Low back pain means a pain or ache anywhere on your back, in between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs. If the pain goes down one or both of your legs it is often referred to as sciatica.
Lower back pain affects 8 out of 10 people at some time in their lives but is rarely due to any serious disease or damage. Sore backs can be limiting at first, but it is still possible to do most normal activities without putting additional strain on the back.
Staying active and continuing ordinary activities as normally as possible will help you with improved coping and faster recovery
In most cases, the back will heal itself and staying active and continuing with your usual activities will normally promote healing. However, in severe and persistent cases it is important to seek medical advice so that a correct diagnosis can be reached and appropriate treatment given, as treatment may depend on the underlying cause in some cases.
Last updated: 04 October 2011
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