Lower back pain: seeking advice and preparing for an assessment
Updated
Lower back pain can have several causes, and a painful episode does not tell you the diagnosis by itself. Start by considering whether you need prompt care, then prepare a clear account of what has changed. This guide is general information for people seeking healthcare in Sweden.
Symptoms that need immediate assessment
1177 advises seeking care directly for back pain with problems sensing or controlling urination, reduced sensation around the genitals or anus, or numbness, tingling or weakness in both legs. It also highlights sudden pain after an accident, pain in the chest or abdomen, and fever or feeling very ill.
Contact a healthcare centre or an out-of-hours clinic immediately for those warning signs; if that is not possible or it is closed, seek an emergency department. Call 1177 if you need help deciding where to go, and 112 for a life-threatening emergency. Do not wait for a routine physiotherapy appointment when urgent symptoms are present.
Describe the episode
Note when the pain started, whether there was an injury and whether symptoms extend into a leg. Explain what happens with walking, sitting, standing and sleep. Mention previous episodes and what, if anything, is different this time.
Tell the clinician about changes in sensation or strength, relevant health conditions, medicines and earlier investigations. A concise description helps the assessment without requiring you to label the problem as a slipped disc, sciatica or a muscle injury.
Discuss the purpose of the plan
Ask what the assessment suggests and which activities are appropriate while you recover. If exercises or medicines are recommended, request specific instructions and a review plan. This page does not prescribe either.
If imaging is discussed, ask what clinical question it would answer. Clarify whether the result could change management and who would explain it. An MRI is not a booking prerequisite established by this article.
Know when to follow up
1177 advises contacting a healthcare centre if back pain has not gone away within two to three weeks, particularly for people over 55. Seek advice sooner if you are worried or symptoms change, and follow any more specific instructions you have received.
Before ending a healthcare contact, agree on the next step and what should lead to an earlier review. Confirm who to contact if the plan is unclear or difficult to follow.