Practical advice and support for back pain from telehealth doctors
Hurt your back, or dealing with pain that keeps coming back? Speak to our online doctors by phone or video for advice on managing your pain, referrals when needed, and a medical certificate if you need time off work.
Flat rate Telehealth consultation: $55 weekdays / $75 weekends
Get Back Pain Advice Online Today
Telehealth Consultations and Treatment from the Comfort of Home
About Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons Australians see a GP. Most low back pain comes from strain on the muscles, ligaments and joints rather than serious damage, and it usually improves within a few weeks.
Common Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness in the lower, middle or upper back
- Pain that's worse with certain movements or sitting for long periods
- Muscle spasm
- Pain that spreads into the buttock or leg
How Our Doctors Can Help
During a secure telehealth consultation, our GPs can:
- Assess your symptoms and history, and check for signs that need in-person care
- Advise on staying active, pain relief options and a safe return to normal activities
- Prescribe treatment if clinically appropriate (Teldoc doesn't prescribe S8 or S4D controlled medicines)
- Refer you for imaging when it's clinically needed, as scans often aren't needed for non-specific back pain
- Provide a specialist referral, and suggest seeing a physiotherapist where it may help
- Provide a medical certificate for time off work
When to Get Urgent Help
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department if your back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin or buttocks, new weakness or numbness in your legs, fever or feeling very unwell, pain after a major fall or accident, or severe pain that isn't eased by rest or any position. Also tell your doctor if you have a history of cancer, osteoporosis or unexplained weight loss.
Tips for Managing Back Pain
- Keep moving gently, as long bed rest usually slows recovery
- Use heat packs to ease muscle tension
- Take regular short breaks from sitting
- Build up activity gradually as the pain settles
Get Help Today
Back pain can make everyday life hard work. Connect with an online doctor, often within 15 minutes, for practical advice from anywhere in Australia.
Satisfied patients
Experience for yourself why thousands of Australians trust Teldoc as their telehealth online doctor service.
Read our guide: Lower Back Pain: When to Rest, When to Move and When to Worry.
Teldoc Back Pain FAQs
Can a doctor assess back pain over telehealth?
Yes. For most back pain, a careful history is the most important part of the assessment. If your doctor needs to examine you in person, they’ll let you know.
Do I need a scan for my back pain?
Often not. Most back pain improves without a scan. Your doctor will refer you for imaging if your symptoms or history suggest it’s needed.
Can I get a medical certificate for back pain?
Yes. If clinically appropriate, your doctor can email a medical certificate for work after your consultation.
Can you prescribe strong pain medication?
Teldoc doesn’t prescribe S8 or S4D controlled medicines, including strong opioids. Your doctor will discuss other suitable pain relief options.
How much does an online consultation cost?
Consultations are $55 on weekdays and $75 on weekends and public holidays. There is no Medicare rebate for general consultations. See our Pricing page for full details.
Is back pain from a workplace injury covered?
Teldoc can’t complete workers’ compensation paperwork, so for a work injury please see a GP in person.
Medically reviewed by Dr Vafa Derakshan (MBBS, FRACGP), September 2026