Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Seek emergency care for:
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness around the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs
Sudden or rapidly worsening limb weakness
Severe difficulty walking or maintaining balance
Trouble breathing or an inability to swallow
Severe pain after a major injury
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Arrange an assessment sooner for progressive numbness, weakness, worsening balance, unexplained swelling, or difficulty using an arm or leg.
Contact a clinician promptly if a joint becomes suddenly red, hot, and very painful, especially with fever.
These findings are not typical of a simple bone spur and may indicate another condition.
New or worsening trouble swallowing also deserves prompt evaluation.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is appropriate when pain lasts for several weeks, returns often, limits normal activities, or does not improve with initial self-care.
During routine follow-up, discuss whether the imaging finding matches the symptoms, which activities are safe, and how progress will be measured.
Repeat imaging is not always needed if symptoms and function are stable.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Bone spurs. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.