What should you know about lower back fatigue?

A heavy or tired feeling in the lower back may follow prolonged sitting, repetitive work, lifting or reduced core conditioning. General fatigue can also occur with poor sleep, stress, dehydration or a recent infection. Anaemia may cause low energy with breathlessness or paleness. Coeliac Disease can affect energy through digestive and nutritional problems, while Chronic Kidney Disease may cause tiredness with swelling or changes in urination. Burnout, Alcohol Use Disorder and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome have different patterns but may overlap with reduced stamina. The combination, duration and effect on function help distinguish these possibilities.

Break up sitting with short walks, adjust your workstation, use safe lifting technique and build activity gradually. Prioritise regular sleep, balanced meals and fluids. Avoid using alcohol to manage sleep or discomfort. Keep a record of energy, back activity, sleep, mood, appetite, bowel symptoms and urination. A clinician can decide whether examination or blood and urine tests are appropriate rather than relying on supplements or a restrictive diet.

Arrange an appointment if fatigue lasts, worsens, limits work or exercise, or comes with weight change, fever, breathlessness, paleness, swelling, persistent digestive symptoms or changed urination. Seek urgent help for new leg weakness, numbness around the groin, loss of bladder or bowel control, severe back pain after injury, confusion or fainting.

Ask whether sleep, workload, medicines, nutrition, mood or an underlying illness may explain the symptoms, and whether tests for anaemia, thyroid or kidney function are suitable.