New Onset of back pain
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When to get immediate medical advice
You should contact a GP or NHS 111 immediately if you have back pain and:
numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks/inner thighs
loss of bladder or bowel control or difficulty urinating, leaking of urine or bowel movements.
Changes in sexual function, including loss of sensation during intercourse, inability to achieve an erection or ejaculate
sudden, significant weakness in your arms or legs
lack of coordination or heaviness to your arms and legs that is affecting your walking
severe arm pain with accompanying tingling or numbness
a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
a swelling or a deformity in your back
it does not improve with or at rest or is worse at night
it started after a serious accident, such as after a car accident
These problems could be a sign of something more serious and need to be checked urgently.
Click here to find out more about the warning signs of cauda equina
I have new low back pain, what should I do?
Do not panic. There are many reasons as to why your back can become painful and mostly these events are nothing to worry about.
Back pain can vary from mild to very intense, as the back can be a very sensitive area. It is very rare for back pain to be a sign of something serious (even if pain is very bad).
It can be easily managed by following some simple steps. Most new back pain will fade in 2 to 6 weeks and can resolve in 6 to 12 weeks.
What are the symptoms?
Pain in the back, pelvis, or hips, and sometimes the leg too.
Pain may limit certain movements (like leaning forwards), or general stiffness with all back movements.
Some people describe muscle tension or muscle spasms
What if I have other symptoms or if I had a fall?
Please read the "symptoms to check" in the white box on the right/top of this screen first before using this page.
What are the causes?
Back pain is very common. Most of us will experience some back pain in our lives.
Back pain can appear with no clear trigger, or some people can describe a movement that started the symptoms. This may be sports injury or a fall, but it can also be a simple movement we do a lot, usually with no issues, like picking up a towel.
The back has lots of muscles, joints and discs that might be involved in a pain episode. These structures can heal and repair if they have been injured or inflamed. It is not essential to identify the structures involved, as this will not usually change the treatment you need. The spine is a strong and resilient structure.
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