How long does lower back pain usually last? Topics | Pain | Back Pain | How long does lower back pain usually last? Statistics show that up to 90% of patients with an acute episode of low back pain feel better within 4-12 weeks. However, up to 70-80% of patients will have an episode again within a year. So in the short term, pain can subside, but in the long term low back pain can return - potentially leading to chronic back pain.