Most back pain gets better within a few weeks, and the NHS advises staying active, using painkillers if you need them and trying heat or ice packs. If it is not improving after a few weeks, a GP or an NHS physiotherapist is the usual next step, and in many areas you can refer yourself to NHS physiotherapy. Some people also choose a private physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath, but check the urgent symptoms below first.
Get urgent help if...
The NHS advises you to call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain and:
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus
- changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing, or peeing or pooing yourself
- changes in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm
- chest pain
- it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if you have back pain and:
- you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell
- it is severe pain that starts suddenly, or it is getting worse quickly
Looking after back pain yourself
The NHS says back pain usually improves within a few weeks, but it can sometimes last longer or keep coming back. Its self-care advice is to:
- stay active and try to carry on with your daily activities
- take anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, checking with a pharmacist or GP which painkillers are suitable for you
- use ice packs or heat packs wrapped in a tea towel
- try exercises and stretches for back pain, or activities such as walking, swimming, yoga or pilates
The NHS advises against staying in bed for long periods.
When to see a GP
The NHS says to see a GP if you have back pain and:
- it does not improve after treating it at home for a few weeks
- it is stopping you doing your day-to-day activities
- you are worried about the pain or struggling to cope
- you have lost weight without trying to
- there is a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape
- it does not improve after resting or is worse at night
- it is worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing
- it is coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back
Neck pain
For neck pain, the NHS suggests painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, a low and firm pillow, heat or cold packs and gentle neck exercises. See a GP if neck pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks, if painkillers do not help, if you are worried, or if you also have pins and needles or a cold arm, as this could be something more serious.
Physio, chiropractor or osteopath?
If your pain is severe or not getting better, the NHS says treatments may include painkillers, group exercise sessions and physiotherapy, and manual therapy, where a trained therapist massages and moves the muscles, bones and joints in your back. Other options for some people include talking therapy (CBT) to help you cope with pain, and in some cases procedures or surgery.
Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy uses exercise, movement and manual therapy to ease pain and improve movement.
It is available on the NHS, and in many areas you can refer yourself to NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without a GP referral. Some GP surgeries also have first contact physiotherapists you can see directly. Anyone using the title physiotherapist must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Chiropractor
Chiropractic uses hands-on techniques to try to keep bones, joints and muscles healthy. It is not widely available on the NHS, so most people pay privately. Chiropractors must be registered with the General Chiropractic Council (GCC).
Osteopath
Osteopathy uses massage, stretching and manipulation to treat injuries, improve movement and relieve pain. Most osteopaths work privately, although some offer NHS services. Osteopaths must be registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC).
The NHS says chiropractic and osteopathy may not be safe if you take blood thinning medicines or are at increased risk of bleeding or stroke, have very weak or seriously damaged bones or joints, or have a condition that affects your nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy.
Whoever you see, tell them about your health conditions and medicines. If your symptoms do not go away or keep coming back, the NHS advises talking to a GP, not just a therapist.
Find a practitioner
Our physiotherapy and musculoskeletal guide lists physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths by city.
Sources: NHS: Back pain | NHS: Neck pain | NHS: Physiotherapy | NHS: Herbal medicines and complementary therapies | HCPC: Check the register | GCC: Frequently asked questions | GOsC: NHS vs private treatment.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 999. For urgent advice call NHS 111.