working properly. Make sure you tell them if you have any problems with going to the toilet. Usually, you will not need any tests. Scans and [x-rays](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/x-rays) are usually only needed when you have: - problems with bladder and bowel control - weakness or numbness in one or both legs - risk factors for fractures — such as being female, over 70 years, having cancer, being in an accident, or being on corticosteroid therapy Scans and x-rays do not usually show the cause of your pain or change how your pain is treated. They may also expose you to unnecessary radiation. Your doctor may organise for you to have other tests. [**ASK YOUR DOCTOR** — Preparing for an appointment? Use the **Question Builder** for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/question-builder) ## How are back injuries treated? Your treatment will depend on your back injury and how severe it is. Most minor back injuries improve a lot within 6 weeks. Minor back injuries can usually be treated with simple measures such as: - staying active — do as many of your usual activities as possible - simple pain-relief measures Your doctor may also refer you for [physiotherapy](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/physiotherapy). ### Staying active The most important thing you can do is to continue to stay as active as possible. You may find that you can do a bit more each day. A common myth is that bed rest will cure back pain. In fact, bed rest slows down the recovery period. Depending on your job, you may need some time off work to allow your back to heal. It's a good idea to try and get back to work as soon as possible. This may be part time or on reduced duties, but it will help you recover more quickly. ### Pain relief You may find that simple pain-relief methods are helpful, such as: - heat packs - relaxed breathing Your doctor may suggest short term [pain relief](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/pain-relief-medicines) medicines, such as [paracetamol](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/paracetamol) or [anti-inflammatory medicines](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anti-inflammatory-medicines). These may help to keep you moving while you are recovering. Stronger pain medicines such as [opioids](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/opioid-medicines) and benzodiazepine medicines, aren't recommended. This is because they can lead to tolerance and dependence. You can talk with your doctor or [pharmacist](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/getting-the-most-out-of-your-pharmacist) about the best pain relief for your back injury. ### Quitting smoking or vaping Research shows that smoking or vaping may slow your recovery. If you need help to [give up smoking](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/quit-smoking-vaping), you can call the Quitline on 13 7848 (13 QUIT). ## What are the complications of back injuries? Complications from back injuries will depend on the cause of your injury. Most minor back injuries will not lead to complications. More serious back injuries can lead to long-term disability that may affect your mobility and independence. Having a back injury may affect your mood. Learn more about where to get [mental health support](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-resources). ## Can back injuries be prevented? Ways to prevent back injuries depend on the cause of the injury. Adopting a healthy lifestyle may lower your risk of back pain in the future. This includes: - eating a [balanced diet](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/balanced-diet) - doing [regular exercise](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tips-for-getting-active) - [losing excess weight](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/weight-loss-and-dieting) - keeping your [bones healthy](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthy-bones) There is little evidence to support the use of general manual handling training to prevent back injury or disability. ## Resources and support healthdirect's page on [back pain](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/back-pain) has more information on causes and treatments for back pain. [Mybackpain.org.au](https://mybackpain.org.au/) has a range of information and resources on managing low back pain. You can also call the healthdirect helpline on [1800 022 222](tel:1800022222) (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.