Back Pain and Joint Problems: When Online GP Consultations Work (And When They Don't)
Your back has been "playing up" for weeks. The pain shoots down your leg when you stand. Your knee clicks with every step. Your shoulder won't let you sleep. Should you wait weeks for an NHS appointment? Book a private physio? Or could an online GP actually help?
With back pain alone accounting for 11% of the UK's total disability and costing the economy £10 billion annually, you're far from alone in seeking answers. Here's the honest truth about managing back and joint problems through online consultations—when they're brilliant, when they're limited, and how to get the best care for your specific situation.
The Scale of the Problem
Before diving into solutions, let's acknowledge the elephant in the room: musculoskeletal problems are massive. Back pain is the largest single cause of disability in the UK, with 8 million adults reporting chronic pain that's moderate to severely disabling. It accounts for 40% of sickness absence in the NHS.
Yet despite being so common, treatment remains frustratingly variable. Some people get MRI scans they don't need. Others wait months for physiotherapy. Many receive conflicting advice. The good news? For most back and joint problems, the right guidance matters more than hands-on treatment.
When Online GP Consultations Excel for Back and Joint Pain
1. Initial Assessment and Triage
An experienced GP can often determine the likely cause of your pain through careful questioning:
When did it start?
What triggers or eases it?
Any numbness, tingling, or weakness?
Previous injuries or conditions?
What have you already tried?
This systematic approach identifies red flags and determines the best treatment path—often more thoroughly than a rushed 10-minute face-to-face appointment.
2. Medication Management
Online GPs can prescribe:
Pain relief: From paracetamol guidance to stronger options
Anti-inflammatories: Including topical gels and oral medications
Muscle relaxants: For acute spasms
Neuropathic pain medications: For nerve-related symptoms
Injections referrals: When conservative treatment fails
We can also review current medications, check for interactions, and optimise your pain management regime.
3. Exercise and Activity Guidance
Contrary to old advice, staying active is crucial for most back and joint problems. Online GPs can:
Provide specific exercise recommendations
Advise on activity modification
Share resources and videos
Monitor progress via follow-ups
Refer to online physiotherapy services
The latest NICE guidelines emphasise self-management and exercise as first-line treatments—perfectly suited to online delivery.
4. Chronic Pain Management
For ongoing issues, online consultations offer:
Regular review without travel stress
Pain diary analysis
Psychological support referrals
Work modification advice
Sick note provision
Coordination with other services
5. Prevention and Education
Understanding your condition prevents recurrence:
Posture advice for remote workers
Ergonomic recommendations
Weight management support
Stress and pain cycle education
Long-term management strategies
When Physical Examination Matters
Let's be clear: some situations require hands-on assessment. An honest online GP will recognise these and arrange appropriate care:
Red Flag Symptoms Requiring Urgent Assessment:
Loss of bladder or bowel control (emergency)
Numbness in the "saddle area"
Severe, progressive leg weakness
Fever with back pain
History of cancer with new back pain
Significant trauma (fall, accident)
Severe pain not responding to medication
Conditions Often Needing Physical Examination:
Suspected joint instability
Significant swelling or deformity
Locked joints (knee, elbow)
Suspected fractures
Complex shoulder problems
Hip pain in younger people
What We Can Do: When examination is needed, we can:
Arrange urgent local assessment
Provide detailed referral letters
Fast-track to appropriate services
Coordinate your care pathway
Common Conditions: Online vs In-Person
Lower Back Pain
Online Works Well For:
Acute muscle strain (most common)
Chronic back pain management
Sciatica without red flags
Posture-related pain
Flare-ups of known conditions
Needs Physical Assessment:
Suspected cauda equina syndrome
Progressive neurological symptoms
After significant trauma
Suspected inflammatory arthritis
Success Story: "My back 'went' lifting boxes. The Online GP diagnosed likely muscle strain, prescribed appropriate pain relief, and gave me specific exercises. Avoided weeks of waiting and recovered in 10 days." - James, 45
Knee Problems
Online Works Well For:
Arthritis management
Minor sports injuries
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
General aches and stiffness
Post-surgery follow-up
Needs Physical Assessment:
Suspected ligament tears
Locked knee
Significant swelling
Instability or giving way
Shoulder Pain
Online Works Well For:
Frozen shoulder guidance
Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Chronic pain management
Work-related strain
Needs Physical Assessment:
Suspected dislocation
Complete loss of movement
After significant trauma
Suspected tears
Neck Pain
Online Works Well For:
Tech neck/posture issues
Muscle strain
Chronic pain management
Headache-related neck pain
Needs Physical Assessment:
After whiplash/trauma
Severe arm weakness
Signs of nerve compression
The Online Consultation Process for Musculoskeletal Problems
Before Your Appointment:
Note pain patterns (time of day, triggers)
List what helps/worsens symptoms
Gather previous scan results
Take photos of swelling/rashes
Write down impact on daily life
During Consultation:
Be specific about location and type of pain
Demonstrate movements that hurt (on video)
Show any visible swelling or deformity
Discuss work and lifestyle factors
Be honest about your concerns
What Your GP Will Assess:
Pain characteristics and patterns
Range of movement (demonstrated)
Impact on function
Psychological factors
Previous treatments tried
Work and lifestyle contributors
Treatment Approaches Available Online
Immediate Relief Strategies
Medication Optimisation:
Right drug, right dose, right time
Combining medications safely
Managing side effects
When to step up or down
Activity Modification:
Specific dos and don'ts
Pacing techniques
Ergonomic advice
Exercise prescription
Longer-term Management
Structured Exercise Programs:
Tailored to your condition
Progressive difficulty
Video demonstrations
Progress monitoring
Lifestyle Interventions:
Weight management for joint health
Anti-inflammatory nutrition
Sleep optimisation
Stress management techniques
Referral Coordination:
Physiotherapy (NHS or private)
Pain clinics
Orthopaedic opinion
Imaging when appropriate
Busting Back and Joint Pain Myths
Myth: "Rest is best" Reality: Movement heals. Prolonged rest weakens muscles and stiffens joints.
Myth: "I need an MRI" Reality: Most back pain doesn't need imaging. MRIs often show "abnormalities" in pain-free people.
Myth: "Pain equals damage" Reality: Pain is complex. Severe pain doesn't always mean severe damage.
Myth: "It's just wear and tear—nothing can help" Reality: Even with arthritis, much can be done to reduce pain and improve function.
Myth: "Online doctors can't help with physical problems" Reality: Most musculoskeletal issues are managed through advice, exercises, and medication—all deliverable online.
Cost-Effective Care Pathways
Traditional Route:
GP appointment wait: 2-3 weeks
Referral to physio: 6-12 weeks
Physio assessment: £60-100
Follow-up sessions: £50-80 each
Total time: 3-4 months
Total cost: £200-400+
Online GP Route:
Same-day consultation: £120
Immediate treatment plan
Prescription if needed
Exercise program provided
Follow-up call if needed: £60
Fast-track referrals when required
Total time: Days, not months
Self-Management: Your Daily Toolkit
For Acute Pain:
Ice first 48 hours, then heat
Gentle movement every hour
Pain relief taken regularly
Avoid prolonged positions
Sleep supported by pillows
For Chronic Issues:
Daily exercise routine
Stress management
Weight optimisation
Ergonomic workspace
Regular activity variation
Warning Signs to Seek Help:
Pain worsening despite treatment
New numbness or weakness
Loss of function
Sleep severely affected
Mood impact
The Psychology of Pain
Online consultations excel at addressing the psychological aspects often overlooked in brief physical appointments:
Understanding pain science
Breaking fear-avoidance cycles
Setting realistic goals
Managing flare-ups
Building confidence
Research shows that understanding your pain reduces its intensity—something we have time to explain properly.
Success Stories
Sarah, 38, Remote Worker: "Months of upper back pain from home working. Online GP diagnosed postural strain, arranged DSE assessment letter for employer, prescribed gel, and gave specific exercises. Sorted without leaving home."
Mike, 55, Keen Golfer: "Back spasms ruining my game. Video consultation identified movement patterns causing issues. Got prescription anti-inflammatories and targeted exercises. Back on course in 2 weeks."
Emma, 42, Busy Mum: "Chronic knee pain, no time for appointments. Online GP managed medication, arranged private MRI, coordinated physio. All organised around school runs."
Making the Right Choice
Choose Online Consultation When:
You need initial assessment and guidance
Managing ongoing conditions
Requiring medication or sick notes
Seeking exercise and lifestyle advice
Coordinating care between services
Time and convenience matter
Seek Physical Assessment When:
Red flag symptoms present
Trauma or injury involved
Significant loss of function
Online GP recommends it
Treatment isn't progressing
The Bottom Line
Most back and joint problems—even severe ones—can be effectively assessed and managed through online consultations. The key is choosing a service that recognises its limitations and quickly arranges physical assessment when needed.
With back pain alone costing 40% of NHS sickness absence, quick access to quality advice isn't just convenient—it's economically essential. Why wait weeks in pain when evidence-based treatment can start today?
Remember: the best treatment for most musculoskeletal problems is education, appropriate medication, and guided exercise—all perfectly deliverable through a screen. The worst treatment? Waiting in pain while problems worsen.
Suffering with back or joint pain? Don't wait weeks for treatment to start. The Online GP offers same-day video consultations (£120) with experienced GPs who understand musculoskeletal problems. We'll assess your condition, provide immediate treatment plans, and arrange physical examination if needed. WhatsApp +44 7399323620 to book. Because pain shouldn't have to wait.
