Back pain self-management

Using this handout

Encourage gentle movement, heat, and safe activity instead of bed rest. Highlight red flags that warrant urgent reassessment.

Safety-net wording

Plain-language return precautions you can say as written:

“If symptoms get worse, new warning signs appear, or you cannot follow the plan from this visit, seek urgent care now.”

• Point to the warning signs printed in the handout.
• Confirm follow-up timing and where to go after hours.
• Document that return precautions were reviewed and understood.