A caregivers guide to supporting a loved one with back pain
Back pain may be felt in the neck, upper or middle back, lower back, or may travel into an arm or leg. The location, onset, duration and associated symptoms can help a healthcare professional decide what assessment may be appropriate.
Signs & Symptorms of back pain
- Where is the pain: neck, upper back, middle back or lower back?
- Did it begin suddenly or gradually?
- Does it stay in one area or travel into an arm or leg?
- What movements, positions or activities make it better or worse?
- Is there numbness, tingling, weakness, fever, unexplained weight loss, night pain or recent injury?
- How is it affecting sleep, work, mobility and daily life?
Different types and patterns of back pain
Non-specific or mechanical
back pain
The most common presentation. Pain may relate to movement, muscle or joint loading, prolonged positions or a combination of factors, without one clearly identifiable structural cause.¹
Pain with nerve symptoms
Pain may travel into an arm or leg and can be accompanied by tingling, numbness or weakness. A healthcare professional can assess whether nerve irritation or compression may be involved.
Persistent or recurrent back pain
Pain that lasts, returns frequently or increasingly limits daily life deserves a structured assessment and an individualized management plan.
Injury-related back pain
The most common presentation. Pain may relate to movement, muscle or joint loading, prolonged positions or a combination of factors, without one clearly identifiable structural cause.¹
Age-related or
condition-specific pain
The most common presentation. Pain may relate to movement, muscle or joint loading, prolonged positions or a combination of factors, without one clearly identifiable structural cause.¹
Scoliosis
Scoliosis is a sideways curve and twist of the spine. Signs can include uneven shoulders or hips, a prominent rib area, a visible curve or clothes hanging unevenly. It can affect any age but commonly begins in children aged 10–15. If you notice these signs, arrange a healthcare assessment.²
When to seek help
Seek urgent medical care now
- New loss of bladder or bowel control
- New numbness around the groin, genitals, buttocks or inner thighs
- Marked or worsening weakness, difficulty walking or loss of coordination
- Back pain after a serious fall, collision or other significant injury
- Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, especially with fever or feeling very unwell
Arrange a healthcare appointment
- Pain is persistent, keeps returning or is getting worse
- Pain is limiting sleep, work, movement or usual activities
- Pain travels into an arm or leg, or is associated with tingling or numbness
- You notice a visible spinal curve, uneven shoulders or hips, or other possible signs of scoliosis
- You are unsure how to move safely or return to normal activities
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.