ASTROMEDICS Health Library · Updated 28 October 2026
General patient education, not a diagnosis or an individual treatment plan. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms and advise you.
Build activity gradually
A return to activity should be guided by your symptoms, assessment and everyday needs. Gradual progress is more useful than pushing through new severe pain or stopping all movement indefinitely.
Back pain is common and often improves within weeks; remaining active within comfort may be preferable to prolonged inactivity.
Increase activity gradually and tailor movement to individual advice and ability.
Know the warning signs
Urgent red flags include weakness/numbness in both legs, saddle-area numbness, or new bladder/bowel changes.
Fever, feeling unwell, sudden severe pain or rapid worsening also requires urgent assessment.
Preparing for the next step
Discuss work tasks, walking, lifting and any previous injury with your physiotherapist. Agree on exercises you can do correctly and a plan for changing them as you improve. Ask what level of discomfort is acceptable for you and when an exercise should be stopped and reviewed.
Questions for your consultation
- Which movements and exercises are suitable for my assessment?
- How will we measure progress and adjust the plan?