What you may feel
- A dull lumbar ache, tightness or a sharp catch with movement.
- Bending, lifting or prolonged sitting may aggravate the pain.
- Straightening up or starting to walk may feel stiff after rest.
- Pain may spread into the buttock or leg with tingling or numbness.
- Note whether pain disrupts sleep, walking or everyday tasks.
How it is assessed
Assessment includes the pain history, movement and walking, and strength, sensation and reflexes when needed. MRI or X-rays are selected according to clinical findings.
Describe when pain began, which positions change it and whether it spreads into a limb. Bring any previous investigation reports.
Approaches to care
Care may include pain management, personalised exercise and a gradual return to activity. Targeted procedures are considered only when clinically appropriate.
Progress is also reviewed through sleep, walking and return to usual tasks. Tell your clinician what has helped or aggravated symptoms.
When to seek urgent help
New bladder or bowel problems, numbness around the saddle area, rapidly increasing weakness or pain after major trauma need immediate assessment.
Further reading: NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.