An increasing number of individuals are resorting to calling emergency services for ambulances to take them to emergency departments due to back problems. However, this may not always be the most appropriate course of action.
Back pain is a prevalent issue affecting an estimated 4 million Australians, with a rising trend in people calling triple zero for ambulances to transport them to emergency departments (EDs). In fact, back pain was ranked as the fifth most common reason for visits to Australian EDs in 2023-24, accounting for nearly 155,000 cases. Despite this, the majority of individuals experiencing sudden-onset back pain do not necessarily require emergency care, which could potentially lead to unnecessary and harmful outcomes.
Dr. Hester Wilson, a Sydney-based GP and addiction specialist, highlighted the primal nature of the response to sudden-onset back pain, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty it can evoke. While some patients with back pain have serious underlying causes that necessitate hospital admission, a significant portion are admitted without such causes, leading to unnecessary interventions and complications.
Associate Professor Gustavo Machado from the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health at the University of Sydney pointed out that the current approach to managing back pain in emergency settings often results in escalated interventions without clear clinical justification, leading to avoidable hospital admissions, imaging procedures, and opioid use. A substantial number of patients develop hospital-acquired complications, primarily medication-related adverse effects, further highlighting the potential risks associated with unnecessary interventions.
Dr. Simon Vella, a postdoctoral research fellow at the institute, emphasized the challenges faced by emergency staff and paramedics in making rapid decisions regarding patients with back pain, often resulting in unnecessary treatments and admissions. An analysis of NSW Ambulance patients with back pain revealed that the vast majority of cases were non-serious, yet a significant percentage of these patients were still transported to EDs.
NSW Health recommended that individuals with back pain seek care from GPs and allied health services, emphasizing that scans are often unnecessary. While calling an ambulance may be warranted in certain situations, such as when individuals are unable to transport themselves to a medical facility, it is essential to consider the appropriateness of emergency services for back pain.
Self-Management Tips for Lower Back Pain:
- Stay active: Engage in regular activities and gradually increase movement.
- Avoid prolonged bed rest as it may hinder recovery.
- Avoid excessive tension or avoidance of movement, as it may exacerbate the condition.
- Use simple pain relief methods like heat packs, distraction techniques, and relaxed breathing.
- Medication: Follow your doctor's recommendations for over-the-counter or prescription medications to aid in recovery.
While fever or unexplained weight loss with back pain may indicate a medical emergency, it is crucial to assess the severity of the situation before resorting to emergency services. GPs are trained to evaluate back pain and provide appropriate care, with options like Urgent Care Clinics and telehealth consultations offering additional avenues for seeking treatment.
Ultimately, while calling an ambulance for back pain may be necessary in certain circumstances, it is essential to consider the most appropriate course of action based on the severity of the condition and available healthcare options.
Source: WAtoday
