In short
- The NHS says back pain usually improves within a few weeks.
- Weakness in both legs or trouble passing urine means A&E first, per the NHS.
- France’s health insurer, Ameli, says bed rest is not recommended.
- A physio assesses, explains, gets you moving and may use manual therapy.
Your lower back hurts, and sometimes the pain runs down a leg. This guide explains common low back pain and sciatica in plain words. It covers what a physiotherapist checks at the first session and the care they use. It also lists the signs that call for a doctor first. Every medical point comes from a public health body listed at the bottom.
Low back pain and sciatica are common and usually not serious
The WHO defines low back pain as pain between the lower edge of the ribs and the buttocks. In about 90% of cases, says the WHO, no specific disease or structural cause explains it. This is called non-specific low back pain.
It is very common. France’s health insurer, Ameli, says 84% of people have had, have or will have it. The NHS says back pain usually improves within a few weeks. It can sometimes last longer or come back.
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed. That nerve runs from the lower back to the feet. The NHS describes pain in the buttock and the back of one leg, sometimes down to the toes. It usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months, per the NHS.
Pain that lasts over 3 months with no underlying disease is chronic primary low back pain, per the WHO.
Some signs call for a doctor before a physio
The NHS lists signs that need emergency care straight away. They are rare, but worth knowing. With back pain, go to the emergency department if you have:
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus
- difficulty peeing, or losing control of your bladder or bowels
- chest pain
- pain that started after a serious accident, such as a car accident
Other signs are a reason to book a doctor
The NHS advises an urgent appointment if you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell. The same goes for severe pain that starts suddenly or gets worse quickly.
It advises seeing a doctor if the pain does not improve after a few weeks. Weight loss without trying, a lump in your back or pain that is worse at night also count. Your doctor can then refer you to a physio. Our guide to prescriptions and physio in Morocco covers that step.
The first session starts with an assessment
According to the NHS, the physio first asks about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. They may examine the painful area and check your strength and balance. They then talk you through the treatment options. They also give you an idea of how many sessions you may need.
If you have a prescription, reports or scans, bring them along. They help the physio understand your history. Wear clothes that let you move your back and legs freely.
A physio combines advice, movement and manual therapy
The NHS describes three main approaches in physiotherapy. Education and advice help you understand and manage your symptoms. Movement and exercise work on joint mobility and muscle strength. Manual therapy uses the hands to massage and move the affected area.
For chronic low back pain, WHO guidelines from December 2023 recommend education and exercise programmes. They also include spinal manipulative therapy and massage. They advise against traction and lumbar braces or belts. Your physio and your doctor decide the care with you.
Moving is part of the care. The NHS advises staying active and carrying on with your daily activities. Ameli agrees: bed rest is not recommended, and movement is what heals.
Find a physio near you, at a clinic or at home
On Kinero, the team checks each physio’s diploma before their page goes live. Each physio can list their prices and hours. They see patients at their practice, at home, or both. Writing to a physio is free.
The directory opens city by city. In Casablanca, Rabat or elsewhere, look for your city: Find a physio.
Common questions
How long does lower back pain last?
The NHS says back pain usually improves within a few weeks. Ameli describes a first period, up to 4 to 6 weeks, centred on the pain. Past 3 months, the WHO calls it chronic low back pain.
Can a physio help with sciatica?
The NHS lists physiotherapy among sciatica treatments, including exercise advice and techniques such as massage. Your doctor and physio choose the care with you.
Should I stay in bed with back pain?
No. Ameli, France’s health insurer, says bed rest is not recommended for low back pain. Rest and inactivity can make the pain last longer.
When should I go to A&E with back pain?
The NHS lists weakness or numbness in both legs and loss of feeling around the genitals or anus. Bladder or bowel changes, chest pain, or pain after a serious accident also count.
A physio near you
Physios whose diploma Kinero has checked, city by city. Writing is free.
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Sources
This guide informs. It does not replace the advice of your doctor or of your physio.