Lower back pain

Lower back pain is usually not dangerous and often improves by keeping active and gradually building up daily activities. Problems with urination or bowel movements, numbness around the perineum or anus, or rapidly increasing leg weakness require immediate emergency assessment.

• Aching or stabbing pain and stiffness in the lower back, sometimes worse with movement or prolonged sitting.
• Pain into the buttock or leg, sometimes below the knee, with tingling or altered sensation.
• Keep walking short distances and alternate sitting, standing and lying down according to what you can manage.
• Resume ordinary tasks gradually and temporarily divide heavy work into smaller steps.
• Make an appointment if back pain does not improve after a few weeks, often recurs or severely limits daily functioning.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.