My Back Is Killing Me! Should I Go to the ER?

Back pain can be excruciating, and it can adversely affect your ability to carry out even simple tasks, such as sitting, standing, or walking. If you are in severe pain, you should certainly see a doctor for assistance. But should you go to the emergency room or wait until you can get an appointment with a qualified orthopedic physician? Well, that really depends on your circumstances. This blog post can help you decide whom to turn to for assistance.

When Is Back Pain a Medical Emergency?

Back pain can range from mild discomfort to debilitating agony. In some cases, it may signal a severe medical issue that requires immediate attention. You should consider visiting the emergency room if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:

• Back pain that is accompanied by loss of bowel or bladder control.
• Severe weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs or arms.
• A sudden, sharp pain that results from an accident or injury.
• Unrelenting pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medication.
• Fever or chills along with intense back pain, which may indicate an infection.
• Back pain associated with unexplained weight loss or a history of cancer.

What the Emergency Room Can Do for You

The emergency room focuses on stabilizing your condition and managing immediate, severe symptoms. When you arrive, medical staff will assess the urgency of your situation and perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans. These tests help identify broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or infections that may be causing your pain.

Emergency staff may also provide pain relief through medications or injections to help you regain mobility and minimize discomfort. If your condition is life-threatening, such as a spinal cord injury or infection, they can initiate treatment immediately or refer you to a specialist for further care.

It is important to note that while the ER is equipped to manage acute situations, it does not provide long-term solutions or specialized treatment for chronic back pain.

When to Visit an Orthopedic Physician

If your back pain is persistent but not indicative of an urgent emergency, you should consider scheduling an appointment with an orthopedic physician. Orthopedic specialists focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal issues, including those related to the spine.

An orthopedic physician can diagnose and treat a range of back pain causes, including:

• Herniated discs
• Scoliosis
• Muscle strain
• Arthritis
• Compressed nerves
• And more

These professionals can perform detailed evaluations and recommend treatments tailored to your needs, such as physical therapy, medication, injections, regenerative medicine, or even surgical intervention. Unlike the emergency room, orthopedic physicians provide comprehensive care that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying causes of your pain.

Do not ignore back pain! Consult the appropriate medical professional so you can take the first step toward restoring your health and mobility.

Meet the Practice

At the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics of Fort Lauderdale, our team is proud to provide a broad range of minimally invasive treatments that can effectively manage back pain. If you are ready to find freedom from ongoing discomfort, we would be happy to evaluate your situation and provide our expert opinion. Contact us at 954-563-2707.