Low Back Pain Pathway

Start your treatment and watch your symptoms

As you try treatment options, notice what is working or not working for you. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you need to try something else.

Watch for changes in your pain levels. Make a note of anything makes your pain better or worse.

You will usually follow up with your healthcare provider in 6 to 12 weeks. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have:

pain that gets a lot worse
constant pain no matter what you are doing
unexplained weight loss

Contact your healthcare provider right away or go to your nearest emergency department if you have:

changes to bladder or bowel control
numbness in your perineal area (between your genitals and anus), often with numbness or weakness in your legs

Talk to your healthcare team any time you:

have questions or concerns
notice your symptoms are getting worse
have problems with your medicine
have been waiting longer than expected for test results or to hear about an appointment

Low back pain pathway map

Low Back Pain Pathway

Download or print the full patient pathway (PDF) and summary (one-page PDF) to learn more about how to manage and treat low back pain.
Patient Pathway Summary

Current as of: March 19, 2024

Author: Patient Pathways Unit, Primary Care Alberta, and Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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