Understanding Acute Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting people of all ages. It can be caused by poor posture, heavy lifting, awkward movement, or muscle strain. In most cases, it improves within a few weeks, but the pain can be distressing and limit your daily activities.

At Balance Pharmacy, we offer a private acute lower back pain service for adults who need short-term relief. Following a consultation, our pharmacists may provide naproxen tablets – an anti-inflammatory medicine that reduces pain and swelling.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Our pharmacists will assess you and confirm if the service is right for you.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Adults aged 18 to 65 years

  • Those presenting with acute lower back pain

  • Patients able to give valid consent

Exclusion Criteria

This service may not be suitable if:

  • Are under 18 or over 65 years old

  • Have symptoms suggesting a more serious condition (red flag signs such as numbness, weakness, unexplained weight loss, fever, bowel/bladder incontinence – in these cases, urgent GP or hospital referral is needed)

  • Have an allergy to naproxen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs

  • Have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Have asthma, kidney/liver problems, or heart failure

  • Take certain medicines such as methotrexate, anticoagulants, ciclosporin, lithium, or quinolone antibiotics

If any of these apply, our pharmacists will advise alternative options and refer you if needed.

WHO IT’S FOR

Who Can Use the Service?

Our pharmacists will assess you and confirm if the service is right for you.

Inclusion Criteria

  • Adults aged 18 to 65 years

  • Those presenting with acute lower back pain

  • Patients able to give valid consent

Exclusion Criteria

This service may not be suitable if:

  • Are under 18 or over 65 years old

  • Have symptoms suggesting a more serious condition (red flag signs such as numbness, weakness, unexplained weight loss, fever, bowel/bladder incontinence – in these cases, urgent GP or hospital referral is needed)

  • Have an allergy to naproxen, aspirin, or other NSAIDs

  • Have a history of stomach ulcers, bleeding, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis

  • Are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • Have asthma, kidney/liver problems, or heart failure

  • Take certain medicines such as methotrexate, anticoagulants, ciclosporin, lithium, or quinolone antibiotics

If any of these apply, our pharmacists will advise alternative options and refer you if needed.

The Treatment We Can Provide

If suitable, our pharmacists can supply:

Medicine: Naproxen 250mg tablets

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces inflammation, which helps ease pain and stiffness in the lower back.

  • First dose: 500mg (two tablets)

  • Then 250mg every 6–8 hours if required

  • Maximum daily dose: 750mg (three tablets) after the first day

  • Always take with or after food

  • Course length: Up to 3 days in one episode

  • Supply: Up to 28 tablets may be given (not all may be required for one episode).

Safety and Cautions

Our pharmacists will carefully review your health history. Caution is needed if you:

  • Have high blood pressure or cardiovascular risks

  • Are recovering from surgery

  • Take corticosteroids, anticoagulants, or SSRIs (higher bleeding risk)

  • Are on diuretics (effectiveness may be reduced)

  • Take medicines like lithium, phenytoin, digoxin, or ciclosporin (possible interactions)

We only supply naproxen if it is safe and clinically appropriate for you.

Like all medicines, naproxen can cause side effects. Common ones include: Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation, Abdominal discomfort or bloating, Headache or dizziness

Rare but serious side effects:, Stomach bleeding or ulcers (seek urgent care if you have black stools, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain), Allergic reaction (swelling, rash, breathing difficulties)

The Treatment We Can Provide

If suitable, our pharmacists can supply:

Medicine: Naproxen 250mg tablets

Naproxen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It reduces inflammation, which helps ease pain and stiffness in the lower back.

  • First dose: 500mg (two tablets)

  • Then 250mg every 6–8 hours if required

  • Maximum daily dose: 750mg (three tablets) after the first day

  • Always take with or after food

  • Course length: Up to 3 days in one episode

  • Supply: Up to 28 tablets may be given (not all may be required for one episode).

Safety and Cautions

Our pharmacists will carefully review your health history. Caution is needed if you:

  • Have high blood pressure or cardiovascular risks

  • Are recovering from surgery

  • Take corticosteroids, anticoagulants, or SSRIs (higher bleeding risk)

  • Are on diuretics (effectiveness may be reduced)

  • Take medicines like lithium, phenytoin, digoxin, or ciclosporin (possible interactions)

We only supply naproxen if it is safe and clinically appropriate for you.

Like all medicines, naproxen can cause side effects. Common ones include: Stomach upset, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation, Abdominal discomfort or bloating, Headache or dizziness

Rare but serious side effects:, Stomach bleeding or ulcers (seek urgent care if you have black stools, vomiting blood, or severe abdominal pain), Allergic reaction (swelling, rash, breathing difficulties)

FAQs – Acute Lower Back Pain Service

Most people notice pain relief within 1–2 hours of the first dose.

No – this service is for short-term use only. If your pain persists beyond a few days, you should see your GP.

You may need further assessment to check for underlying causes such as disc problems or arthritis.

Yes, paracetamol can be taken alongside naproxen for extra pain relief (unless otherwise advised).

No – staying active, gentle movement, and stretching are recommended. Prolonged bed rest can make pain worse.

Book Your Consultation

If you’re struggling with acute lower back pain, our pharmacists can help. Book a private consultation at Balance Pharmacy, Uttoxeter, and access safe, effective relief.

Fast, professional, and confidential care to help you get moving again.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.