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 help for:
New or rapidly worsening arm or leg weakness
Numbness around the buttocks, genitals, or inner thighs
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Inability to pass urine
Severe back pain with confusion, faintness, or breathing difficulty
Rapidly worsening symptoms during treatment
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 prompt medical assessment for severe or persistent pain focused in one part of the back or neck, especially with fever, chills, night sweats, or unexplained illness.
Prompt assessment is also important for new back pain after a bloodstream infection, spinal procedure, surgery, or injection, or if you have a weakened immune system or inject drugs.
A child who suddenly refuses to walk, sit, crawl, or bear weight should be assessed.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
If diskitis has been diagnosed, keep routine follow-up appointments even when you feel better.
Contact the treating service if fever returns, pain steadily worsens, medicine cannot be taken, or an intravenous line becomes red, painful, swollen, or starts leaking.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Diskitis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.