Sakit pinggang (lower back pain) is very common and usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. It is often caused by a strained muscle, and sometimes by a slipped disc or sciatica (an irritated nerve that causes pain down the leg). Staying active, gentle exercise, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, and ice or heat packs are the best first steps, while long bed rest slows recovery. Pain in the side with fever or pain when peeing may be a kidney problem instead. Get emergency help if back pain comes with numbness around the bottom or genitals, problems peeing or pooing, or weakness in both legs.
Punca sakit pinggang: what causes lower back pain?
According to the NHS, back pain, particularly lower back pain, is very common. It is not always obvious what causes it, and it often gets better on its own. Causes include:
- an injury such as a pulled muscle (strain), which is a common cause;
- conditions such as a slipped disc, sciatica (a trapped or irritated nerve) or ankylosing spondylitis (a long-term inflammation of the spine);
- very rarely, a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.
In Malay, people use sakit pinggang for pain in the lower back and waist, and sakit belakang for back pain in general. Back pain can also come from organs near the back, such as the kidneys, or from period pain; see our guide to senggugut.
Slipped disc: what are the symptoms?
A slipped disc, also called a prolapsed or herniated disc, is when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine bulges outwards. It is painful if it presses on a nerve. According to the NHS, a slipped disc can cause:
- lower back pain;
- numbness or tingling in your shoulders, back, arms, hands, legs or feet (for other causes of numb hands, see our guide to tangan kebas);
- neck pain;
- problems bending or straightening your back;
- muscle weakness;
- pain in the buttocks, hips or legs if the disc presses on the sciatic nerve (sciatica).
Not all slipped discs cause symptoms, and many people never know they have one. A slipped disc usually gets better slowly with rest at first, gentle exercise and painkillers. A doctor can usually diagnose it from your symptoms and an examination; an MRI scan may be arranged if symptoms do not improve. Surgery is not usually needed, but may be discussed if other treatments have not helped.
Sciatica: why does the pain spread down the leg?
Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed. According to the NHS, symptoms usually affect your bottom and the back of one leg, often including the foot and toes:
- a sharp, burning pain down the back of the leg;
- tingling, like pins and needles;
- numbness or weakness.
The pain may be worse when moving, sneezing or coughing. You may also have back pain, but it is not usually as bad as the leg pain. Sciatica usually gets better in a few weeks to a few months, but it can come back. Keep doing your normal activities as much as possible, and avoid sitting or lying down for long periods: even if moving hurts, it is not harmful and can help you recover faster.
Sakit pinggang kanan atau kiri: is it your kidney?
Pain on one side of the lower back (sakit pinggang sebelah kanan or kiri) is usually from the muscles or joints of the back. But the kidneys sit at the back of the body, so kidney problems can also cause pain in the lower back or side. This table, based on NHS information, shows signs that point to the kidneys:
| Back pain (muscle, disc or nerve) | Kidney infection | Kidney stone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Lower back; may spread to the buttock or leg with sciatica | Lower back or side | Side or lower back; may spread to the groin |
| Other signs | Worse with movement; stiffness | High temperature, feeling sick, pain or burning when peeing, cloudy or dark pee | Severe pain that comes and goes, feeling sick, needing to pee often, cloudy pee |
| What to do | Stay active, painkillers, ice or heat | Get an urgent doctor's appointment; it is treated with antibiotics | See a doctor; get urgent help for severe pain |
Learn more in our guides to batu karang and UTI symptoms.
How can you ease back pain at home?
Back pain often improves on its own within a few weeks. The NHS recommends:
Do:
- stay active and try to continue with your daily activities;
- take an anti-inflammatory painkiller such as ibuprofen (not suitable for everyone, so check with a pharmacist). Paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain, but it may be used with another painkiller;
- use an ice pack wrapped in a towel to reduce pain and swelling;
- use a heat pack or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to relieve stiffness or muscle spasms;
- try exercises and stretches for back pain, and stop if the pain gets worse;
- try activities like walking, swimming, yoga and pilates.
Don't:
- stay in bed for long periods.
Ubat sakit pinggang: which treatments work?
If your pain is severe or not getting better, a doctor may prescribe stronger painkillers. The UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline on low back pain and sciatica recommends:
- exercise, such as a group exercise programme, tailored to your needs and abilities;
- manual therapy such as spinal manipulation or massage (including urut), but only as part of a treatment package that includes exercise;
- NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory painkillers) at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, with checks on stomach, kidney and heart risks;
- psychological support such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to help you cope with long-term pain, as listed by the NHS.
The same guideline advises against:
- back belts or corsets, foot orthotics and rocker sole shoes;
- traction;
- acupuncture;
- ultrasound and TENS machines;
- routine X-rays or MRI scans in general practice;
- paracetamol alone for low back pain, and opioids for long-term sciatica.
For a slipped disc, a doctor may prescribe a stronger painkiller, a steroid injection or a muscle relaxant for a short time, and refer you for physiotherapy. Painkillers containing codeine can help for a few days but can cause addiction. Surgery may be an option if other treatments have not helped.
When is back pain an emergency?
Go to the emergency department, according to the NHS, if you have back pain and:
- numbness around your bottom or genitals;
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs;
- you cannot pee, or cannot control when you pee or poo;
- chest pain;
- it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident.
These can be signs of a serious problem that needs to be treated in hospital as soon as possible.
Get urgent medical advice if you have back pain and feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell, or the pain is severe, starts suddenly, or gets worse quickly.
See a doctor if back pain does not improve after a few weeks of home treatment, stops you doing your daily activities, comes with weight loss you cannot explain, a lump or swelling, is worse at night or when sneezing, coughing or pooing, or comes from the top of your back between your shoulders.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What causes sakit pinggang (lower back pain)?
Lower back pain often has no obvious cause and usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. A common cause is an injury such as a pulled muscle. Conditions like a slipped disc or sciatica can also cause it. Very rarely, back pain is a sign of something serious such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection.
What is a slipped disc?
A slipped disc, also called a prolapsed or herniated disc, is when a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in your spine bulges outwards. It is painful if it presses on a nerve and can cause lower back pain, numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and pain in the buttocks or legs (sciatica). It usually gets better slowly with rest, gentle exercise and painkillers.
Is pain on the right or left side of the lower back a kidney problem?
Most lower back pain comes from the muscles, joints or discs of the back. Kidney problems are more likely if the pain is in your side or lower back together with a high temperature, pain or burning when you pee, cloudy or dark pee, or severe pain that comes in waves. See a doctor if you have these symptoms.
What is the best ubat sakit pinggang?
Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can help, but they are not suitable for everyone, so check with a pharmacist. The NHS says paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain. Staying active, gentle exercise, and ice or heat packs wrapped in a towel also help.
Should I rest in bed with back pain?
No. If the pain is very bad you may need to rest at first, but staying in bed for long periods can slow recovery. Try to stay active and continue your daily activities, and start gentle exercise such as walking, swimming or yoga as soon as you can.
Do I need an X-ray or MRI for back pain?
Usually not. The UK guideline on low back pain advises against routine scans in general practice, because most back pain gets better without them. A doctor may arrange an MRI scan if symptoms of a slipped disc do not improve.
When is back pain an emergency?
Go to the emergency department if you have back pain with numbness around your bottom or genitals, problems peeing or pooing, or weakness or numbness in both legs, as these can be signs of serious nerve compression. Also get urgent help if back pain started after a serious accident or comes with chest pain, fever or feeling very unwell.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor, physiotherapist or pharmacist. Health supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
