Back Pain — Online Consultation & Treatment
Get professional medical care for back pain and musculoskeletal issues. Speak to qualified UK clinicians online with same-day appointments and treatment plans.
- Professional online consultation and treatment advice
- Same-day prescriptions when appropriate
- Secure video consultations from home
Secure Telehealth Platform Trusted by Over 150,000 Patients
What is Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting the muscles, ligaments, tendons, discs, and bones of the spine. It can range from acute pain lasting a few days to chronic pain persisting for months or years.
Common Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the back
- Sharp or shooting pain
- Pain that radiates down the leg (sciatica)
- Muscle spasms
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty standing straight
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Numbness or tingling in legs or feet
Common Causes
- Muscle or ligament strain
- Poor posture
- Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Stress and tension
- Sedentary lifestyle
How Our Online Consultation Can Help
- Assess severity and potential causes of back pain
- Prescribe appropriate pain relief medications
- Provide physiotherapy and exercise recommendations
- Advise on posture and ergonomic improvements
- Determine if imaging or specialist referral is needed
- Create personalized pain management plans
Home Care
- Apply ice for acute pain (first 48 hours)
- Use heat therapy for chronic pain
- Gentle stretching and movement
- Over-the-counter pain relief
- Maintain good posture
- Avoid bed rest for extended periods
Medical Treatments
- Prescription pain relief medications
- Muscle relaxants
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Physiotherapy referral
- Steroid injections for severe cases
- Specialist referral for chronic pain
Commonly Prescribed Medications
Naproxen
Long-acting anti-inflammatory for back pain and muscle inflammation
Diazepam
Muscle relaxant for severe muscle spasms
Codeine with Paracetamol
Stronger pain relief for moderate to severe back pain
Amitriptyline
Low-dose antidepressant for chronic back pain management
When to Seek Urgent Care
- Severe back pain following injury or trauma
- Back pain with fever
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness or weakness in both legs
- Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest
- Back pain with chest pain
- Progressive weakness in legs
- Pain following a significant fall
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention by calling 999 or visiting your nearest A&E.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does back pain typically last?
Acute back pain usually improves within a few days to weeks. Chronic back pain persists for more than 12 weeks and may require ongoing management.
Should I rest in bed with back pain?
Brief rest may help initially, but staying active with gentle movement is generally better for recovery than prolonged bed rest.
When do I need an X-ray or MRI for back pain?
Our clinicians will assess whether imaging is necessary based on your symptoms, duration of pain, and response to initial treatment.
Can stress cause back pain?
Yes, psychological stress and tension can contribute to muscle tension and back pain. Managing stress is often part of treatment.
Is back pain a sign of something serious?
Most back pain is not serious and improves with conservative treatment. However, certain symptoms warrant urgent evaluation.
How can I prevent back pain?
Maintain good posture, exercise regularly, lift properly, maintain a healthy weight, and use ergonomic furniture.
Medically Reviewed by: Mohammed Hassan - Independent Prescriber
Last Updated: January 2025