Musculoskeletal (MSK)

Many MSK problems improve within 2–6 weeks, including:

• new back/neck pain
• sprains/strains
• mild shoulder/hip/knee pain
• flare-ups of longstanding aches

What helps

• keep moving (avoid prolonged rest)
• heat/ice
• pacing activity
• simple pain relief (if safe for you)
• early exercises

If it’s not improving If symptoms are worsening, significantly limiting day-to-day function, or not improving after a few weeks, book an assessment.

Call 999 or go to A&E urgently if:

• sudden weakness in an arm/leg, face droop, speech problems
• major trauma (fall/accident) with severe pain or deformity
• suspected fracture/dislocation
• severe pain with chest pain, breathlessness, or collapse

Seek urgent same-day medical advice if you have back pain with:

• new problems controlling bladder or bowel function
• numbness around the genitals/inner thighs (“saddle” area)
• rapidly worsening weakness in the legs
• fever, severe night sweats, unexplained weight loss
• history of cancer, steroid use, or immunosuppression with new severe symptoms

• NHS – Back pain (advice, recovery, exercises)
• NHS – Neck pain
• NHS – Shoulder pain
• NHS – Knee pain
• NHS – Hip pain

MSK Specialists are experts who assess and manage muscle and joint problems. They can:

• assess your symptoms and diagnosis
• provide self-management advice and exercises
• discuss work/fitness and pacing
• refer you for imaging where appropriate (local pathway dependent)
• refer into MSK services / specialists when needed