How do clinicians diagnose low back pain?
A clinician starts by listening to your story. They will ask when your pain began, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your day. Many people describe limits with lifting, sitting, sleeping, or getting through a workday. Your clinician uses these details to understand patterns that commonly show up with low back pain.
You can expect a physical exam that looks at how you move, how your back responds to certain positions, and whether your legs feel numb, tingly, or weak. Most of the time, this exam gives enough information to understand what type of back pain you are dealing with and whether your nerves are involved1.
Imaging such as an MRI is not routinely needed. This is because scan findings like disc bulges are very common even in people without pain, and early imaging often does not change treatment. Imaging is recommended sooner only if you have red flag symptoms like new bladder or bowel problems, a history of major trauma, fever, or progressive leg weakness2.
A clinician may also ask about stress, sleep, or worry. These factors do not cause low back pain by themselves, but they can make symptoms feel stronger. Understanding the full picture helps guide treatment that matches your needs.
Clinical insight
What are the treatment options for low back pain?
Treatment usually starts with the least invasive options. Most people improve with a mix of education, activity, and exercise that is tailored to their symptoms and goals.
Education and activity. Staying active helps the back heal and keeps muscles from becoming stiff. Learning how to manage flare-ups, pace your day, and adjust posture or lifting habits can reduce symptoms over time. Education and activity are recommended as first-line care in many major guidelines3.
Exercise-based rehabilitation. Strength training, mobility work, and aerobic exercise (like brisk walking or swimming) all help support the spine and improve daily function. No single exercise is best for everyone. What matters most is consistency and gradual progression. Exercise programs steadily improve pain and function for many people with chronic low back pain4.
Medications. Short-term use of anti-inflammatory medicines can help during a painful phase. These medicines usually provide small improvements, so clinicians recommend using them for a limited time while you stay active5. Paracetamol is not shown to work for acute back pain6.
Injections. Injections are not helpful for most back pain, but they may offer short-term relief for leg pain caused by an irritated nerve from a disc herniation. The effects are temporary and usually last weeks to a few months7.
Surgery. Surgery is rarely needed. It is considered when leg-dominant nerve pain does not improve after several weeks to months of good conservative care or when weakness worsens. Surgery for non-specific low back pain without nerve involvement is generally not recommended8.
Most people begin to feel better within two to six weeks. If pain sticks around longer, a structured exercise program can support steady improvements and help prevent future flare-ups.
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
Did you know?
People who keep walking, moving, and gradually building strength after an episode of low back pain have fewer recurrences. A large clinical trial found that a personalized walking program reduced the chance of another painful episode and helped people stay pain free longer9.
How can I find pain relief for low back pain?
Small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Gentle movement, like short walks, helps reduce stiffness and settle symptoms. Many people find relief by changing positions more often, breaking up long periods of sitting or standing, and using heat for comfort.
Try pacing your activities. This means spreading tasks throughout the day rather than pushing through all at once. If a flare happens, it does not mean you caused damage. Most flares calm down with simple self-care, including light movement.
Sleep, stress, and overall health can influence how your back feels. Improving your sleep routine, practicing breathing techniques, and focusing on daily movement can support healing. If your symptoms do not improve after several weeks, or if you notice new leg weakness or changes in bladder or bowel function, check in with your clinician.
