Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work — the WHO describes it as the leading cause of disability worldwide. Long hours at a desk, two-wheeler rides on bumpy roads, lifting heavy things and little exercise all add up.

The reassuring part: most lower back pain is not caused by anything serious and gets better within a few weeks.

Common causes

  • Muscle or ligament strain — from lifting, a sudden twist, or poor posture over many hours. This is the most common cause.

  • Disc problems — a disc between the bones of the spine can bulge and press on a nerve. This may cause pain that travels down one leg (sciatica), sometimes with tingling.

  • Wear and tear of the spine with age.

  • Less often: an injury, infection, or other illness.

What usually helps

  • Keep moving gently. Short walks and normal daily activity help recovery; long bed rest usually makes it worse.

  • Use a warm compress for stiff muscles.

  • When sitting for long, take a short break every 30–45 minutes, and sit with your back supported.

  • Lift with your knees bent and the load close to your body.

  • Pain relief from a pharmacy can help for a short time — ask a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you have stomach, kidney or heart problems.

When should you see a doctor?

See an orthopaedic doctor or a general physician if:

  • The pain lasts more than 3–4 weeks, or keeps coming back.

  • Pain spreads down a leg, with numbness, tingling or weakness.

  • The pain is worse at night or when lying down.

  • It started after a fall or accident.

  • You also have fever or weight loss without trying, or you are over 50 and this is new.

Go to a hospital immediately if back pain comes with numbness around the private parts or buttocks, difficulty passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowels, or weakness in both legs. These can be signs of a serious nerve problem that needs treatment the same day.

How the doctor helps

The doctor will ask about your pain and examine your back and legs. Most people do not need an X-ray or MRI at first — scans are used when there are warning signs or the pain doesn't settle. Treatment often includes exercises with a physiotherapist, medicines for a short time, and advice on posture and activity. Surgery is needed only in a small number of cases.

Which doctor to see

Start with an orthopaedic doctor or general physician. For long-lasting nerve or disc problems, a spine specialist may be involved.

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