Common symptoms
Back pain can present as sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache. It may be localised (lower, mid or upper back) or radiate into the buttocks and legs.
- Pain worse on sitting, lifting or bending
- Stiffness and reduced movement
- Muscle spasm and local tenderness
- Referral of pain down the leg (sciatica) in some cases
If you have sudden severe weakness, numbness around the groin or bladder/bowel changes — seek urgent medical care.
