🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 75 (from laksa180)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa075.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/back-pain\/","crawl_time":1775485592,"first_indexed_time":1509773921,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"uk,nhs,www!\/conditions\/back-pain\/ s443","src_root_hash":"11359509702434384875","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Back pain - NHS","meta_descriptions":["Find out how to relieve back pain, what can cause it and when to get medical advice."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Causes of back pain\nBack pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own.\nA common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle (\nstrain\n).\nSometimes, medical conditions like a\nslipped disc\n,\nsciatica\n(a trapped nerve) or\nankylosing spondylitis\ncan cause back pain.\nVery rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.\nNon-urgent advice:\nSee a GP if:\nYou have back pain and:\nit does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks\nit's stopping you doing your day-to-day activities\nyou're worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope\nyou've lost weight without trying to\nthere's a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape\nit does not improve after resting or is worse at night\nit's worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing\nit's coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back\nUrgent advice:\nAsk for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if:\nYou have back pain and:\nyou feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell\nit's severe pain that starts suddenly, or it's getting worse quickly\nYou can call 111 or\nget help from 111 online\n.\nImmediate action required:\nCall 999 or go to A&E if:\nYou have back pain and:\npain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs\na loss of feeling around your genitals or anus\nchanges in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself\nchanges in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm\nchest pain\nit started after a serious accident, such as a car accident\nInformation:\nDo not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.\nBring any medicines you take with you.\nOther ways to get help\nYou may be able to refer yourself for help and treatment, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.\nGet NHS help for back or joint problems\nHow to ease back pain yourself\nBack pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.\nDo\nstay active and try to continue with your daily activities\ntake anti-inflammatory medicine like\nibuprofen\n(these may not be suitable for everyone) – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller\ncheck with a pharmacist or GP if you're unsure about which painkiller is suitable for you\nuse an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling\nuse a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms\ntry doing some exercises and stretches for back pain\nDon't\ndo not stay in bed for long periods of time\nExercises and stretches for back pain\nThere are specific exercises and stretches you can do to help with back pain. But stop if your pain gets worse and see a GP for advice.\nVideo: Back stretches\nIn this video, a physiotherapist shows some simple back stretches to help prevent aches and pains.\nMedia last reviewed: 16 November 2023\nMedia review due: 16 November 2026\nOther places to find back pain exercises include:\nNHS back pain pilates video workout\nChartered Society of Physiotherapy: video exercises for back pain\nActivities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain.\nTreatments for back pain\nIf your back pain is severe or not getting better, a GP may prescribe painkillers.\nOther treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks.\nThese include:\ngroup exercise sessions and\nphysiotherapy\nmanual therapy – where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back\ncognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)\nto help you cope with the pain\na procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain)\nIf your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option.\nPage last reviewed: 05 March 2026\nNext review due: 05 March 2029","attrs_markdown":"\n\n[Skip to main content](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/back-pain\/#maincontent)\n\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n- [NHS services](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/)\n- [Healthy living](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n- [Care and support](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/social-care-and-support\/)\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n- Browse More\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n2. [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n3. [Conditions A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/)\n\n[Back to Conditions A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/)\n\n# Back pain\nBack pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. There are things you can do to help ease the pain.\n\n## Causes of back pain\nBack pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own.\n\nA common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle ([strain](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/sprains-and-strains\/)).\n\nSometimes, medical conditions like a [slipped disc](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/slipped-disc\/), [sciatica](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/sciatica\/) (a trapped nerve) or [ankylosing spondylitis](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/ankylosing-spondylitis\/) can cause back pain.\n\nVery rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.\n\n## Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:\nYou have back pain and:\n\n- it does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks\n- it's stopping you doing your day-to-day activities\n- you're worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope\n- you've lost weight without trying to\n- there's a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape\n- it does not improve after resting or is worse at night\n- it's worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing\n- it's coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back\n\n## Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if:\nYou have back pain and:\n\n- you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell\n- it's severe pain that starts suddenly, or it's getting worse quickly\n\nYou can call 111 or [get help from 111 online](https:\/\/111.nhs.uk\/triage\/check-your-symptoms).\n\n## Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A\\&E if:\nYou have back pain and:\n\n- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs\n- a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus\n- changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself\n- changes in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm\n- chest pain\n- it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident\n\nInformation:\n\nDo not drive to A\\&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.\n\nBring any medicines you take with you.\n\n## Other ways to get help\nYou may be able to refer yourself for help and treatment, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.\n\n[Get NHS help for back or joint problems](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/get-nhs-help-for-back-joint-problems\/)\n\n## How to ease back pain yourself\nBack pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.\n\n### Do\n- stay active and try to continue with your daily activities\n- take anti-inflammatory medicine like [ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/ibuprofen-for-adults\/) (these may not be suitable for everyone) – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller\n- check with a pharmacist or GP if you're unsure about which painkiller is suitable for you\n- use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling\n- use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms\n- try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain\n\n### Don't\n- do not stay in bed for long periods of time\n\n### Exercises and stretches for back pain\nThere are specific exercises and stretches you can do to help with back pain. But stop if your pain gets worse and see a GP for advice.\n\n### Video: Back stretches\nIn this video, a physiotherapist shows some simple back stretches to help prevent aches and pains.\n\nMedia last reviewed: 16 November 2023  \n Media review due: 16 November 2026\n\nOther places to find back pain exercises include:\n\n- [NHS back pain pilates video workout](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/exercise\/pilates-and-yoga\/chronic-back-pain-pilates-exercise-video\/)\n- [Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: video exercises for back pain](https:\/\/www.csp.org.uk\/conditions\/back-pain\/video-exercises-back-pain)\n\nActivities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain.\n\n## Treatments for back pain\nIf your back pain is severe or not getting better, a GP may prescribe painkillers.\n\nOther treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks.\n\nThese include:\n\n- group exercise sessions and [physiotherapy](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/tests-and-treatments\/physiotherapy\/)\n- manual therapy – where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back\n- [cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/tests-and-treatments\/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt\/) to help you cope with the pain\n- a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain)\n\nIf your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option.\n\nPage last reviewed: 05 March 2026  \n Next review due: 05 March 2029\n\n## Support links\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/)\n- [Health A to Z](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/health-a-to-z\/)\n- [NHS services](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/)\n- [Healthy living](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/)\n- [Mental health](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/mental-health\/)\n- [Care and support](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/social-care-and-support\/)\n- [COVID-19](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/covid-19\/)\n\n- [NHS App](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-app\/)\n- [Find my NHS number](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/online-services\/find-nhs-number\/)\n- [View your GP health record](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/gps\/view-your-gp-health-record\/)\n- [View your test results](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/online-services\/view-your-test-results\/)\n- [About the NHS](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/about-the-nhs\/)\n- [Healthcare abroad](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/using-the-nhs\/healthcare-abroad\/)\n\n- [Other NHS websites](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-sites\/)\n- [Profile editor login](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/profile-editor-login\/)\n\n- [About us](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/about-us\/)\n- [Report an issue with the NHS website](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/report-an-issue-with-the-nhs-website)\n- [Accessibility statement](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/accessibility-statement\/)\n- [Our policies](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/)\n- [Cookies](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/our-policies\/choose-your-cookie-settings\/)\n\n© Crown copyright","attrs_readable_markdown":"## Causes of back pain\nBack pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own.\n\nA common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle ([strain](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/sprains-and-strains\/)).\n\nSometimes, medical conditions like a [slipped disc](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/slipped-disc\/), [sciatica](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/sciatica\/) (a trapped nerve) or [ankylosing spondylitis](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/ankylosing-spondylitis\/) can cause back pain.\n\nVery rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.\n\n## Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:\nYou have back pain and:\n\n- it does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks\n- it's stopping you doing your day-to-day activities\n- you're worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope\n- you've lost weight without trying to\n- there's a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape\n- it does not improve after resting or is worse at night\n- it's worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing\n- it's coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back\n\n## Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if:\nYou have back pain and:\n\n- you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell\n- it's severe pain that starts suddenly, or it's getting worse quickly\n\nYou can call 111 or [get help from 111 online](https:\/\/111.nhs.uk\/triage\/check-your-symptoms).\n\n## Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A\\&E if:\nYou have back pain and:\n\n- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs\n- a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus\n- changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself\n- changes in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm\n- chest pain\n- it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident\n\nInformation:\n\nDo not drive to A\\&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.\n\nBring any medicines you take with you.\n\n## Other ways to get help\nYou may be able to refer yourself for help and treatment, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.\n\n[Get NHS help for back or joint problems](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/nhs-services\/get-nhs-help-for-back-joint-problems\/)\n\n## How to ease back pain yourself\nBack pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery.\n\n### Do\n- stay active and try to continue with your daily activities\n- take anti-inflammatory medicine like [ibuprofen](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/medicines\/ibuprofen-for-adults\/) (these may not be suitable for everyone) – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller\n- check with a pharmacist or GP if you're unsure about which painkiller is suitable for you\n- use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling\n- use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms\n- try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain\n\n### Don't\n- do not stay in bed for long periods of time\n\n### Exercises and stretches for back pain\nThere are specific exercises and stretches you can do to help with back pain. But stop if your pain gets worse and see a GP for advice.\n\n### Video: Back stretches\nIn this video, a physiotherapist shows some simple back stretches to help prevent aches and pains.\n\nMedia last reviewed: 16 November 2023  \n Media review due: 16 November 2026\n\nOther places to find back pain exercises include:\n\n- [NHS back pain pilates video workout](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/exercise\/pilates-and-yoga\/chronic-back-pain-pilates-exercise-video\/)\n- [Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: video exercises for back pain](https:\/\/www.csp.org.uk\/conditions\/back-pain\/video-exercises-back-pain)\n\nActivities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain.\n\n## Treatments for back pain\nIf your back pain is severe or not getting better, a GP may prescribe painkillers.\n\nOther treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks.\n\nThese include:\n\n- group exercise sessions and [physiotherapy](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/tests-and-treatments\/physiotherapy\/)\n- manual therapy – where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back\n- [cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)](https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/tests-and-treatments\/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt\/) to help you cope with the pain\n- a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain)\n\nIf your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option.\n\nPage last reviewed: 05 March 2026  \n Next review due: 05 March 2029","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

12 hours ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/
Last Crawled	2026-04-06 14:26:32 (12 hours ago)
First Indexed	2017-11-04 05:38:41 (8 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	Back pain - NHS
Meta Description	Find out how to relieve back pain, what can cause it and when to get medical advice.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	Causes of back pain Back pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own. A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle ( strain ). Sometimes, medical conditions like a slipped disc , sciatica (a trapped nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis can cause back pain. Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: You have back pain and: it does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks it's stopping you doing your day-to-day activities you're worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope you've lost weight without trying to there's a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape it does not improve after resting or is worse at night it's worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing it's coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if: You have back pain and: you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell it's severe pain that starts suddenly, or it's getting worse quickly You can call 111 or get help from 111 online . Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if: You have back pain and: pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself changes in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm chest pain it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident Information: Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you. Other ways to get help You may be able to refer yourself for help and treatment, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP. Get NHS help for back or joint problems How to ease back pain yourself Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery. Do stay active and try to continue with your daily activities take anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen (these may not be suitable for everyone) – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller check with a pharmacist or GP if you're unsure about which painkiller is suitable for you use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain Don't do not stay in bed for long periods of time Exercises and stretches for back pain There are specific exercises and stretches you can do to help with back pain. But stop if your pain gets worse and see a GP for advice. Video: Back stretches In this video, a physiotherapist shows some simple back stretches to help prevent aches and pains. Media last reviewed: 16 November 2023 Media review due: 16 November 2026 Other places to find back pain exercises include: NHS back pain pilates video workout Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: video exercises for back pain Activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain. Treatments for back pain If your back pain is severe or not getting better, a GP may prescribe painkillers. Other treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks. These include: group exercise sessions and physiotherapy manual therapy – where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you cope with the pain a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain) If your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option. Page last reviewed: 05 March 2026 Next review due: 05 March 2029
Markdown	[Skip to main content](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/#maincontent) - [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) - [NHS services](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/) - [Healthy living](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/) - [Mental health](https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/) - [Care and support](https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/) - [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) - Browse More 1. [Home](https://www.nhs.uk/) 2. [Health A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/health-a-to-z/) 3. [Conditions A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/) [Back to Conditions A to Z](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/) # Back pain Back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It usually improves within a few weeks but can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. There are things you can do to help ease the pain. ## Causes of back pain Back pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own. A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle ([strain](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/)). Sometimes, medical conditions like a [slipped disc](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slipped-disc/), [sciatica](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/) (a trapped nerve) or [ankylosing spondylitis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/) can cause back pain. Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection. ## Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: You have back pain and: - it does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks - it's stopping you doing your day-to-day activities - you're worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope - you've lost weight without trying to - there's a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape - it does not improve after resting or is worse at night - it's worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing - it's coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back ## Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if: You have back pain and: - you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell - it's severe pain that starts suddenly, or it's getting worse quickly You can call 111 or [get help from 111 online](https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-symptoms). ## Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A\&E if: You have back pain and: - pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs - a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus - changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself - changes in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm - chest pain - it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident Information: Do not drive to A\&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you. ## Other ways to get help You may be able to refer yourself for help and treatment, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP. [Get NHS help for back or joint problems](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/get-nhs-help-for-back-joint-problems/) ## How to ease back pain yourself Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery. ### Do - stay active and try to continue with your daily activities - take anti-inflammatory medicine like [ibuprofen](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/) (these may not be suitable for everyone) – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller - check with a pharmacist or GP if you're unsure about which painkiller is suitable for you - use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling - use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms - try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain ### Don't - do not stay in bed for long periods of time ### Exercises and stretches for back pain There are specific exercises and stretches you can do to help with back pain. But stop if your pain gets worse and see a GP for advice. ### Video: Back stretches In this video, a physiotherapist shows some simple back stretches to help prevent aches and pains. Media last reviewed: 16 November 2023 Media review due: 16 November 2026 Other places to find back pain exercises include: - [NHS back pain pilates video workout](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/pilates-and-yoga/chronic-back-pain-pilates-exercise-video/) - [Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: video exercises for back pain](https://www.csp.org.uk/conditions/back-pain/video-exercises-back-pain) Activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain. ## Treatments for back pain If your back pain is severe or not getting better, a GP may prescribe painkillers. Other treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks. These include: - group exercise sessions and [physiotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/physiotherapy/) - manual therapy – where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back - [cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/) to help you cope with the pain - a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain) If your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option. 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Readable Markdown	## Causes of back pain Back pain can have many causes. It's not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own. A common cause of back pain is an injury like a pulled muscle ([strain](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sprains-and-strains/)). Sometimes, medical conditions like a [slipped disc](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/slipped-disc/), [sciatica](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sciatica/) (a trapped nerve) or [ankylosing spondylitis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ankylosing-spondylitis/) can cause back pain. Very rarely, back pain can be a sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection. ## Non-urgent advice: See a GP if: You have back pain and: - it does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks - it's stopping you doing your day-to-day activities - you're worried about the pain or you're struggling to cope - you've lost weight without trying to - there's a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape - it does not improve after resting or is worse at night - it's worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing - it's coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back ## Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from 111 if: You have back pain and: - you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell - it's severe pain that starts suddenly, or it's getting worse quickly You can call 111 or [get help from 111 online](https://111.nhs.uk/triage/check-your-symptoms). ## Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A\&E if: You have back pain and: - pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs - a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus - changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself - changes in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm - chest pain - it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident Information: Do not drive to A\&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance. Bring any medicines you take with you. ## Other ways to get help You may be able to refer yourself for help and treatment, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP. [Get NHS help for back or joint problems](https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/get-nhs-help-for-back-joint-problems/) ## How to ease back pain yourself Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. There are things you can do to help speed up your recovery. ### Do - stay active and try to continue with your daily activities - take anti-inflammatory medicine like [ibuprofen](https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/ibuprofen-for-adults/) (these may not be suitable for everyone) – paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller - check with a pharmacist or GP if you're unsure about which painkiller is suitable for you - use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a tea towel to reduce pain and swelling - use a heat pack (or hot water bottle) wrapped in a tea towel to relieve joint stiffness or muscle spasms - try doing some exercises and stretches for back pain ### Don't - do not stay in bed for long periods of time ### Exercises and stretches for back pain There are specific exercises and stretches you can do to help with back pain. But stop if your pain gets worse and see a GP for advice. ### Video: Back stretches In this video, a physiotherapist shows some simple back stretches to help prevent aches and pains. Media last reviewed: 16 November 2023 Media review due: 16 November 2026 Other places to find back pain exercises include: - [NHS back pain pilates video workout](https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/pilates-and-yoga/chronic-back-pain-pilates-exercise-video/) - [Chartered Society of Physiotherapy: video exercises for back pain](https://www.csp.org.uk/conditions/back-pain/video-exercises-back-pain) Activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also help ease back pain. ## Treatments for back pain If your back pain is severe or not getting better, a GP may prescribe painkillers. Other treatments may be recommended if your pain does not get better after a few weeks. These include: - group exercise sessions and [physiotherapy](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/physiotherapy/) - manual therapy – where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back - [cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)](https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cognitive-behavioural-therapy-cbt/) to help you cope with the pain - a procedure to seal off some of the nerves in your back so they stop sending pain signals (only for long-term lower back pain) If your back pain is caused by a medical condition like a slipped disc and other treatments have not helped, surgery may be an option. Page last reviewed: 05 March 2026 Next review due: 05 March 2029
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