Our simple checklist to help you decide — without guessing
Back pain is incredibly common — but knowing what to do next isn’t always clear.
This checklist will help you:
- Understand what’s normal (and what’s not)
- Avoid common mistakes that delay recovery
- Know when physio can genuinely help
This is general information — not a diagnosis — but it will help you make a confident next step.
YOU MAY NOT NEED PHYSIO YET IF:
☐ Your pain is very mild and improving each day
☐ You can still move, walk and sleep without pain
☐ Pain eases with gentle movement or heat
☐ No numbness, tingling or leg pain
➡️ If this is you:
Stay active, avoid prolonged rest, and monitor symptoms over the next 1–2 weeks.
PHYSIO IS A GOOD IDEA IF:
☐ Pain has lasted more than 2 weeks
☐ Pain keeps returning
☐ Pain is limiting walking, work or daily tasks
☐ You feel stiff, guarded or unsure how to move
☐ Pain flares when you try to “push through”
☐ You’re worried you might make it worse
➡️ This is where a thorough assessment helps.
RED FLAGS (RARE, BUT IMPORTANT)
Seek medical advice urgently if you have:
- Progressive weakness
- Significant numbness
- Loss of bladder/bowel control
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe pain after major trauma
(These are uncommon — most back pain is mechanical and manageable.)
WHAT A PHYSIO ASSESSMENT ACTUALLY INCLUDES
At Pottsville and Cabarita Physio, your assessment focuses on:
- How your back moves, not just where it hurts
- Hands on Treatment
- Strength, mobility and control
- Contributing areas (hips, posture, work habits)
- Clear explanation of what’s going on
- A plan you can actually follow
If in doubt an assessment is likely worthwhile. Read more here: Low Back Pain Physio in Pottsville & Cabarita
👉 Book online or call 02 66764000 Physiotherapy Pottsville