Self help information

We understand that being on a waiting list can be challenging, and we want to ensure that you have all the resources and support you need during this time. Below, in the drop down boxes, you will find helpful information to manage your condition and stay informed while you wait for your appointment.

Understanding Your Condition

It’s essential to have a good grasp of your condition. Take time to read about your specific MSK issue from the NHS website, and familiarize yourself with the symptoms, causes, and potential treatments. Knowledge is a powerful tool in managing your health.

Self-Help Tips

While you wait for your appointment, there are several self-help strategies you can follow to manage your condition:

  • Stay Active: Engage in light exercise tailored to your condition. Gentle activities like walking, swimming, or specific physiotherapy exercises can help maintain mobility and reduce pain.
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can support your overall health and help manage inflammation.
  • Pain Management: Use over-the-counter pain relief methods, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, as advised by your healthcare provider, or discuss options with your local pharmacist.
  • Stay Informed: Stay updated with reliable sources of information about your condition and available treatments.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While most aches and pains improve with time and self-management, there are certain symptoms that need more urgent attention.

Contact NHS 111 Urgently

If you have recently developed lower back pain and/or leg pain along with any of the following, please call NHS 111 as soon as possible:

  • Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowel.
  • Numbness or tingling around your genitals or back passage.
  • New loss of sexual function.
  • These symptoms could indicate a condition that requires urgent assessment.

Speak to Your GP

Please make an appointment with your GP to discuss your referral if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Ongoing fever or feeling generally unwell.
  • New difficulty with balance or walking.

Getting Active

Being physically active has a positive impact on your health, wellbeing and quality of life. It can also have a positive impact on your MSK condition and pain. The resources listed can provide information and support in becoming more physically active.

  • GetUBetter – Free app working in partnership with NHS Somerset providing safe digital self-management for common conditions, delivering advice and exercise for your symptoms. This can be trialled prior to considering physiotherapy and if no improvement, patients are able to self-refer from this app.
    Access via: getUBetter – An app for all common muscle, bone and joint injuries and conditions. – NHS Somerset ICB
  • Physical Activity Guidelines
    Recommended physical activity for adults and older adults.
    Physical activity for adults and older adults
  • Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP)
    The county’s Active Partnership seeking to increasing the health and happiness of Somerset residents via physical activity.
  • Better Health
    Simple ideas to increase activity levels into your day, including tips and free exercise plans.
    How to be more active – Better Health – NHS
  • NHS Live Well
    Advice, exercises and videos to help become more physically active and improve wellbeing.
    Live Well – NHS
  • Age UK – Somerset
    Ageing well and falls prevention exercise sessions available across Somerset. Specifically aimed at over 50s, providing something for everyone.
    Timetable showing Ageing Well and Falls Prevention exercise and activity sessions
  • Versus Arthritis – Keep Moving
    Advice on keeping active for those living with arthritis.
    Keep moving information booklet with exercise poster
  • Somerset Health Walks – SASP
    Something for everyone, ranging from beginner to more advanced. Find your local walk.
    Somerset Health Walks – Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership
  • Staying Healthy at Work – Chartered Society of Physiotherapy
    Provides advice and simple techniques on dealing with aches and pains when at work, including stretches you can do at your desk.
    Staying healthy at work
  • Couch to Fitness
    Improve your activity levels at home with this free fitness programme.
    Couch to Fitness | Couch to Fitness

NICE guidelines, in the majority of MSk conditions, demonstrate that becoming more active and improving your general health and wellbeing has a positive impact on your MSk complaint.  The following resources can support you to get more active:

 

Spinal Information

At Somerset Foundation Trust we pride ourselves on providing reliable and trusted information to guide you in the management of your back pain.

The following resources can provide accurate information on exercises, lifestyle tips, and strategies designed to support your recovery. Research has shown us that engaging in these activities consistently for months can reduce flare ups and help us to manage pain long term. We’re here to support you every step of the way, and with the right tools and care, many people find meaningful relief and improved well-being.