This page provides you with advice sheets about other conditions, not detailed in the specific body part pages, which may be causing musculoskeletal symptoms and problems.
When to speak to a health professional
Contact a doctor immediately or seek emergency care if your pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:
- Signs of nerve damage: numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs.
- Severe back pain issues: numbness or tingling around the genitals or buttocks, or sudden inability to control your bladder or bowels.
- Trauma-related injury: pain following a severe accident, such as a fall or car crash.
- Systemic symptoms: high temperature, fever, or unexplained weight loss combined with pain.
- Physical changes: visible deformity or swelling in the back or joint.
- Severe, limiting pain: inability to walk, put weight on a joint, or if a joint feels out of place.
Schedule an appointment with a GP or self-refer to our team if:
- The pain lasts for more than 4 to 6 weeks.
- Pain stops you from doing daily activities or causes problems sleeping.
- Pain does not improve with rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain medication.
- The pain is getting progressively worse rather than better.
- Muscle pain starts after beginning new medication.
When should you self refer?
If your pain is not getting better after 4-6 weeks, and you feel you would like to talk to an MSK professional to help you further, you can fill in our self referral form.