Back pain

Back pain can arise from muscles, joints, discs, nerves or other structures, and often no single injured structure is identified. Most assessment begins with symptoms and an examination rather than an automatic scan. New weakness, changes in bladder or bowel control, or pain after a major injury requires urgent attention.

What should I tell the doctor?

Explain where the pain is, when it began and whether it travels into a leg. Mention numbness, weakness, fever, recent injury and any cancer history. Describe how it affects walking, sleep, work and ordinary movement. These details help distinguish uncomplicated pain from problems needing investigation.

Bring previous scan reports if available, but avoid assuming an old finding explains the current episode. Changes on imaging can occur without causing symptoms. A clinician interprets them alongside the present history and examination.

For the Australian guidance behind this explanation, see Healthdirect Australia: Back pain — an overview - Healthdirect Australia.

Should I rest or keep moving?

For uncomplicated back pain, a clinician may suggest remaining active within tolerable limits and gradually returning to usual tasks. The right advice depends on the cause and your function. Prolonged bed rest or forcing painful exercises is not an automatic solution.

Ask about safe activity, work adjustments and when to review progress. If pain is ongoing, discuss sleep, stress and confidence with movement as part of the plan. This broader assessment does not mean the pain is imagined. Telehealth can support follow-up, but a neurological or physical examination may still be necessary.

Which signs need emergency assessment?

New loss of bladder or bowel control, difficulty passing urine with back symptoms, numbness around the genitals or anus, or major leg weakness needs urgent emergency care. Significant trauma, fever with severe pain or inability to walk also requires prompt assessment. Call 000 if you cannot safely access care or symptoms are life-threatening. Do not wait for routine online advice when nerve function is changing.

Where to go next

Read online doctor consultations to understand the relevant service. A doctor decides whether a consultation, examination, referral or another pathway is appropriate for your situation.