Back pain can range from annoying to debilitating. Knowing when to seek treatment at urgent care versus the emergency room can help you get the proper level of care quickly.
At Prestige ER, we’re committed to providing fast, compassionate care for severe back pain, ensuring you receive the treatment and peace of mind you need when it matters most.
Understanding Back Pain and Its Causes
Common Causes of Back Pain
According to The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, the annual average number of U.S. adults going to the ER for back pain is likely between 8-9 million per year.
The most common causes of back pain include:
- Injuries (e.g., sports- or work-related injuries).
- Herniated discs.
- Sprained, strained, and pulled muscles.
- Poor posture.
- Developmental abnormalities (e.g., scoliosis).
- Degenerative conditions (e.g., arthritis, spinal stenosis).
When Should You Go to the ER for Back Pain?
Signs That Require Immediate Emergency Care
Here is when to go to the emergency room for back pain:
- Severe pain that is sudden, unbearable, or worsening.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, as this is a warning sign of a potentially serious spinal cord issue.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, especially if it affects both sides of the body.
- Pain following a car accident, serious fall, or direct blow to the back.
- Back pain that is accompanied by a fever.
- Back pain that is accompanied by chest pain or difficulty breathing as this could indicate a heart-related problem.
ER vs. Urgent Care for Back Pain
Differences Between ER and Urgent Care for Back Pain
As a rule of thumb, urgent care centers are designed to treat non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries, including mild to moderate back pain.
However, back pain that is accompanied by loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness or weakness in the legs is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention in an emergency room. These symptoms could indicate a serious spinal cord injury or fracture.
When Urgent Care Is the Better Option
Urgent care is the best option if you’re experiencing mild to moderate back pain following a minor accident, lifting something heavy, or twisting awkwardly.
What Can the ER Do for Back Pain?
Diagnostic Tests and Evaluations in the ER
If you’re experiencing severe back pain and other concerning symptoms, here is what you can expect during your emergency room visit:
- Medical history and physical exam to assess your function, range of motion, strength, and reflexes.
- X-ray to identify breaks, fractures, or arthritis.
- MRI or CT scans to identify soft tissue damage (e.g., discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and spinal cord).
- Blood tests to identify possible infections or other conditions.
- Nerve study to identify or rule out nerve compression.
ER Treatment Options for Severe Back Pain
Depending on the severity and root cause of your symptoms, Prestige ER may treat your pain with one or more of the following:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or opioids to alleviate pain.
- Muscle relaxants to reduce muscle spasms.
- Cortisone injections to reduce inflammation.
- Heat and cold therapy to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
If your back pain is accompanied by neurological issues like loss of bladder or bowel control or numbness or weakness in the legs, you may need to see a specialist. Prestige ER can refer you to a neurologist or other specialist for further assessment, diagnostic testing, and treatments.
Managing and Preventing Severe Back Pain
The best ways to manage and prevent severe muscular back pain include the following:
- Rest to reduce strain.
- Alternate ice and heat therapy for 24-48 hours to reduce inflammation.
- Incorporate short walks or low-impact activities.
- Take over the counter or prescription pain relievers.
- Engage in regular physical therapy and exercise to strengthen core muscles, improve flexibility, and correct posture.
We provide rapid care for many medical emergencies, like back pain. We are veteran-owned and dedicated to providing excellent emergency services to our San Antonio community. Our mission is to provide personalized, superior care for you and your family—365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
Find a location and visit us today.
