Back Pain Treatment

Consult a doctor for back pain if you experience any of the following:

• Pain lasts more than a few weeks and does not improve with rest or self-care.
• Severe or worsening pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep.
• Pain radiates down one or both legs, especially if it extends below the knee.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs, feet, or groin area.
• Unexplained weight loss along with back pain.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control (a medical emergency).
• History of cancer, osteoporosis, or recent injury such as a fall or accident.
• Back pain accompanied by fever, chills, or other signs of infection.

Back pain can be classified into several types based on its cause, location, and duration. Here are the main types:

• Acute back pain: Sudden onset, lasting less than 6 weeks and often caused by injury, strain, or lifting something heavy
• Chronic back pain: Lasts for more than 12 weeks and may continue even after the initial injury has healed. Often linked to underlying conditions like arthritis or disc problems
• Mechanical back pain: Most common type, caused by issues in muscles, ligaments, joints, or bones. It worsens with movement and improves with rest
• Radicular pain (Sciatica): Caused by irritation or compression of a spinal nerve root. It has sharp, shooting pain that travels down the leg
• Referred pain: Felt in the back but originates from another area (e.g., kidneys or abdomen)
• Neuropathic back pain: Caused by nerve damage or dysfunction Often described as burning, tingling, or stabbing sensation

Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from lifestyle habits to medical conditions. Here are some common causes:

• Muscle or ligament strain: Heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements can strain back muscles and ligaments.
• Poor posture: Sitting or standing incorrectly for long periods, especially with poor ergonomics, can lead to back pain over time.
• Disc problems: Herniated or bulging discs can press on nerves, causing pain (e.g., sciatica).
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back, leading to stiffness and chronic discomfort.
• Osteoporosis: Weak, brittle bones can lead to fractures in the spine, often causing significant pain.
• Injuries or trauma: Accidents, falls, or sport injuries can damage muscles, bones, or discs in the back.
• Structural abnormalities: Conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis (curved spine) can cause uneven pressure and pain.
• Kidney or abdominal issues: Problems like kidney stones or infections can refer pain to the back.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity weakens muscles, increasing the risk of back problems.

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing back pain. These include:

• Age: Back pain becomes more common as you get older, especially after age 30 or 40.
• Lack of physical activity: Weak muscles and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to poor spine support.
• Excess weight: Carrying extra weight adds stress to your back muscles and spine.
• Poor posture: Slouching or sitting improperly for long periods can strain your back.
• Manual labour or heavy lifting: Jobs that involve bending, lifting, or repetitive movements can increase your risk.
• Mental health conditions: Stress, anxiety, and depression have been linked to an increased risk of back pain.
• Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the spine, slowing healing and contributing to disc problems.
• Family history: Genetics can play a role in conditions like arthritis or disc degeneration that cause back pain.
• Chronic illnesses: Conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or fibromyalgia can increase vulnerability to back pain.

Lower back pain in females can result from a variety of causes, ranging from lifestyle factors to underlying medical conditions. Common causes include:

• Menstrual cycle-related pain: Hormonal changes during periods can lead to cramping and lower back discomfort.
• Pregnancy: Weight gain, hormonal shifts, and posture changes during pregnancy can strain the lower back.
• Endometriosis: This condition involves tissue like the uterine lining growing outside the uterus, causing pelvic and back pain.
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs): A UTI that spreads to the kidneys can result in lower back pain.
• Ovarian cysts: These fluid-filled sacs can cause pain in the lower back or pelvis, especially when ruptured.
• Poor posture: Long hours of sitting or standing with poor posture can lead to chronic back strain.
• Muscle strain: Overuse, lifting heavy items, or sudden movements can cause lower back muscles to become inflamed.
• Spinal conditions: Herniated discs, scoliosis, kyphosis, or arthritis can also contribute to chronic lower back pain.

Preventing back pain involves a combination of healthy habits, proper posture, and lifestyle changes. Here are effective ways to reduce your risk:

• Exercise regularly: Focus on core-strengthening exercises or swimming to support your spine.
• Lift properly: Use your legs, not your back, when lifting heavy objects. Keep the item close to your body and avoid twisting.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, puts extra stress on the lower back.
• Sit and stand correctly: Use an ergonomic chair, sit with your feet flat on the floor, and avoid slouching. When standing, distribute your weight evenly.
• Use supportive footwear: Shoes with proper arch support can prevent strain on your lower back. Avoid high heels for extended periods.
• Sleep smart: Use a supportive mattress and sleep in a position that maintains the natural curve of your spine.
• Stay active: Avoid sitting or standing for too long. Take regular breaks to move around, stretch, and adjust your posture.

Consulting an online doctor for back pain is simple, convenient, and accessible especially when you’re in too much discomfort to leave the house. Here’s how you can do it:

• Use a reputable service like Hola Health offering 24/7 GP access.
• Select a suitable consultation type, fill in the details and make payment.
• During your video or phone consultation, describe your pain, when it started, what triggers or relieves it, and any related symptoms.
• Based on your symptoms, the online doctor may suggest treatment, prescribe medications via online scripts, or refer you to a specialist through online doctor referrals if needed.
• If you’re unfit for work or need pain relief, your online doctor can provide a medical certificate instantly.

Yes, you can get instant scripts online through Hola Health’s licensed medical practitioners within 15 minutes. Speak to our AHPRA-accredited online doctors and if approved, get an online prescription, sent to your mobile phone as an SMS.

You can get a medical certificate online for work, school or university within minutes from licensed health practitioners 24/7, through Hola Health. To get a sick certificate online:

• Start here and select the type of medical certificate
• Fill in your details and make payment
• A registered practitioner will review your request or do a short instant consult through telehealth for multi-day medical certificates.
• If approved, medical certificate will be emailed to your registered email address.

Yes, you can speak to a doctor after hours if you have back pain through Hola Health’s 24/7 telehealth service in Australia. Whether your pain flares up late at night, on a weekend, or during a public holiday, online GP services are available to help assess your condition and provide guidance, prescriptions, or referrals if needed.

For back pain, online doctors can provide several helpful referrals depending on your symptoms and needs. These may include:

• Specialist referral: For specialised diagnosis and long-term management of back pain.
• Radiology referrals: Such as X-rays and radiology scans to investigate the cause of back pain.
• Pathology referrals: For blood tests that can help diagnose some types of back pain.

Hola Health can make managing back pain easier and more convenient, especially when you’re in discomfort and need quick access to medical support. Here’s how Hola Health can help:

• Online doctor consultations 24/7: Speak with an AHPRA-registered GP any time, day or night, from the comfort of your home.
• Fast online prescriptions: Get pain relief medication prescribed quickly without having to visit a clinic upon approval.
• Referrals for scans or specialists: If your back pain requires further investigation, you can receive a referral online.
• Medical certificates: Need time off work or study due to back pain? You can request a valid doctor’s certificate online.
• Convenient and accessible care: Whether you’re in a remote location or just too sore to travel, Hola Health offers fast, flexible access to healthcare.

Connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Telehealth GP consultations Australia
• Online scripts 24/7
• Request medical certs within minutes
• Online referrals