Most low back pain is mechanical — caused by muscle, ligament or facet-joint strain — and resolves in 4-6 weeks with simple care.

Person holding their lower back in discomfort
Most low back pain is mechanical and resolves in 4–6 weeks with active, not passive, care.

Red flags that mean see a specialist today

  • Loss of bowel or bladder control
  • Numbness in the saddle area
  • Progressive leg weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss with night pain
  • Fever

The 80% who'll get better on their own

  • Stay active (bed rest beyond 2 days actually delays recovery)
  • Heat for muscle spasm, ice for sharp inflammatory pain
  • Short course of NSAIDs if your stomach and kidneys allow
  • Targeted physio for core endurance — McGill big-three is a great start

Workplace tips

  • Monitor at eye level
  • Lumbar support cushion
  • Stand and walk 2 minutes every 30 minutes
  • Strengthen, don't just stretch