The duration
Both a cold and back pain should not last longer than a week. If the symptoms have not disappeared after a week, they should at least have greatly improved. If the cold or back pain persists for a longer period of time or does not improve or even worsens in the course of time, a doctor should be consulted in any case.
Other reasons for consulting a doctor would be high fever or a strong feeling of illness. Even if a pronounced neck stiffness occurs or neurological symptoms such as numbness or paralysis occur, a hospital must be consulted immediately.
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