Non-urgent advice: Speak to your GP surgery if:
You have a back or joint problem and:
- you're under 16 years
- you have problems with your balance
- you've lost weight without trying to
- there's a lump or swelling in your back, or your back has changed shape
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
You have a back or joint problem and:
- you feel hot, cold, shivery or feel generally unwell
- a joint is bruised, hot, swollen or red – redness may be harder to see on black and brown skin
- you have severe pain which starts suddenly, or pain that is getting worse quickly
- you have pain in your pelvis and you're pregnant or may be pregnant
- you have frequent, severe headaches
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:
You have pain in your back or leg and:
- changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing or loss of control (peeing or pooing yourself)
- a loss of feeling around your genitals or anus
- changes in how your penis or vagina feels during sex, not being able to get or keep an erection, or not being able to orgasm
- have burning, tingling or numbness in both your legs or feet
- new weakness in your legs or feet
- you feel breathlessness or have chest pain