Doctor's Guide

Back pain on Mallorca

What helps when you're abroad

5 min read Henrik VenusHenrik Venus, physician Updated: August 2026

Acute lumbago (a "slipped disc" feeling) is a sudden, painful blockage of the lower-back muscles that often leaves you unable to move in bed — and one of the most common reasons for a doctor's house call on Mallorca. This is exactly where the house call helps: when your back locks up in the hotel room or finca and getting to a pharmacy or clinic is impossible, I come to you, examine you on the spot, give a pain-relieving injection into the muscle if needed (e.g. the active ingredient diclofenac) and issues the right prescription directly. As a private-physician house-call service in southwest Mallorca (Paguera, Port d'Andratx, Calvià, Santa Ponsa), I treat acute lumbago at flat rates from 250–450 €, and I call you back personally. What starts as a slight pull quickly becomes a holiday problem — sometimes combined with surprising insect bites and allergies on holiday that disrupt sleep and recovery.

Symptoms

  • Sharp or dull pain in the lower back
  • Stiff muscles, especially in the morning
  • Pain radiating into the buttocks, legs or feet
  • Restricted movement when bending
  • Tension in the neck
  • Sleep problems caused by the pain

First aid

  1. 1 For acute pain: a short rest break, warm shower
  2. 2 Light movement and stretching
  3. 3 Apply heat to the area (cherry-stone cushion, warm bath)
  4. 4 If needed: pain-relief gel or ibuprofen (max. 3 days)
  5. 5 Keep an upright sitting posture, avoid ergonomically poor positions
  6. 6 Avoid heavy lifting

Prevention

Prevention tips

Choose the right mattress at the hotel, take regular breaks while sunbathing, walk upright, do light back exercises in the morning. Carry heavy suitcases together or use wheeled luggage. If lumbago has already left you unable to move at your accommodation and you can reach neither pharmacy nor clinic, I come to you — examine your back, give a pain-relieving injection into the muscle if needed and issue the prescription on the spot. That way a house call in Paguera can be arranged within a short time.

Frequently asked questions

What helps quickly against back pain?
Heat, light movement and pain-relief gels. Painkillers such as ibuprofen only short-term (max. 3 days). If symptoms last longer, consult a doctor.
Should I rest with back pain?
Complete bed rest is counterproductive. Light movement and walks help the muscles relax. Only avoid heavy lifting and extreme positions.
Can I go to the sea with back pain?
Yes, swimming in the sea takes pressure off the spine and can ease symptoms. Just avoid beach activities like beach volleyball or long sunbathing.
When should I see a doctor for back pain?
If pain persists for more than 5 days without improvement, severe pain after a fall, numbness in the legs or fever combined with back pain.
Will the doctor come to my hotel for lumbago?
Yes. For acute lumbago that leaves you unable to move at your accommodation, I come to you, examine your back, give a pain-relieving injection into the muscle if needed and issue the prescription on the spot. However, with warning signs such as paralysis, numbness in the saddle area, bladder or bowel disturbance, after a fall or with fever, it is not a case for a house call — call the emergency number 112 or go to the clinic instead.

Sources & guidelines

Last reviewed on 21 August 2026 by Henrik Venus, licensed physician.

Continue reading

Related guides

Sick child

Fever and infections in children — what is normal, what is not.

Ear pain

Swimmer's ear after swimming — what helps at once.

Sunstroke

Recognise symptoms, give first aid, prevent it.

Gastrointestinal

Traveller's diarrhoea and nausea — what helps, when to see a doctor.

For acute lumbago at your accommodation I come to you for examination, a pain injection and a prescription — see what is included under services, with flat-rate prices between €250 and €450. My starting point is Port d'Andratx.

Medical disclaimer This article is for general health information and does not replace medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. In case of acute symptoms, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulties, chest pain or suspected emergency, call the European emergency number 112 immediately. Last reviewed on 21/08/2026 by Henrik Venus, physician.

Life-threatening emergency? EU emergency number: Call 112 This service does not replace the emergency physician (112)

Direct line to me · 5.0 on Google · with you in 30–60 min

Call WhatsApp