What Will Urgent Care Do For Lower Back Pain Reddit

Your primary care provider is the best choice for an acute illness or

Lower back pain can be very frustrating and often it is hard to know where to turn for help. Fortunately, there are options available to those who suffer with lower back pain. Urgent care is one of those choices. Urgent Care centers are staffed by healthcare professionals who are equipped to diagnose and treat a wide variety of injuries and illnesses. To begin the process, they typically will take a medical history and do a physical examination to determine the cause of your pain. If necessary, medical imaging tests, such as an x-ray, may be ordered to better diagnose lower back pain.

Diagnosing Lower Back Pain

At urgent care, a healthcare professional is trained in diagnosing lower back pain and can usually determine the cause within a few minutes. A medical history and physical examination can tell a lot about the pain you are experiencing. The physical examination may include bending and stretching and other exercises to isolate any muscles that may be contributing factor.

Diagnosing lower back pain can also involve imaging tests such as an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan, which can determine if there is any structural damage to your spine or associated structures. Additionally, blood tests can be ordered to look for infection or other abnormalities that may be causing your lower back pain.

Treating Lower Back Pain

Treatment for lower back pain is generally going to depend on the underlying cause of the pain. For instance, if the lower back pain is caused by muscle strain or spasms, the healthcare professional will likely recommend rest and using heat or cold packs to reduce pain and inflammation. Stretching and massage can also be helpful.

If the pain is due to a herniated disc, the healthcare professional will likely prescribe a combination of anti-inflammatory medications and muscle relaxants. In some cases, physical therapy may also be recommended to help strengthen the affected area and reduce pain. Surgery may be recommended if the pain is severe or stubborn and doesn’t respond to more conservative treatments.

Preventing Lower Back Pain

In some cases, lower back pain can be prevented if steps are taken to improve the health of your spine and reduce strain or pressures on it. Regular exercise focusing on the core muscles supporting the spine can help to strengthen the spine and reduce lower back pain. Additionally, if you need to lift heavy items, be sure to use your legs and not your back to lift the object.

Good posture is also important to prevent lower back pain. If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk or computer, be sure to keep your back upright and supported, using a chair with proper lumbar support. It’s also important to maintain proper alignment when you sleep by using a mattress that supports your back.

The Benefits of Urgent Care

One of the main benefits of urgent care is the convenience. If you’re suffering with lower back pain, you don’t have to wait for days to get an appointment with your primary care doctor. Urgent care centers are open late and on weekends so you don’t have to worry about waiting in line for hours. Furthermore, the medical staff at an urgent care center will get you in and out faster than a regular doctor's office.

The cost of visiting an urgent care center is usually much lower than that of a regular doctor’s office visit. The average cost of an urgent care visit is only about $100 but this can vary depending on the tests and procedures that are necessary. In contrast, an office visit with a regular doctor can easily cost a few hundred dollars.

When to Visit an Urgent Care Center for Lower Back Pain

If your lower back pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Urgent care centers are equipped with the tools and personnel necessary to diagnose and treat lower back pain, and they can often provide you with relief quickly. If the pain persists or worsens, your healthcare professional may refer you to a specialist.

At an urgent care center, lower back pain can be diagnosed and treated quickly and effectively. If you’re suffering from lower back pain, don’t hesitate to visit an urgent care center right away. You’ll be back on your feet in no time.