Back pain can occur in the lower and upper parts of the back and can be the result of an injury such as a sprain or strain.
The pain often occurs for no apparent reason and will usually improve within a few weeks.
But in rare circumstances back pain can indicate a more serious health problem.
Pain in this area of the body can be a symptom of pancreatic cancer.
“Almost seven out of 10 people with pancreatic cancer go to their doctors because they have pain,” explains Cancer Research UK.
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“Pain is more common in cancers of the body and tail of the pancreas. People describe it as a dull pain.
“It can begin in the stomach area and spread around to the back.
“The pain is worse when you lie down and is better if you sit forward. It can be worse after meals.
“Some people may only have back pain. This is often felt in the middle of the back, and is persistent.”
In rare cases, back pain can be a sign of a broken bone in the spine, an infection or caudal equine syndrome (where the nerves in the lower back become severely compressed).
If you visit your GP with back pain they will look for all these signs.
A number of other conditions have also been known to cause back pain, such as a slipped disc. This is when a disc of cartilage in the spine presses on a nerve.
Sciatica, which is irritation of the nerve that runs from the lower back to the feet, can also cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the lower back.
Ankylosing spondylitis causes pain and stiffness that’s usually worse in the morning.
Spondylolisthesis is when a bone in the spine slips out of position. This can cause lower back pain and stiffness, as well as numbness and a tingling sensation.
The NHS advises you should get help from your GP if:
- The pain doesn’t start to improve within a few weeks
- The pain stops you doing your day-to-day activities
- The pain is very severe or gets worse over time
- You’re worried about the pain or are struggling to cope
If your back pain isn’t anything serious, experts say you should try to stay in work and resume normal activities.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) advises: “Avoid bedrest, stay in work and gradually resume normal activities.
“Scientific studies now indicate prolonged rest and avoidance of activity for people with low back pain actually leads to higher levels of pain, greater disability, poorer recovery and longer absence from work.
“In the first few days of a new episode of low back pain, avoiding aggravating activities may help to relieve pain.
“However, staying as active as possible and returning to all usual activities gradually is actually important in aiding recovery – this includes staying in work where possible.”
One of the hardest things to contend with if you have back pain is finding a comfortable sleep position. But there are two recommended to help you get a good night’s rest.