RehabifyCommon causes
- Strain of muscles and ligaments, often after lifting, twisting or a sudden movement
- Disc problems, where a disc bulges and irritates nearby tissues or a nerve
- Facet joint pain, from the small joints at the back of the spine, often worse on bending backwards
- Sacroiliac joint pain, felt low on one side, near the dimple above the buttock
- Long hours of sitting, low activity and weak core muscles
- Less common causes such as fracture from osteoporosis, infection or inflammatory back pain, which the doctor checks for
Who should see a doctor
Signs to get checked
- Back pain that lasts more than 2 to 3 weeks or keeps coming back
- Pain that spreads below the knee, or tingling or numbness in the leg
- Pain that wakes you at night or is worse in the morning with stiffness that lasts over 30 minutes
- Back pain with osteoporosis, cancer history or steroid use
What happens at Rehabify
- 01
History
When it started, what makes it better or worse, your work, sleep and activity.
- 02
Examination
How your spine bends and twists, nerve tests in the legs, strength, reflexes, hip and pelvis checks.
- 03
Scans if needed
Your existing scans are reviewed. New scans are advised only if they will change your treatment.
- 04
Your plan
Usually exercise and activity advice first, with medicines for comfort. An image-guided injection may be offered for pain from a specific joint or nerve.
- 05
Rehab
A graded programme with a physiotherapist and at home, built around your goals.
The doctor decides the right tests and treatment for you after examining you.
Before and after your visit
How to prepare
- Bring scans and reports, and a list of medicines
- Wear loose clothes
- Note what you can and cannot do because of the pain (sit, drive, lift, sleep)
After your visit
You leave with a written plan, home exercises and a review date. You can send questions on WhatsApp between visits.
When to get help urgently
Common questions
Should I rest or keep moving with back pain?
Keep moving within comfort. Walking and gentle activity help most people recover faster than bed rest. Avoid heavy lifting during a flare, and return to normal activities step by step. The doctor will show you which movements are safe for your back.
Do I need an MRI?
Not usually at first. An MRI helps when pain lasts beyond 4 to 6 weeks despite treatment, when there is leg weakness or numbness, or if warning signs are present. Many MRI findings, such as disc bulges, are common in people without pain, so the doctor reads them together with your examination.
Is a slipped disc the same as back pain?
No. A "slipped" or bulging disc is one possible cause of back pain, and it often heals without surgery. Many people have disc bulges on scans without any pain. The doctor checks whether the disc is really the source of your symptoms.
When is an injection used for back pain?
When pain clearly comes from a specific joint or nerve and has not settled with exercise and medicines. The injection is guided by imaging so it reaches the right place. It is used to calm pain so that rehab can work, not as the only treatment.
Can back pain come back?
Yes, it often does. Regular exercise, a good work set-up, staying active and keeping a healthy weight lower the chances. Your home programme is designed to help prevent flare-ups.
Can I go to work with back pain?
Many people can, with changes such as shorter sitting periods and lighter tasks for a while. Staying at work often helps recovery. The doctor can advise on what is safe for your job.
Sources
- [1]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG59. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s
- [2]
American College of Physicians guideline on non-invasive treatment of low back pain
- [3]
WHO guideline on management of chronic primary low back pain in adults. 2023
This page is for general education and does not replace a consultation. The right plan depends on your examination.