Urgent Care for Back Pain Treatment in Fairfax, VA

At Prima Urgent Care, we frequently see patients who are suffering from back pain. Understanding the causes of back pain is crucial to providing effective treatment.

In our practice, we often see patients with structural issues such as herniated intervertebral discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, all of which can cause significant discomfort and interfere with a patient’s daily life. Similarly, nerve-based problems like sciatica can also lead to back pain, making it difficult for patients to go about their daily activities.

Another common issue we see is muscle strains and sprains, often a result of improper lifting, sudden movements, or poor posture. In addition to these common causes, we also see patients who have back pain as a result of infections, or other health conditions.

We understand that there are many contributing factors to back pain. Age, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, and poor posture can all play a role. We are dedicated to helping our patients understand their back pain and find effective treatment options.

Urgent care offers immediate and valuable assistance in managing back pain, whether it has a sudden onset or is a chronic issue. Back pain is a common ailment affecting people of all ages, and while some instances may resolve on their own, others may require medical attention. At our practice, we provide a convenient and efficient option for addressing back pain that necessitates immediate care.

• Diagnosis and Evaluation: One of the key ways we can help with back pain is through prompt diagnosis. Our providers can quickly evaluate symptoms, inquire about the duration of pain, conduct a physical examination to assess mobility, posture, and range of motion, and consider any associated factors. We use diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, to pinpoint the source of back pain, including fractures or herniated discs.

• Pain Management: Once the cause of the pain is identified, our physicians can provide immediate treatment to manage the symptoms. This could involve prescribing medications such as over-the-counter pain relievers, muscle relaxants, or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation and discomfort. In some cases, they might also provide injections for quick relief from acute pain or prescribe prescription-strength medications such as opioids for severe pain.

Back pain is a common ailment suffered by many individuals, varying from a dull, continuous ache to a sudden, sharp sensation. While the majority of back pain cases are not severe and can be managed with self-care techniques such as rest, ice, heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers, they can sometimes point to serious conditions like a herniated disc, fracture, or infection. Recognizing when to seek immediate medical attention is essential in such cases.

Immediate Back Pain Symptoms:

Severe back pain that doesn’t improve with rest warrants a visit to urgent care. Other immediate symptoms that necessitate a visit include:

• A sudden onset of severe back pain, particularly if accompanied by numbness or weakness in the legs or feet, or difficulty walking or standing.
• Constant, intense pain lasting for more than a few days.
• Back pain associated with fever, chills, unexplained weight loss, or trauma to the back such as a fall or car accident.

Other Signs to Seek Urgent Care:

If your back pain stems from a fall or trauma, such as a sports injury, you should seek immediate medical help. This could indicate a spinal injury, which, if left untreated, could lead to serious complications. Other signs to consider urgent care include:

• Progressive worsening of back pain.
• Pain interfering with daily activities or sleep.
• Persistent back pain is unresponsive to home remedies (rest, over-the-counter pain relievers).
• Pain accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

Ignoring urgent back pain can delay treatment and lead to serious complications, such as permanent nerve damage or spinal cord injuries. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it’s crucial to seek urgent medical attention at Prima Urgent Care.

What to Expect at Urgent Care:

At urgent care, a healthcare provider will:

• Take your medical history.
• Perform a physical exam.
• Order imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, or MRI) if necessary.
• Provide pain relief or explore other options.
• Refer you to a specialist or recommend further evaluation if needed.

Back pain is a common health issue that many people experience and the severity of it can greatly vary. In some instances, professional medical aid may be required to manage and treat the pain. Urgent care is equipped to handle such situations and help patients who are experiencing severe back pain that’s affecting their everyday lives.

Prima Urgent Care is an urgent care center designed to offer immediate treatment to patients with non-life-threatening conditions. We function as an intermediary between your primary care physician and the emergency room, providing immediate relief and assessment for a variety of health concerns.

If you are someone dealing with severe back pain, our team will assess your condition and provide initial treatment. However, if your pain doesn’t seem to alleviate with home treatment, or if it’s a result of a serious condition like a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, we will refer you to a relevant specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

This referral process is crucial because severe back pain often requires the attention of a specialist, such as a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, or rheumatologist, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.

If you’re dealing with severe back pain, do not hesitate to seek help at Prima Urgent Care. We will ensure you get the necessary treatment or refer you to a specialist if we diagnose a serious condition that falls outside of our scope of practice. We serve patients from Fairfax VA, South Riding VA, Dulles VA, Chantilly VA, Stone Ridge VA, Oakton VA, Legato VA, Burke VA, Oak Hill VA, Lees Corner VA & BEYOND! Our Fairfax location is close to Fair Oaks Hospital, Fair Oaks Mall, and Greenbriar Shopping Center.