See Your Doctor Immediately for These Back-Related Symptoms

You can self-manage most episodes of back or neck pain, but the following warning signs may indicate more serious problems that your doctor needs to check:

• You can’t control your bowel or bladder. If you suddenly lose control of your bowel or bladder, see your GP or go to your local hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately. Bowel or bladder problems include the following:

  • You can’t control or initiate urination or bowel movements.

  • You have no feeling in your groin and/or anal area.

  • You’re male and you can no longer get an erection.

• Your legs or feet are weak. If you experience significant weakness in your legs and feet, see your GP or go to A&E within 24 hours.

• Your back or neck pain awakens you at night. This type of pain – called rest pain – involves severe throbbing and aching that worsens with rest.

• You experience significant trauma such as a car accident or a fall. If you suffer a significant trauma that causes or contributes to your back or neck pain, you need to see your GP or go to A&E.

• Your pain is excruciating. If your back or neck pain is simply unbearable or your pain increases significantly, see your GP or go to A&E immediately. Excruciating is a subjective term, but if your pain’s so bad that you can barely move or you’re on the verge of tears, don’t be tough – have the pain checked out.