Is new back pain an emergency if you have implants?

[Groovy99]

I woke up to sharp lower back pains last week, it’s quite bad if I lay on it/twist my torso in any ways or bending. Sometimes the pain spreads lower but I can’t really describe it. It’s not excruciatingly painful that’s why I’m reluctant to take this too serious but I wake up at night due to discomfort as well and I tried exercises/walking, hot/cold compresses etc. I even started sleeping on the floor but it’s not going away. Now, I know normally back pain is not dangerous but I have a fused spine due to scoliosis and I never had this pain before. I’ve got an appointment with my GP but it’s in 3 weeks I’m not sure if I should just head to A&E to see if my fusion is okay it’s 10yrs old. I tried getting a same day appointment with my GP but they are always full.

I wouldn’t, no

If its new pain and you have spinal problems I would call 111. When did you have the implants. I dont see why they would cause back pain unless it was very recent

It was done when I was 13 in 2013.

I presume you've got metalwork in there? Would seem reasonable to get checked out. I suspect your GP would want to pass the query on to the spinal team given your previous surgery.

The implants shouldnt cause lower back pain.it could be a disc, your scoliosis, sciatica, a kidney infection. I would call 111 for their advice.

Yeah I got titanium rods and screws from neck to bottom basically. I will give my GP a call early morning if no space for me then 111.

What sort of implants are they.

You can get infections years later in spinal rods. Do definitely needs to be checked. The GP will probably refer you to the spinal team. Is there a scoliosis nurse specialist nurse at the trust where you had your surgery? Contact them. (The ward I work on did scoliosis repairs until very recently)

I would push for an earlier GP apt (although in my experience they're a bit rubbish about scoliosis.).
Are you on any of the Scoliosis Facebook groups? If you are you could ask a question there - people will be way more knowledgeable than they are on here.
My gut says it's new pain so out to be seen.
Or... can you contact the spinal unit who did your fusion?
Either way don't wait 3 weeks. You're in pain.

The gp will be limited in what they can do, painkillers and referring you back to the spinal unit or for a scan.
Can these people offer you any suggestions
sauk.org.uk/

Oh from the title my head went immediately to breast implants!

Yes I'd ring 111 if you can't get a same day GP appointment, I wouldn't want to wait 3 weeks

So I have been seen by my GP and had a walk-in X ray done today as well as an MRI. He was unsure of what is wrong due to my implants and he’s not a neurosurgeon or orthopaedic surgeon so he couldn’t just say that it’s a sprain or just a pinched nerve. He has referred me to my spinal surgeon and he said he put it through as urgent because of my symptoms.
Does anyone know how long is “urgent”?
I’m soon starting a new job and I’m worried getting time off being new and such, very bad timing for me.

Thanks

I was recently referred urgently but for cardiology. Got an appointment about 6 weeks later.

Probably depends totally on the specialism and hospital though!