01/09/2026
Why does my lower back hurt when I bend?
Is back pain a sign of something serious?
Back pain is more common… and more complex than you know!
More than 80% of people get back pain during their lifetime and it’s common to worry about whether it is something serious.
But this back pain is most often the kind we call non-specific lower back pain.
It is back pain where serious pathology (like fractures or cancer) or other specific pathology (like radiculopathy or inflammation) have been excluded. It is usually a strain or sprain in the lower back.
But back pain is always more complex than “issues with your tissues”.
As with any pain, it is also influenced by other biological factors, like overall health and sleep; as well as psychological, social and contextual factors – like anxiety, unsupportive family and stressful work.
Non-specific lower back pain often eases over a few days to weeks. You can help it along by avoiding too much rest and recognising the role of repetitive strain and stress.
You may want to get some physio support to guide you steadily back up to your usual activity levels.
You may want to consult with an Occupational therapist to check and change other stressors contributing to your back pain.
