Back Problems and Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have back pain or tenderness?
See significance of back pain or tenderness if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Note: The following questions apply whether you have had a recent injury, do not remember being injured, or have a history of back pain.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have severe pain?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have moderate pain?
Yes Do you have new back or flank pain and a fever?
Yes Do you have pain and a rash of small, itchy blisters that has spread in a band from your back around your body?
Yes Have you had pain and symptoms of sciatica for longer than 4 hours?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Have you had mild pain for longer than 48 hours after an injury?
Yes Has back pain prevented you from participating in your daily activities, such as school or work, for longer than 48 hours after an injury?
Yes Do you have pain that comes and goes and symptoms of sciatica that have not improved after 2 to 3 days of home treatment?
Yes Do you have mild to moderate pain without other symptoms that has not improved after 2 to 3 days of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have chronic back problems that are slowly getting worse?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: October 3, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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