A caregivers guide to supporting a loved one with back pain
Low back pain can affect people of any age and may make movement, work, sleep, family activities and everyday participation more difficult. Most low back pain is described as non-specific, meaning a single disease or structural cause cannot be identified. Assessment and rehabilitation can help people understand their pain, regain function and return to valued activities.¹
people were affected by low back pain globally in 2020.¹
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide.¹
of low back pain is non-specific rather than linked to one identifiable disease or structural cause.¹
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.