Back pain is something that can develop gradually over time or quickly because of an injury or trauma. One thing’s for certain though: You need relief from pain. As an established family practice physician in Bakersfield, California, Yadwinder Kang, MD can help you determine what’s causing your discomfort. Dr. Kang’s team at 1st Choice Urgent Care have helped numerous patients recover from back pain issues. Although the clinic offers flexible hours for walk-in visits, you can also schedule an appointment by calling or using the online booking feature.
What causes back pain?
Your spine is lined with dozens of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones (vertebrae) — plus cushioning discs between each vertebra. There’s a lot of room for injury, and pain may stem from a combination of issues. Some of the most common causes of back pain include:
- Herniated discs
- Sprains or strains
- Muscle spasms
- Arthritis or osteoporosis
- Sciatica or whiplash
Because the cause of back pain can worsen if left untreated, finding the source and getting treatment right away is important. Usually, your doctor can diagnose the cause of back pain right away by performing a physical examination, evaluating certain movements, and getting imaging (like an X-ray).
When should I see a doctor for back pain?
Back pain can become so debilitating that you miss out on work, school, or daily activities. Before it gets to that point, come into the clinic. You should see a doctor for back pain if you have:
- Numbness or tingling in your extremities
- Pain while walking or standing
- Difficulty getting out of a chair
- Swelling or tender spots
- Muscle spasms
It’s also important to let your doctor know if back pain is disrupting your sleep or is keeping you up at night. Any of these issues warrant a trip to the urgent care clinic.
How is back pain treated?
Back pain issues often resolve with lots of rest and relaxation, although it depends on what’s causing the pain. Part of your back pain treatment plan may include:
- Ice or heat compresses
- Physical therapy
- Manual spinal manipulations
- Cold laser therapy
- Strengthening exercises
If you have a whiplash injury or other type of neck injury, you might need a neck brace to help stabilize the injured area. If needed, your practitioner can also prescribe medications to help with pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. Getting through back pain issues can take several weeks or months. Part of your treatment plan, especially with physical therapy and chiropractic care, involves helping you become stronger to minimize issues with back pain and injuries in the future.
Get relief from back pain today by visiting 1st Choice Urgent Care. You can call or book an appointment online, or walk in for immediate treatment.