Back Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

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.

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.

Last updated:	August 28, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer