Contact your GP urgently if you have any of these symptoms:
- Loss of sensation in both of your legs
- Recent onset urinary retention
- Loss of sensation in your buttocks, perineum or inner surfaces of the thighs.
- Recent onset faecal incontinence
- History of major trauma
- Sudden onset of severe central spinal pain which is relieved by lying down.
- Past history of cancer
- Fever, chills or unexplained weight loss
- Pain that disturbs you at night
- History of being immunocompromised
If you are currently engaged in treatment with a physiotherapist, chiropractor or Osteopath or have had numerous unsuccessful physiotherapy treatment in the past for the same condition then a staff physiotherapy referral would generally not be appropriate and further guidance from your GP would be advised.
Whilst most MSK problems will resolve in time it is important to contact your GP urgently if you have any of the symptoms listed above.
Alternatively, NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. NHS 111 is available 24/7 and can be reached by calling 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk (for people aged 5 and over only).
Self-care guides
If you are experiencing MSK symptoms, just follow our self-care guides and simply visit the relevant body parts you are experiencing pain to be taken to a full list of resources to help you.
For the best advice, guidance and exercises for your pain, simple visit the relevant body parts you are experiencing pain with below, to be taken to a full list of resources to help you.
These MSK self-management resources are supported by NHS England and NHS Improvement as part of the MSK leadership group which also includes The British Orthopaedic Association (BOA), The British Society for Rheumatology (BSR), The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), Versus Arthritis and the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance (ARMA).
Need further help?
If you need professional advice on how to manage your condition our staff physiotherapy service allows you to self-refer.