RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsBack pain
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Arrange a GP or physiotherapy review if the pain is not improving after a few weeks of home treatment, or sooner if it prevents normal activities or is difficult to manage.
- Get urgent advice today for severe pain that starts suddenly, pain getting worse quickly, or back pain with fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.
- Arrange a GP appointment for unexplained weight loss, persistent night pain, a lump or change in the shape of the back, or symptoms that keep returning.
- For mild symptoms without any of the urgent or emergency warning signs listed here, a community pharmacist can advise on self-care and suitable medicines. Tell them the patient’s age, other medicines and any pregnancy or breastfeeding. They can direct you to another service if needed.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- If you need medical advice and are unsure which service can help, call NHS 111. This includes when your GP is closed or you cannot get the help you need. NHS 111 can direct you to an appropriate local service. You can call even if you are not sure whether symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- New numbness around the genitals, buttocks or back passage, or a loss of feeling when wiping.
- New difficulty starting a pee, being unable to pee, or losing control of pee or poo.
- Pain, numbness or weakness affecting both legs, especially if it is severe or getting worse.
- New changes in sexual sensation or function together with back or leg symptoms.
- Back pain after a serious accident, or back pain with chest pain.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
Sources
- NHS - Back painhttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain/
- NHS - How pharmacies can helphttps://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/
- NHS - Sepsishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
- NHS - When to use NHS 111https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/