NHS warning to 'call 999' over 'tingling' pain
The NHS has issued a warning and says that if you experience a 'tingling' sensation in two specific areas, it could be time to call 999
The NHS warns that if you experience 'tingling', particularly in two specific areas, it could be time to dial 999. In their guidance about back pain, they warn that this discomfort - combined with a tingling sensation - could be a sign of a serious condition.
Back pain is frequently triggered by injuries such as muscle strains or medical conditions like slipped discs, sciatica (a trapped nerve), or ankylosing spondylitis. Whilst back pain is commonplace and often clears up on its own, in rare cases it can indicate "sign of a serious problem such as a broken bone, cancer or an infection", according to the health service.
If your back pain continues, your first step should be contacting your GP, particularly if the pain is getting worse and disrupting your daily routine. It's also crucial to assess how severe your pain is, reports Bristol Live.
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 request an urgent GP appointment 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
Should I call 999 for my back pain?
You should call 999 or go to 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
The NHS warns that you should not drive to A&E. Instead, you should ask someone to drive you or call 999 and request an ambulance.
NHS back pain warning
The NHS suggests trying anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen, but note that "paracetamol on its own is not recommended for back pain but it may be used with another painkiller."
To ease the pain, you could apply a heat or ice pack - this can be created by wrapping frozen peas in a tea towel or using a hot water bottle.
Health bosses also advise doing exercises and stretches for back pain relief. Although you might feel like staying in bed all day, the NHS cautions against extended bed rest.
What exercises and stretches can I do to help my back pain?
There are several exercises to ease back pain available on the NHS inform website here.
One example involves lying flat on your bed. "Rolling the knees from one side and to the other is one repetition", the NHS explains.
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.