Emergency Back Pain Treatment in Houston

When Back Pain Can’t Wait for an Appointment

While it’s common for most people to try to power through an occasional backache, sometimes back pain symptoms can be so severe that the thought of waiting for an appointment with a primary care physician seems unbearable. Severe back pain can indicate a larger problem. How can you tell, though, if it warrants a trip to the emergency room?

Signs You May Require Emergency Treatment for Back Pain

Back pain that doesn’t respond to rest may be a sign of an emergency, especially if you have given it some time to heal after an injury or strain. If the pain is accompanied by a fever, numbness, weakness, or incontinence (loss of bladder or bowel control), you should seek immediate medical attention. Likewise, individuals with specific medical conditions may have a more serious issue than “just” back pain. For instance, if you have a history of cancer, immunosuppression, recent traumatic injury, or intravenous drug use, you may need emergency back pain treatment.

When Urgent Care May Be a Better Option for Back Pain Treatment

Not all back pain is a dire emergency but could still benefit from prompt medical assessment when an appointment with your own doctor isn’t available within the week. If your back pain increases and won’t respond to over-the-counter medication or if it is accompanied by nausea, urgent care may be able to relieve your pain. Also, if your pain is worse when making specific movements or the pain radiating down your hip and/or leg, you should go to urgent care for treatment. An urgent care physician can prescribe medication to help control your symptoms in the short term and can offer referrals for further evaluations.