Low back pain: symptoms and relief

Low back pain can affect how you move through your day, from getting dressed to sitting at work or sleeping comfortably. Many people feel worried when pain lingers or returns, especially if it makes it hard to stay active. Low back pain is extremely common, affecting more than 600 million people worldwide and expected to rise in the coming decades¹. Even though it can be frustrating, most people improve with the right care, and long-term recovery is very possible.

What are the symptoms of low back pain?

• Aching, sharp, or stiff pain across the lower back
• Pain that may spread into the buttocks or one leg
• Burning, tingling, or numbness in a leg
• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, or long periods of sitting
• Trouble standing, walking, or finding a comfortable sleeping position
• Feeling weaker or less steady when moving or lifting

What causes low back pain?

Low back pain can come from many factors working together, including how you move, work, rest, and handle daily stressors. Most cases are non-specific, which means there is no single structural cause. Instead, the pain often relates to irritation of muscles, joints, or nerves, along with lifestyle and emotional factors that influence how the back responds.

Common contributors include:

• Repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting at work
• Sitting or standing for long periods
• Sudden increases in activity
• Low physical activity or low fitness
• Overweight or deconditioning
• Smoking
• Stress, worry, or poor sleep patterns
• Less commonly, disc herniation, spinal cord compression, or other specific conditions^{2 3}

When should I see a doctor?

Most low back pain improves with time and active self-care. Still, certain symptoms deserve attention.

Seek medical care if you notice:

• New bladder or bowel problems
• Numbness around the groin or inner thighs
• Rapidly worsening leg weakness
• Back pain after a fall or accident
• Unexplained weight loss, fever, or a history of cancer
• Pain that does not improve after several weeks
• Severe night pain that does not change with position

How is low back pain treated?

Most people recover with active care, not surgery. Staying informed and staying gently active helps the back adapt and heal over time. Treatment often includes a mix of strategies based on your symptoms and goals.

Common options include:

• Education and activity: Learning how to manage flare-ups, keep moving, and return to normal routines
• Exercise-based rehabilitation: Strength, mobility, and conditioning programs tailored to your needs
• Medications: Short-term use of anti-inflammatory medicines when appropriate
• Injections: Sometimes used for leg-related nerve pain when symptoms persist
• Surgery: Considered only when severe or long-lasting nerve symptoms (e.g. weakness, numbness, incapacity for walking) do not improve Most people see improvement within two to six weeks, and more lasting progress builds with consistent movement and exercise^{2 4}.

[Diagnosis & Treatment →]

Sword's approach

Sword Health helps people manage pain and movement issues with expert-guided AI care you can use from home. Our model combines clinical support with modern technology, designed to work around your life.

Sword makes recovery easier and more accessible. You get high-quality care at home, guided by clinicians and supported by smart technology.

• Care that adapts to your progress in real time
• Licensed experts guiding every step
• Simple, non-invasive, evidence-based programs
• Proven results for pain relief, movement, and satisfaction

Clinical insight

Clinical guidelines recommend avoiding early imaging unless there are red flags. Imaging often shows age-related changes that do not match symptoms, and early scans can lead to unnecessary worry or treatments. Starting with movement and education typically leads to better outcomes for most people³.