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
Go to an emergency department immediately if you develop:
New difficulty starting urination or an inability to empty your bladder
New loss of bladder or bowel control
Numbness around the genitals, inner thighs, or buttocks
Rapidly worsening weakness, especially in both legs
Sudden inability to walk safely
These symptoms may indicate serious nerve or spinal cord compression.
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
Contact a healthcare service promptly if weakness is new or getting worse, you are repeatedly tripping or dropping objects, or neck symptoms are affecting balance and hand coordination.
Seek urgent assessment for severe back or neck pain accompanied by fever, a significant recent injury, unexplained weight loss, or a history that raises concern for infection or cancer.
They are different from routine pain flares and should not wait for a standard appointment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Arrange a routine appointment if pain travels into an arm or leg, lasts more than a few weeks, keeps returning, or limits work, sleep, or usual activity.
Also seek assessment for numbness or weakness, even if the pain is manageable.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Herniated disk. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.