Find care near me Key Points
- Back injuries are common and can be either acute, causing sudden severe pain, or overuse injuries, which develop gradually.
- Acute back injuries can include nerve compression, disc issues, sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations, with the latter two requiring immediate emergency attention to avoid spinal cord damage and paralysis.
- Overuse back injuries typically heal on their own within a month and are caused by everyday activities.
- Treatment for back injuries depends on the type, severity, location, the individual's age, and overall health.
- The Solv app is a recommended tool for booking appointments at local urgent care clinics for back injury treatment.
At some point in their lives, most people will have to deal with some sort of minor back injury. We often associate these injuries with the aches and pains that come with getting older. But, back injuries can happen to anyone at any time, and while most of them are minor, some back injuries can be severe. It’s important to know the difference between minor and severe back injuries so that you can get the right treatment and minimize the risk for causing permanent damage to your back.
Back injuries are typically classified as being either acute or overuse injuries. Acute injuries happen suddenly and cause severe pain. These include:
- Nerve compression in the spine
- A bulging or torn disc
- A sprain or strain to the ligaments or muscles in the spine
- Spine fracture
- Spine dislocation
In cases of spine fracture or dislocation, the injured person should not attempt to move themselves, as there is risk of spinal cord injury and paralysis. Instead, call 911 to have trained first responders immobilize the injured person and transport them correctly to minimize the risk of permanent damage.
Overuse back injuries tend to happen gradually as a result of everyday activities like bending or twisting. Most overuse injuries go away on their own within about four weeks. At-home treatments like pain medication and ice can be used to minimize pain as the injury heals.
Generally speaking, treatment for a back injury will depend on the type, severity, and location of the injury, as well as the age and overall health of the injured individual. Only a doctor can evaluate your back injury and prescribe the best course of treatment for your unique situation. One of the best places to go for treatment of a back injury is an urgent care clinic. These facilities have extended hours at night and on the weekend, so you can get your back injury looked at no matter when it occurs.
To conveniently make an appointment at an urgent care near you, use the Solv app. Solv helps you find all of the local urgent cares that take your insurance, and then lets you find an appointment so that you don’t have to spend hours in the waiting room with an injured back. Get fast and convenient treatment for your back injury by using Solv to book your urgent care appointment today.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two main types of back injuries?
The two main types of back injuries are acute, which happen suddenly and cause severe pain, and overuse injuries, which occur gradually due to everyday activities.What should I do if someone has a spine fracture or dislocation?
If someone has a spine fracture or dislocation, it's crucial not to move them due to the risk of spinal cord injury and paralysis. You should immediately call 911.How long does it usually take for an overuse back injury to heal?
Overuse back injuries usually heal on their own within about four weeks.What factors determine the treatment for a back injury?
The treatment for a back injury depends on the type, severity, and location of the injury, as well as the age and overall health of the individual.Where can I seek treatment for a back injury?
Urgent care clinics are recommended for treating back injuries. They often have extended hours, making them a convenient option.How can I conveniently book an appointment for a back injury treatment?
You can use the Solv app to conveniently book an appointment at a local urgent care clinic that accepts your insurance.What is the Solv app?
The Solv app is a tool that allows you to book appointments at local urgent care clinics, providing fast and convenient treatment options.Are urgent care clinics suitable for all types of back injuries?
While urgent care clinics can handle many types of back injuries, severe cases such as fractures or dislocations should be treated as emergencies and require immediate attention from a hospital.
