You know that feeling when you’ve been glued to your office chair for 12 hours straight, barely moving except to refill your coffee?
And then.. OUCH! Your lower back starts screaming for mercy.
Or maybe you’re an athlete who just powered through an intense gym session, only to realize your back pain just got ten times worse.
Almost 80% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives. It can mess with your work, your workouts, and even your sleep. And you might start wondering:
Should I let it be or head to urgent care?
Urgent care clinics can help you get quick relief, whether your pain is from bad posture, a sudden strain, or something more serious. In this blog, we’ll break down when to try at-home remedies and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain can affect people of different ages and can be caused by muscle strains and lifestyle triggers.
Common causes of back pain include:
- Poor posture
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Psychological stress
- Sciatica
- Ankylosing spondylitis
It is very important to understand the causes of back pain so you can prevent this discomfort in the future.
If your back pain does not get better, despite the remedies, you should contact your healthcare provider for medical guidance and to discuss any potential complications in the future.
Signs Along With Back Pain That You Should Not Ignore
You can experience different kinds of back pain, such as acute, chronic, upper, and lower, and according to your condition, you can identify whether your pain is serious or not.
If any signs apply to your back pain, remember to book an appointment and get checked as soon as possible.
- Having pain for more than a week
- Body pain
- Your pain gets worse at certain times.
- Numbness or pins and needles in the groin
- Weakness in the legs
- Stiffness in the morning
If your back pain lasts more than three days, you should immediately contact your provider for proper medical attention.
5 Doctor Recommended Remedies To Ease Back Pain At Home
Back pain can throw off your entire day, making even simple tasks feel impossible. If you’re struggling, here are some targeted ways to ease the discomfort at home:
Alternate Between Heat & Cold: If you had a back injury, apply an ice pack for 15-20 minutes in the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation. If you did not have any injury, then use a heating pad to relax stiff muscles and improve blood flow.
Use a Pain Relief Cream: Look for topical creams with menthol, camphor, or capsaicin to numb the pain and reduce muscle soreness. A gentle massage while applying the cream can boost circulation.
Prioritize Quality Sleep: A firm mattress and sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can relieve pressure on your spine. Avoid stomach sleeping as it strains your back.
Reduce Pressure on Your Back: Maintain good posture, especially if you sit for long hours. Use a lumbar support cushion, keep both feet flat on the floor, and take breaks to stretch every 30-45 minutes.
Although these home remedies can offer you relief, if your pain persists or you experience numbness, weakness, loss of bladder control, or shooting pain down your legs, don’t ignore it. Seek urgent care for a proper evaluation and treatment.
Does Urgent Care Offer Medication For Pinched Nerve and Back Pain?
Yes, urgent care clinics can provide medication for pinched nerves and back pain. Pinched nerves can occur when too much pressure is applied to nerves by surrounding tissues, such as bones. This condition can lead to pain in the neck and back.
But before that, a proper diagnosis is necessary. You can also visit our urgent care clinics in Chicago and Schererville for proper and accurate testing and diagnosis.
Urgent care centres provide medicine according to your condition, such as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants and more.
Can You Go To Urgent Care For Sciatica Pain?
Yes, urgent care can help you with sciatica pain. If you notice moderate to severe pain in your back that is radiating towards your legs, don’t wait; just book an appointment at the urgent care center and get your pain medication.
Our urgent care clinic offers medications such as acetaminophen, corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medicines, and muscle relaxants.
It is important to visit urgent care promptly if you experience symptoms like intense pain, leg weakness, and numbness in the groin area.
What Can You Expect At Urgent Care For Back Pain?
At urgent care, the physician will assess your condition and recommend treatment based on your symptoms. Here’s what typically happens:
Medical History & Questions: You’ll be asked about when the pain started, how severe it is, and whether certain movements make it worse. They’ll also check for past injuries or medical conditions.
Physical Examination: Your doctor may ask you to bend, twist, or lift your legs to check for muscle strain, nerve issues, or spinal problems.
Diagnostic Tests (If Needed):
- X-rays to check for fractures or arthritis.
- MRI if a herniated disc or nerve compression is suspected.
- Blood tests in rare cases to rule out infections or inflammatory conditions.
Pain Management Medications:
- Muscle relaxants for spasms.
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling.
- Prescription pain relievers if needed.
- Cortisone injections for severe pain.
Recovery & Lifestyle Adjustments: Your doctor may recommend posture corrections, stretches, and follow-up care if the pain persists.
If your pain worsens or comes with numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control, urgent care will guide you on the next steps.
How Family Urgent Care Can Help You with Back Pain?
Family Urgent Care provides various services for back pain, such as X-rays, pain relief medications and advice on lifestyle modifications.
We understand how difficult back pain can be; that’s why we offer fast and effective care for our patients, allowing them to find relief quickly.
Our medical team analyzes your condition and suggests treatment according to your condition.
If your back pain is caused by poor posture or muscle strain, we provide medicines and lifestyle guidance to help you get better quickly.
At Family Urgent Care, you can get fast and effective care for your health concerns. Our experienced medical team is ready to make you feel better. Visit our website and book an appointment now to get the best medical care.
FAQs
Go to the ER if your back pain is severe, comes with numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder control, or makes it hard to walk. These could be signs of a serious condition. If the pain is mild to moderate and not linked to a major injury, urgent care can evaluate and treat it with medications, physical exams, and imaging if needed.
Should I go to urgent care if I hurt my back?
Yes, you should go to urgent care for your back pain. If the pain is mild and does not cause discomfort in your daily routine, then urgent care can help you provide initial treatment and follow-up care visits if needed.
Can urgent care provide injections for back pain relief?
Yes, the urgent care center can provide an injection for your back pain; usually, they provide corticosteroid shots to reduce discomfort and inflammation.
Does urgent care accept insurance for back pain treatment?
Yes, urgent care accepts insurance for back pain treatment.
Will I get a referral to a specialist if needed?
If your clinical condition demands your referral, urgent care will immediately refer you to a specialist. Moreover, if your back pain is severe and does not get better after you visit the urgent care center, then also you’ll be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
How much does an urgent care visit for back pain cost without insurance?
Urgent visits for back pain without insurance cost between $100 and $150, but the cost will increase if additional tests are required.