Back pain is a common complaint for many Americans. In fact, 60 to 70 percent of people experience back pain at some point in their lives, according to the World Health Organization. If you have back pain, it can be hard to decide if it will get better on its own, or if you need to visit your Reno, NV, urgent care doctor, Dr. Ali Nairizi of United Pain Urgent Care.
What causes back pain?
Sometimes the reasons for back pain are obvious. You might feel something pull or pop after a fall or when you lift something heavy. Accidents and poor lifting techniques aren't the only causes of back pain. An ache in your back can also be caused by:
- Poor posture
- Obesity
- Sciatica
- Disc problems
- Fractures
- Infections
- Painful trigger points (knots) in tissues
- Arthritis
- Pinched nerves
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Bone spurs
- Facet joint disease
- Cancer
When is the right time to visit urgent care?
A trip to the Reno, NV, urgent care for back pain may be a good idea if:
- Your pain isn't getting better: If your pain hasn't improved after a few weeks of rest and over-the-counter pain relievers, now is the perfect time to see your urgent care doctor.
- Your pain is severe or getting worse: Severe or worsening pain isn't a good sign and could mean that you have a serious injury or condition.
- You can't sleep at night: Pain often feels worse at night and can keep you up. If your back pain is causing sleep issues, don't put off your visit to urgent care.
- You have numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs in addition to back pain: These symptoms could indicate an issue with your spinal cord and shouldn't be ignored.
- Your back feels hot and is red and swollen: An infection could be to blame for your symptoms. Prompt treatment is essential and can prevent an infection from spreading.
- You have any of these symptoms: You'll need to see your urgent care doctor right away if your back pain is accompanied by a fever, weight loss, or a change in bowel movements or urination.
Relieve your back pain with a visit to United Pain Urgent Care in Reno, NV. Appointments aren't required to see Dr. Nairizi at the walk-in clinic. If you have any questions, call the urgent care office at (775) 384-1380.