We see this issue all the time and understand what you’re going through. We can help with treatment, advice and exercises to speed up the recovery process and reduce the chance of re-injury in the future.

What causes this type of back pain?

This type of sudden-onset back pain is termed “acute mechanical back pain” or “acute non-specific lower back pain”. We see this type of injury frequently in our clinic and the vast majority of patients respond extremely well to treatment. Usually there is some muscle spasm often accompanied by a joint sprain or irritation underneath this. A skilled history and examination can help identify exactly what is happening. Despite the pain, there is typically no need for X-rays or MRI scans for this type of back pain.

What does it feel like?

Acute back pain starts suddenly. It can be after an awkward movement, lifting something heavy, or just simply twisting or bending forwards! You might feel a twinge at first, but as the hours go on, the discomfort and stiffness intensifies. By the following morning, even the smallest movements (getting out of a chair, putting your shoes on, bending forwards) can become challenging and painful. A constant ache can set in, and certain positions can trigger sharp, spasming pain that stops you in your tracks or takes your breath away. This pain typically stays localised in the back and there is no pain, tingling nor numbness spreading into the leg.

Will it improve?

Yes! Although it can be very painful for the first 5-7 days. After this, each day should feel slightly better than the day before until it fully resolves. After understanding your specific injury we will attempt to be more specific on how long it will be until your back pain feels better and when you can return to normal activities. Treatment from our expert team, the correct advice and the right exercises can speed up the recovery process and reduce the chance of re-injury in the future.

Should you visit A&E?

When acute back pain happens for the first time, it can be really scary. We hear many times from patients that they were so worried that something serious must have happened that they visit A&E. Despite the pain, acute mechanical back pain it is not deemed a serious issue and patients are often discharged with some pain killers.

Visiting our clinic can be a big relief. You should immediately feel you are in the right place as we see this issue all the time and understand what you’re going through. We can be proactive, offer treatment, advice, exercises and give you an idea of how long it will be until you’re feeling better.

Should you visit your GP?

Your GP can be helpful in diagnosing this type of lower back pain. They may be able to help you with some painkillers or anti-inflammatories for the first few days. If the issue hasn’t resolved by itself after a while they may discuss with you about an NHS waiting list to see a physiotherapist. We find that many people are willing to pay privately to visit us to be seen quicker.

What can I try myself at home?

When it’s really painful and all movements are difficult it sometimes does just need 24-48 hours of rest. A phone consultation with the GP can be helpful as they can prescribe anti-inflammatories or painkillers to help you cope in the early days.

The general advice though is to try to move regularly. Bed rest is not the solution. Don’t sit too long, don’t lie down too long. Gently explore the painful and stiff movements, without pushing too far and stirring it up. Get up, move around, walk around.

Once we understand your issue, your chiropractor will be able to give you more bespoke exercises based on your injury.

What do we do on a first visit?

During an initial consultation we will take a thorough history to work out what may have caused the issue. This allows us to correctly diagnose the issue and it also helps us identify if you need to make any lifestyle/habit changes to reduce the stress on the back. 

We then perform a thorough examination. Essentially, we ask you to perform a series of movements and observe how things are functioning. Of course, if you are in pain, this is done slowly and carefully. We may also use our hands to localise the area of pain. Based on this information we can then tailor our treatment to give you the best relief. 

After a history and examination we can usually start treatment on your first visit. Before starting treatment we will explain the process carefully and give you the chance to ask questions. 

Do I need X-rays or MRI scans? 

There is typically no need for any scans or X-rays with this type of back pain. Occasionally it is necessary, and we have a number of excellent local referral options if we think some imaging is required.

What is the treatment?

Depending on what we identify we will then use a combination of muscle loosening techniques (massage, dry needling, acupuncture, stretches), gentle joint manipulation and mobilisations. Advice, exercises and some lifestyle/habit changes will also form a very useful part of getting you better. 

How frequently do I need to come to the clinic?

The chiropractor may want to see you a bit more frequently at the start while the pain and stiffness is bad. Sometimes this can be twice per week for the first two weeks. By this point the intense pain has usually settled and your mobility is returning. As you improve, the chiropractor will discuss with you about reducing the frequency of your sessions and increasing some exercises. It is difficult to predict exactly how many sessions it might take but around 4-8 visits is average. 

If it’s your first bout of back pain, once you’re feeling great and your spine is functioning well again, we may discharge you. 

If it was a particularly bad episode, or if you’ve had multiple episodes, we sometimes encourage a check-up a few weeks later to ensure the mechanics of the spine are still good and to ensure you are coping well. 

Will it come back?

Once you have had this type of back pain once, research suggests you are more likely to have it again. But it’s not guaranteed. We see many patients who work really hard at making some lifestyle, exercise and posture changes in an attempt to stop it from coming back and are very successful. We wholeheartedly promote this type of active care and can help advise on exercises and habit changes.

Check ups with the chiropractor every few months is another strategy that can help, a bit like visiting your dentist for a check up to prevent a future issue. 

Other patients do tend to have repeat bouts of acute back pain every few years. When they experience it again, it is still very painful, but they don’t have quite so much fear and anxiety as they recognise the issue and know that it settled down eventually last time. Instead of panicking or using the NHS they call the chiropractor as they felt they were very helpful and effective at speeding up the recovery.