Medical Encyclopaedia › Back pain (short definition)
In brief: Back pain is one of the most common complaints of all: almost everyone experiences it at some point in their life. It usually affects the lower back and cannot be attributed to a single cause; this is then called non-specific low back pain.
Causes
In most cases, muscle tension, incorrect loading and untrained core muscles are behind it. Lack of exercise, overweight, one-sided activities, stress and difficult life situations favour the symptoms. Less often there are specific causes, such as a slipped disc with nerve irritation, spinal stenosis, inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, vertebral fractures in osteoporosis, or diseases of internal organs.
Warning signs
Back pain with paralysis, numbness in the genital or buttock area, problems urinating or opening the bowels, fever, unintentional weight loss, a known cancer or after an accident should be assessed by a doctor immediately. Paralysis or bladder and bowel disorders are an emergency.
What helps?
In acute low back pain, the most important thing is to stay active and continue everyday movements; bed rest delays recovery. Heat can bring relief. Painkillers such as ibuprofen can help in the short term to get moving again. Most acute back pain improves within a few weeks.
Imaging and treatment for longer-lasting symptoms
Without warning signs, an X-ray or MRI is not useful in the first weeks, as wear-and-tear findings are common and often unrelated to the symptoms. If the pain persists, exercise therapy, physiotherapy with active exercises, back schools and, if necessary, behavioural therapy help. For chronic courses, multimodal pain therapy is recommended. Surgery is only considered for certain findings, such as a slipped disc with persistent paralysis.
Prevention
Regular exercise, strengthening the core and back muscles, an ergonomic workplace, breaks from sitting and stress management reduce the risk of recurring back pain.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Lumbago, Slipped disc, Sciatica, Spinal stenosis, Facet joint syndrome, Physiotherapy, Chronic pain, Strength training, Ankylosing spondylitis
Sources
- Bundesärztekammer, KBV, AWMF: Nationale VersorgungsLeitlinie Nicht-spezifischer Kreuzschmerz, leitlinien.de
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
- Bundesministerium für Gesundheit: gesund.bund.de – Nationales Gesundheitsportal
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.