A caregivers guide to supporting a loved one with back pain
Back pain can affect movement, sleep, work, relationships and confidence. Living well with back pain often involves a combination of understanding symptoms, staying engaged in suitable daily activity and working with healthcare professionals on an individualized plan. Some days may be easier than others, so focus on steady progress rather than a perfect routine.³
Everyday strategies
- Keep doing suitable daily activities where possible, adapting pace and duration to your symptoms and professional advice.
- Break larger tasks into manageable steps and alternate demanding activities with lighter ones.
- Change position regularly rather than waiting until stiffness or discomfort builds.
- Use gentle movement, relaxation and sleep routines that support your overall wellbeing.
- Ask for practical support at home or work when symptoms affect lifting, travel, caring responsibilities or prolonged sitting.
- Keep a simple record of flare-ups, helpful strategies and activities you want to return to.
Preparing for a GP or specialist visit
Preparing a few notes before an appointment can help you explain what has changed, how the pain affects your life and what you hope to achieve. Bring relevant information, but do not worry if you cannot answer every question. Your healthcare professional will guide the assessment.
Before the visit
- Note when the pain began and whether it followed an injury or activity change.
- Record where the pain is and whether it travels into an arm or leg.
- List medicines, supplements, allergies and any care already tried.
Describe the impact
- Explain how symptoms affect sleep, work, walking, exercise and daily responsibilities.
- Mention numbness, tingling, weakness, balance changes or other new symptoms.
- Share relevant health history, previous imaging or spine treatment if available.
Questions to consider
- What might be contributing to my symptoms?
- What activities can I continue, adapt or gradually return to?
- What are the next steps, and which symptoms should prompt urgent review?
A caregiver's guide:
Help prepare for healthcare visits
- Help summarize when symptoms started, what has changed and how daily activities are affected.
- Bring a current list of medicines, allergies, health conditions and previous spine-related care.
- Write down the person’s priorities and questions before the visit.
- Take notes during the appointment and check the agreed next steps.
- Ask how to support activity, rehabilitation, work or home adaptations without reducing independence.
References
1. World Health Organization. Low back pain fact sheet. 19 June 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain
2. NHS. Scoliosis: overview, symptoms and treatment. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scoliosis/
3. World Health Organization. WHO guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings. 2023. https://www.who.int/publications/b/71563
4. World Spine Day. What is back pain? Source requested for campaign adaptation. https://www.worldspineday.org/what_is_back_pain/
5. University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust. Supporting someone who has completed the Pain Management Programme. Reviewed August 2024.
6. Kingston and Richmond NHS Foundation Trust. Advice for people who care for others. Updated 2 January 2025.
7. May-Euán JF, Estrella-Castillo D, Uicab-Pool G. Methods of identification of text neck syndrome and related factors: systematic review. Revista del Centro de Investigación de la Universidad La Salle. 2025;16(63).
8. Chen YJ, et al. Association of smartphone overuse and neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Postgraduate Medical Journal. 2025;101(1197):620–626. doi:10.1093/postmj/qgae200.
9. Al-Ahmadi YS, et al. Association between cervical pain and mobile phone use: a systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, severity, duration, and risk factors. International Journal of Medicine in Developing Countries. 2026;10(1):514–525. doi:10.24911/IJMDC.51-1766175449.
10. Costa MVS, et al. Association of text neck with the appearance of neck pain: systematic review. Coluna/Columna. 2024;23(3):e285741. doi:10.1590/S1808-185120242303285741.
11. Chen YL, Li PY. Forward head posture and neck flexion influence cervical loading during smartphone use. Scientific Reports. Published 8 September 2026. doi:10.1038/s41598-026-70648-6.