What is acute back pain?

The cause of back pain is not always obvious. A common cause is muscle strain. The vast majority of cases resolve within a few weeks on their own.

What to do

  1. Stay active. This is the most important step. Continue your everyday activities as much as possible. Avoid prolonged bed rest — it slows recovery.
  2. Ibuprofen (an anti-inflammatory painkiller) helps ease pain and swelling. Not suitable for everyone — follow the package instructions and consult a pharmacist if needed.
  3. Paracetamol may not be sufficiently effective when used alone for back pain. In combination with another preparation, including ibuprofen, it may be more effective — ask a pharmacist if needed.
  4. An ice pack (or frozen peas wrapped in a cloth) reduces pain and swelling in the early days.
  5. A heat pad (e.g. a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth) can ease muscle spasm and joint stiffness in later stages.
  6. Try back exercises and stretches. Start slowly. Stop if the pain increases, and consult a doctor.
  7. Walking, swimming, yoga and Pilates can help relieve back pain.
Physiotherapy

If back pain persists and limits your activities, your family doctor can issue a referral to a physiotherapist. The physiotherapist will assess the situation and prepare an exercise plan.

What to avoid

  • Do not remain in bed for prolonged periods — it worsens the situation.
  • Do not use paracetamol alone as the primary treatment for back pain.

When to contact us

Contact us if any of the following apply:

  • The pain does not improve after a few weeks of home treatment.
  • The pain significantly limits your daily activities.
  • You are worried about the pain.
  • You have lost weight unintentionally.
  • There is a lump or swelling in the back.
  • The pain does not ease with rest or is worse at night.
  • The pain worsens when sneezing or coughing.
  • The pain originates in the upper back (between the shoulder blades), not the lower back.
  • Pain radiates into the leg, especially if it extends below the knee.

When to call 1220 or 112

See also: Where to seek help.

1220 — GP advice line (daily until 22:00, Estonian only)
  • You feel ill: fever, chills, general malaise together with back pain.
  • The pain came on suddenly and is very severe, or worsening rapidly.
112 / A&E — call immediately or go to emergency
  • Numbness, tingling or weakness in both legs.
  • Loss of sensation around the genitals or rectum.
  • Changes in bladder or bowel function: difficulty urinating, urinary or faecal incontinence.
  • Chest pain.
  • The pain started after a serious accident (e.g. car crash, fall).

Sources

NHS.uk — Back pain. Page last reviewed: 05 March 2026.

Contains adapted NHS.uk material under Open Government Licence v3.0. Original material: © Crown copyright.