Waist pain: what it means, what helps, and when to see someone

What usually causes it

Long hours sitting, in traffic or at a desk, lifting badly, weak core and hip muscles, and carrying weight all strain the lower back. Most waist pain has no single injury behind it. It is rarely caused by "cold", by the kidneys, or by sex, and it does not mean the spine is damaged.

What helps

• Keep moving. Bed rest makes back pain last longer. Walk, even short distances, several times a day
• Simple pain relief such as paracetamol, as directed, so you can keep moving
• Heat on the area for short periods
• Change position often: stand up from the chair or the car every half hour where you can
• Gentle exercises that a physiotherapist can show you and tailor to you

What does not help

Long bed rest, strong injections bought without a prescription, rubbing with hot water until the skin burns, and waist beads or belts worn for weeks. Native massage that is painful or forceful can make it worse.

Warning signs: see a doctor urgently

Go to an emergency department now if back pain comes with numbness around the groin or buttocks, new difficulty passing urine or controlling your bladder or bowel, or weakness in both legs. See a doctor promptly for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, pain after a fall or accident, or pain that is worse at night and not eased by rest.

When to see a physiotherapist

If waist pain has lasted more than two to three weeks, keeps coming back, or stops you working, sleeping or praying comfortably, a physiotherapist can find what is driving it and give you a plan. No call-out fee in Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Lekki Phase 1 and the rest of the Island core. Elsewhere in Lagos a call-out of ₦5,000 or ₦8,000 is added to a single session, and waived on any booking of ₦50,000 or more, which includes the six-session block and the neuro session.

Common questions