Lower Back Pain

What can I do to help myself?
I suggest taking a moment, before contacting a Doctor or Chartered Physiotherapist, to understand that back pain is a symptom. Back pain is not a diagnosis.

See your GP or a Chartered Physiotherapist 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

Contact your GP, Emergency Department [if you have these

] or NHS 111 immediately if you have back pain and ::

numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks
difficulty peeing
loss of bladder or bowel control
a sudden difficulty in your walking
chest pain
a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
unexplained weight loss
a swelling or a deformity in your back
it doesn't improve after resting or is worse at night
it started after a serious accident, such as after a car accident [http://www.emottawa.ca/assets/documents/research/cdr_cspine_poster.pdf]

These problems could be a sign of something more serious and need to be checked urgently.

1. Back pain is often triaged into 3 main categories. You may need to discuss this chart with your GP or Chartered Physiotherapist.
http://csm.mhmedical.com/data/books/1970/bru61384_2902.png

2. "When we hear the sound of hoofbeats, think horses - not zebras." Back pain is common but it is not normal. There is a cause. It is not in your head.
Whilst some patients do have significant pathology, it is far more common to have "simple mechanical back pain." Yet back pain is a symptom and not a diagnosis.
I am paraphrasing Professor Stuart McGill & Professor Shirley Sahrmann in the first sentence but it reflects nearly 25 years of my observations and reading. When serious disease and "sciatica" have been eliminated from the diagnostic process, it is probably what you are doing that needs attention.
My favourite video that I ask patients to watch is posted below :: it is 59 minutes long but provides practical insights to apply immediately.
Before you click the link, think :: do I know what is wrong with my movement patterns during work, sports and hobbies?

Lower Back Pain - A physical therapy perspective. [Author :: Owen Moore, Sun 21 Jan 2018 :: , 2 deg C]

Summary ::