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Back pain
Back pain is frequent and often mechanical. Persistent, traumatic or nerve-related pain should be assessed. KPMC orthopaedic consultants treat spine trauma and low-back conditions.
Overview
Most back pain is not an emergency. Pain that follows a fall, travels down a leg, or is paired with weakness or bladder change needs prompt medical review.
Common symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the lower or mid back
- Pain that travels into a buttock or leg
- Worse with sitting, lifting or standing
- Reduced movement
Possible causes
- Muscle strain
- Disc or joint wear
- Trauma or fracture
- Less often, infection or other medical causes
When to seek medical help
- New weakness, numbness in the saddle area, or loss of bladder or bowel control — seek emergency care
- Pain after a fall or accident
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or night pain
- Pain lasting more than a few weeks
Diagnosis
Assessment starts with history and examination. X-ray is available at KPMC. Other imaging is used only when a clinician judges it necessary.
Treatment
Many episodes improve with guided activity, physiotherapy and medicines. Surgery is reserved for selected cases after specialist review.
This page is for navigation and general information only. It does not diagnose illness or replace assessment by a qualified clinician. If symptoms are severe, sudden or rapidly worsening, go to Emergency & Trauma or call 999.
Related specialists at KPMC Kajang
Questions patients often ask
Should I rest completely?
Prolonged bed rest is rarely helpful. A clinician can advise what movement is safe for you.
When is back pain an emergency?
Go to Emergency if you have new leg weakness, saddle numbness, or cannot pass urine after back pain.
