11/05/2026
Non-specific low back pain
About 8 in 10 people will have low back pain that is not caused by a particular condition at some time during their life. This is called 'non-specific low back pain'.
Non-specific low back pain is most common in people aged 35 to 55 years, but can affect people of all ages.
Some things that make non-specific low back pain more likely to happen are:
*heavy physical work
*frequent twisting, bending or lifting
*poor posture
*weakness in your back and abdominal muscles
*sitting for long periods each day, such as office work
*too little physical activity
*being overweight
Self-care at home
Most people with non-specific low back pain get better quickly. Here are some things you can do.
Try to keep active and return to some physical activity or regular work as soon as you can. Your back is designed to move, so don't rest your back for more than a day or 2.
Apply heat to your back to help:
*improve blood flow
*reduce pain
*your muscles relax and move more freely
