Diagnosing Back Pain

While everyone has occasional aches and pains, if you have been suffering from back pain for more than a week, it’s worth making an appointment with your GP or phoning NHS Direct - Tel. 0845 4647 for advice.

Diagnosis can usually be made following discussion and a physical examination and in most cases, no tests are needed.

You may be sent for tests if the pain lasts for longer than six weeks, if you have had an injury or blow to your back or if your doctor suspects there may be an underlying cause for the pain.

For suspected disc problems, X-rays, a computed tomography scan (CT or CAT scan) can be used. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be suggested to provide more accurate information about the soft tissues in your back, rather than the bones.

More serious conditions

Visit your doctor (or call NHS Direct – 0845 4647) if you have been suffering with back pain for over a week, or if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Pain running down one or both legs
• Unsteadiness on your feet
• Pain that travels to the chest or pain high up in your back
• Numbness, weakness or pins and needles in the legs over a prolonged period
• Difficulty passing urine or incontinence
• A fever
• Weight loss
• You have had a recent trauma or injury to your back
• Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or anus
• If you have taken steroids for a few months
• If you are a drug abuser
• If you have or have had cancer
• If you have a low immune system due to chemotherapy or another medical condition eg. HIV/AIDS