How to prepare for a video visit about Back Pain (Acute, Non-specific)

Audience: adult

If you have sudden back pain that is not caused by a specific injury or illness, a video visit with a healthcare provider can help you understand your symptoms and get advice on managing pain. During the visit, you can discuss your pain, daily activities, and any treatments you have tried. Preparing for the visit by gathering information about your symptoms and medical history can make the appointment more effective. While many cases of acute back pain improve with simple care, some signs require urgent attention. Telemedicine can guide you on next steps and whether you need in-person evaluation. This guide helps you prepare for your video visit, know what telemedicine can and cannot do, and understand when to seek emergency care.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden weakness or numbness in legs or groin — seek emergency care immediately.
• Loss of bladder or bowel control — go to the emergency room right away.
• Severe back pain after a fall or injury — get urgent medical evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to back pain
• Providing advice on pain management and exercises
• Determining if further tests or in-person care are needed
• Answering questions about back pain causes and prevention

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing hands-on physical examination
• Ordering immediate imaging or lab tests during the visit
• Treating severe or emergency conditions
• Providing prescriptions for controlled substances without in-person evaluation

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your back pain, including when it started, how severe it is, and what makes it better or worse. They may ask about your daily activities, any recent injuries, and other health conditions. You might be asked to show your back or move in certain ways to help the provider understand your pain. The provider will offer advice on managing pain and may suggest exercises, medications, or further tests if needed.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your appointment, write down details about your pain, such as when it started, how it feels, and what activities affect it. List any medicines or treatments you have tried. Find a quiet, well-lit space with good internet connection for the video call. Have a family member or friend nearby if you need help during the visit.

What Telemedicine Can and Cannot Do for Back Pain

Telemedicine can help assess your symptoms, provide advice on pain relief, recommend exercises, and decide if you need further tests or in-person care. However, it cannot perform hands-on physical exams or emergency treatments. If your pain is severe or you have other concerning symptoms, you may need to visit a healthcare facility.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

Some symptoms require urgent evaluation. Contact emergency services or go to the hospital if you experience:

Tips for Managing Acute Back Pain at Home

You can try resting for a short time, applying heat or cold packs, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as directed. Gentle movement and stretching may help prevent stiffness. Avoid heavy lifting or activities that worsen your pain. Follow your provider's advice from the video visit.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Write down when your back pain started and describe the pain.
• List any treatments or medications you have tried.
• Prepare to describe your daily activities and any recent injuries.
• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with good internet for the video call.
• Have a family member or friend nearby if you may need assistance.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the healthcare provider's advice on pain relief and exercises.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes or new symptoms.
• Schedule an in-person visit if recommended or if symptoms worsen.
• Seek emergency care if you experience red flag symptoms.
• Keep track of any medications or treatments started during the visit.

FAQs

Can a video visit diagnose the cause of my back pain?

A video visit can help your healthcare provider understand your symptoms and suggest possible causes, but it may not provide a definitive diagnosis without a physical exam or tests.

What should I do if my back pain gets worse after the video visit?

If your pain worsens or you develop new symptoms like weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder control, seek in-person medical care promptly.

Are there exercises I can do to help my back pain?

Your provider may recommend gentle stretching and strengthening exercises during the video visit, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Is it safe to take over-the-counter pain medicine for my back pain?

Over-the-counter pain relievers can often help with acute back pain, but follow dosing instructions carefully and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

When should I schedule a follow-up visit?

Follow-up depends on your symptoms and provider's advice. If pain persists beyond a few weeks or worsens, a follow-up or in-person evaluation may be needed.

Sources

1. Low Back Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Back Pain Fact Sheet — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Back Pain - Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.
4. Low Back Pain — Merck Manuals: Consumer Version.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek immediate medical attention.