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What is a musculoskeletal condition and how can this website help?

Are you confident that the information and guidance on this website is right for you?

This first step is to help you see if this website is right for you. First look at the questions below to help you check that your problem is not a medical emergency.

Is it an emergency?

For emergencies, such as:

Signs of meningitis/sepsis

Dislike of bright lights, stiff neck, drowsy or unable to wake, pale blotchy skin, rash that does not disappear under a glass.

Severe difficulty breathing

Increased breathing rate, bluish colour around lips or fingernails, grunting, nose flaring, chest sucking in, wheezing, change in alertness.

Signs of a heart attack

Pain like a very tight band, heavy weight or squeezing in the centre of your chest

Signs of a stroke

Face dropping on one side, can’t hold both arms up, difficulty speaking

Severe injuries or heavy bleeding

Deep cuts after a serious accident,  heavy that won’t stop

Seizure (fit)

Someone is shaking or jerking because of a fit, or is unconscious (can’t be woken up)

Sudden, rapid swelling

Of the eyes, lips, mouth, throat or tongue

Please call 999 to access urgent medical assistance.
Deaf people can use 18000 to contact 999 using text relay

Screening questions

When thinking about your options, please consider the following seven screening questions. If you are completing this for your child, please consider whether they have had any of the following symptoms.  If you answer YES to any of the screening questions you will be directed to seek a medical opinion or another service rather than follow the advice on this website first.

What is a Musculoskeletal
(MSK) condition?

Problems with the moving parts of the body including bones, joints, nerves and muscles are referred to as musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions.

They are often felt as pain, difficulty with movement and unpleasant feelings in your body. They can affect your daily activities, school and hobbies and impact on your health and wellbeing.

Examples include back pain, knee pain, a strain or a sprain, trips, falls and bumps.

For many of these concerns, simple self-management advice helps and is all that is needed.

How can this website help?

The information on this website is designed to provide information and advice on:

  • how you can help you/your child manage minor injuries
  • understanding what might be contributing to your/your child’s pain or problem and what you could do about it
  • when to seek help for your/your child’s pain

Now move on to Step 2

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