Urgent Care Treatment for Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain can be a significant hindrance to daily life, and unfortunately, many people suffer from it.

Whether it's due to poor posture, injury, or underlying medical conditions, it's important to take action to identify the cause and begin the appropriate course of treatment.

Please seek medical assistance for back and neck pain in the following instances:

• If the pain is severe and doesn't improve with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers.
• If the pain is accompanied by numbness or tingling in the arms or legs.
• If you have life-long instances of back pain and are over the age of 50.
• If you have weakness in the arms or legs or have difficulty walking or standing.
• If you have a history of cancer or osteoporosis.
• If the pain is the result of a fall or other injury.
• If you have a fever, experience incontinence or unexplained weight loss.
• If the pain lasts longer than a few weeks.

Do Urgent Care Centers offer Medication for Back Pain?

Urgent care centers may offer pain medications for back pain, but it ultimately depends on the severity of the pain and the provider's discretion.

Some providers may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, while others may prescribe stronger medications.

If you're experiencing back pain, it's best to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Can Urgent Care Treat a Pinched Nerve?

It's always best to consult a medical professional about health concerns.

Pinched nerve symptoms develop according to the degree of compression and location of the pinched nerve. Common symptoms can include the following:

• Pain
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning sensation

You may feel these symptoms in the area where the nerve is compressed or radiating to other body parts. For example, the pain can migrate to the arms if the pinched nerve is in the neck. A pinched nerve located in the lower back can cause pain or weakness in the legs.

If you have symptoms of a pinched nerve, visiting an urgent care center for an evaluation may be a good idea. Experienced medical practitioners can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment options.

However, if you are also experiencing weakness or are losing the ability to move your muscles, please seek specialist treatment or call 9-1-1 for emergency care.

Urgent Care Vs. ER for Back Pain

While neck pain is a common condition that can often be managed with home remedies or medical treatment, there are certain circumstances where it may be considered a medical emergency. Here are a few examples:

• Neck pain accompanied by fever, headache, or other symptoms that may indicate a serious infection.
• Neck pain following a head injury, such as a concussion or whiplash.
• Severe neck pain that limits movement and is accompanied by weakness, numbness, or tingling in the arms or legs.
• Neck pain that's accompanied by difficulty breathing or swallowing.
• Severe neck pain accompanied by a loss of bladder or bowel control.

Please seek emergency medical treatment if you have any of the above symptoms, in addition to neck pain. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes in these cases.

How Does Urgent Care Treat Back Pain?

The treatment approach for neck pain may vary depending on the pain’s underlying cause and severity.

Your urgent care medical professionals may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help manage mild to moderate pain.

Your practitioner might also suggest applying heat or ice to the affected area, performing gentle neck stretches, or using a neck brace to support the neck and alleviate discomfort.

If the pain is severe or caused by a more serious underlying condition, urgent care medical professionals may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment. Treatments might include physical therapy, prescription pain medication, or even surgery in rare cases.

Seeking prompt medical attention for neck pain can help prevent further complications and ensure proper treatment.

ClearChoiceMD: Your Resource for Effective Back Pain Treatment

Neck and back pain are among the many medical concerns treated at ClearChoiceMD. Our dedicated medical professionals are available seven days a week and always welcome walk-ins.

If you prefer to schedule an appointment, our online scheduling system makes booking your visit at a location near you easy.

Don't let pain hold you back any longer. Visit ClearChoiceMD Urgent Care today for the relief you need.