lower back pain that won t go away
Persistent lower back pain is a very common symptom that often stems from mechanical strain, but requires clinical evaluation to rule out nerve compression or underlying systemic causes.
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Do not enter personal or identifying details — no name, Emirates ID, passport number, phone, email, address or date of birth. Describe symptoms only. Results are anonymous, are not linked to a patient record, and this tool is not a diagnosis. Results pages are excluded from search engines. To discuss anything confidential, WhatsApp or call the clinic instead.
Possible urgent-care warning
Your description mentions symptoms that can be serious. If any of the following apply right now, call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department — do not wait for a GP appointment:
- Bowel or bladder incontinence
- Saddle anaesthesia
- Bilateral leg weakness
Possible causes
- 01
Mechanical lower back pain
commonStrain of the lumbar muscles, ligaments, or facet joints, often aggravated by poor posture, weak core muscles, or improper lifting.
Evidence
- NICE CKS: Low back pain without radiculopathy (2023)
- 02
Lumbar radiculopathy or disc herniation
possibleCompression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, often causing pain that radiates down one leg below the knee.
Evidence
- BMJ Best Practice: Evaluation of low back pain (2024)
- 03
Axial spondyloarthritis
less commonChronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, typically causing stiffness that improves with exercise.
Evidence
- NICE: Spondyloarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG65)
Recommended tests
GP consultation
→30–60 minute consultation with a British-trained GP — clinic, home or video.
Why: A comprehensive physical and neurological examination by a GP is the essential first step to guide imaging or treatment.
Guideline
- NICE: Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s (NG59)
Full body blood test
→80+ marker screen — CBC, thyroid, liver, kidney, iron, vitamin D, HbA1c, lipids, hormones.
Why: Helps screen for systemic inflammatory markers, calcium levels, and general health indicators that may contribute to chronic pain.
Guideline
- NHS: Back pain diagnosis and tests (2023)
When to worry
- New onset of bowel or bladder dysfunction (incontinence or retention)
- Numbness or tingling in your saddle area (perineum, buttocks, inner thighs)
- Progressive, severe weakness in your legs or feet
- Unexplained weight loss, fever, or a history of cancer
- Pain that is worse at night or when lying down flat
Sources & guidelines
This triage is grounded in mainstream clinical guidance. Every case is reviewed in person by a British-trained GP before any diagnosis or prescription.
- NICE: Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59)
- Royal College of General Practitioners: RCGP Curriculum: Musculoskeletal Health
Related
Book a British-trained GP to review this properly
This is an AI triage. Every real diagnosis, prescription and test at Aafiyah is signed off by a GP. WhatsApp us — reception already has your symptom summary and the suggested tests, so we can book you in with the right prep in place.
This page is educational triage information only. It is not a medical diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a licensed doctor. Aafiyah Care Clinic — Unit G09, Churchill Executive Towers, Business Bay, Dubai. DHA-licensed.
Symptom checker questions
What could cause lower back pain that won t go away?+
Mechanical lower back pain: Strain of the lumbar muscles, ligaments, or facet joints, often aggravated by poor posture, weak core muscles, or improper lifting. Lumbar radiculopathy or disc herniation: Compression or irritation of a spinal nerve root, often causing pain that radiates down one leg below the knee. Axial spondyloarthritis: Chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, typically causing stiffness that improves with exercise.
What tests would help for lower back pain that won t go away?+
GP consultation — A comprehensive physical and neurological examination by a GP is the essential first step to guide imaging or treatment. Full body blood test — Helps screen for systemic inflammatory markers, calcium levels, and general health indicators that may contribute to chronic pain.
When should I worry about lower back pain that won t go away?+
New onset of bowel or bladder dysfunction (incontinence or retention) Numbness or tingling in your saddle area (perineum, buttocks, inner thighs) Progressive, severe weakness in your legs or feet Unexplained weight loss, fever, or a history of cancer Pain that is worse at night or when lying down flat
Is this AI symptom checker a diagnosis?+
No. It's a triage tool that suggests possible causes and the tests that would help narrow them down. Every real diagnosis and prescription at Aafiyah is made by a British-trained GP after a proper consultation.
Is it safe to describe my symptoms here?+
Yes. Your symptom text is used to fetch triage information and stored anonymously as a shareable page. No personal or medical details (name, ID, contact) are attached.
What if I might be having an emergency?+
If you describe red-flag symptoms — chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing difficulty, heavy bleeding, anaphylaxis or suicidal thoughts — the result page shows an urgent-care banner. Call 999 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
How accurate is the AI?+
It's trained on public clinical patterns and is useful for common symptom clusters. It is not perfect and it does not replace a doctor — treat it as a well-read friend, not a physician.
Can I book a GP after seeing my result?+
Yes — every result page has a WhatsApp button pre-filled with your symptom summary and the suggested tests, so our reception can book you in with the right prep in place.
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