The NHS has issued a warning about ‘tingling’ sensations – particularly if they occur in two places – and say call 999 immediately. The health service’s guidance warns this symptom, coupled with back pain, could be indicative of a serious condition.
Back pain is often caused by injuries such as pulled muscles or medical conditions like slipped discs, sciatica, or ankylosing spondylitis, a type of arthritis. However, the NHS warns that in rare instances, back pain can signal “sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection”.
If your back pain persists and interferes with your daily activities, it’s recommended to contact your GP. It’s also important to assess the severity of your pain.
What is classed as severe pain?
What the NHS mean by severe pain:
Severe pain:
- always there and so bad it’s hard to think or talk
- you cannot sleep
- it’s very hard to move, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, wash or dress
Moderate pain:
- always there
- makes it hard to concentrate or sleep
- you can manage to get up, wash or dress
Mild pain:
- comes and goes
- is annoying but does not stop you doing daily activities
Can I call 111 for back pain?
You should call 111 or ask for an urgent GP appointment if you have back pain and:
- a high temperature
- you’ve lost weight without trying to
- there’s a lump or swelling in your back or your back has changed shape
- the pain does not improve after resting or is worse at night
- the pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing
- the pain is coming from the top of your back (between your shoulders), rather than your lower back
Should I call 999 for my back pain?
You should call 999 or visit A&E if you have back pain and:
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks
- difficulty peeing
- loss of bladder or bowel control (peeing or pooing yourself)
- chest pain
- it started after a serious accident, such as a car accident
NHS back pain warning
Ask someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance. The NHS advises trying anti-inflammatory medicine like ibuprofen for back pain, adding: “Paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller.”
To alleviate discomfort, try using a heat or an ice pack; simply wrap a bag of frozen peas in a tea towel or use a hot water bottle. Stretching and exercise might also provide relief for back pain.
Although resting might seem tempting, the NHS warns against staying in bed for prolonged periods. Wondering what exercises can ease your back pain?
The NHS Inform website offers a range of options. For instance, they recommend lying on your bed and doing exercises such as knee rolls.
You should:
- Begin lying down with your knees pointing towards the ceiling. Slowly roll your knees to the right.
- Hold for a few seconds and then raise the knees so that they are pointing towards the ceiling again.
- Repeat on the opposite side