If you’re experiencing back pain and want relief, chances are you’ve thought about visiting an urgent care center. This type of facility is a valuable resource for those who need medical attention right away but don’t require a hospital’s services. But can an urgent care center treat your back pain? The answer is yes—and here’s what to expect when you visit one.
We’ll walk you through the process of managing your back pain with urgent care treatment. From evaluating your pain to considering alternative treatments, we’ll give you the scoop on how to make sure you get the best care possible from your local urgent care facility.
What Is the Best Way to Care for an Aching Back?
If you suffer from back pain, the best way to manage it is through urgent care treatment. Urgent care clinics provide prompt and comprehensive care for issues such as back pain, providing you with the relief you need as quickly as possible.
The main benefit of treating your back pain with urgent care is that you can get in and out quickly. Urgent care centers have short wait times and provide a full range of services to meet your needs, including exams, X-rays, physical therapy, and more.
What Are Some Things to Consider When Seeking Urgent Care for Back Pain?
It’s important to consider all your options when managing back pain with urgent care. Urgent care centers offer immediate, convenient access to treatment for a variety of acute injuries and illnesses, including back pain. But not all urgent care visits are alike, and there are a few things you should keep in mind when seeking out treatment.
The first is the type of provider from whom you receive care. Depending on your needs and medical history, you may need to see an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist for a specific injury or to get advice about how to manage your pain long-term. It may also be beneficial to seek out an urgent care center with providers trained in dealing with the complexities of musculoskeletal issues such as back pain.
What Treatments and Medications Are Typically Used for Back Pain Management?
When it comes to managing your back pain management, the medications used will depend on the cause of your pain and how severe it is. However, some common medications used to manage acute back pain are:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen may help reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as relieve muscle aches.
- Acetaminophen can also help reduce pain by decreasing inflammation and reducing muscle tension without causing stomach irritation from NSAIDs.
- Opioids such as oxycodone, codeine, and hydrocodone might be prescribed if other treatments have been unsuccessful or if the acute back pain is severe.
What Are Some Tips for Making It Easier to Manage My Back Pain?
If you’re struggling with back pain, here are some tips to make it easier to manage:
Act!
Don’t wait too long before visiting an urgent care center and getting help. Remember that early treatment can help prevent the problem from getting worse or requiring more aggressive measures.
Ask Questions!
When visiting your urgent care provider, be sure to ask questions about your symptoms and the most effective treatments for them. It’s important to be proactive in understanding what may be causing your back pain so you can take steps to prevent further damage or discomfort.
Consider Physical Therapy
If your condition requires long-term management, physical therapy is likely to be recommended as part of your treatment plan. A physical therapist can help you strengthen and stretch targeted muscles, improve posture and increase flexibility.
Stay Active
It’s also important to stay active even when dealing with back pain—but it can be a challenge to find the right balance between rest and movement. Working with a physical therapist will ensure that you’re moving safely, minimizing strain on your lower back while gradually increasing activity levels over time.
