Serious Illness
Some serious illness can cause back pain or give back pain as a symptom. It is important to your Spine Team practitioner to exclude this when you are seen. If there is any concern from the history then your practitioner will look for 'Red Flags'.
Most serious illness that causes back pain or headaches can be anticipated from a history and it is therefore important that you tell your Spine Team practitioner all about your history and your problem, including any other symptoms that you may not consider related.
Serious illness is a rare cause of back pain, being less than 1%, but it still may occur. There are some situations where you may have other signs or symptoms that to you do not appear relate to your back but could be important. If you have any concerns it is always best to discuss them with your Spine Team practitioner. Serious illness is not more likely to be present just because it is discussed, indeed the reverse may well apply.
If there are any concerns regarding any aspect of your problem, including possible red flags, your Spine Team practitioner will communicate with your GP.
