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.
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.
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"Called at 8am with a fever, had a British-trained doctor at my door by 11. He sat with me for 45 minutes — not the 5 minutes I'm used to. Prescription delivered same day. Felt like having a proper GP again."
"We finally have one doctor who knows all of us. The kids actually like going. Follow-up calls happen without us chasing. Worth every dirham."
"The 40+ marker report came back with a real conversation, not a PDF dumped in my inbox. Caught a vitamin deficiency I'd been ignoring for years."
"After surgery I dreaded going back to a hospital for dressings. Their nurse came every other day, the doctor checked in by WhatsApp. Healed faster than I expected."
"Fell ill on day two of our trip. Doctor in the suite within 90 minutes, full assessment, prescription to the hotel pharmacy. Genuinely NHS-standard care in Dubai."
"My father refuses to leave the house. Aafiyah's team comes monthly, manages his medication, and treats him with such dignity. It changed everything for our family."
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