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Portland Urgent Care for Back Pain

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General Back Pain Information

Auto Accident Back Pain Information

Voted Best Urgent Care in Portland!

"Fast & professional staff, clean & welcoming facilities. They knew what they were doing and I like that they specialize in auto accidents. Also, they are connected to a treatment center next door, which also seems high-quality." - Gordon S.

INTEGRATED INJURY CARE - PORTLAND URGENT CARE & PORTLAND WELLNESS CARE

Urgent Care + Chiropractor Near You in Portland

Any type of back pain, discomfort or abnormal symptoms should be taken seriously. If you were recently in an accident your injury symptoms may not appear until several hours or the next day. Don’t ignore mild back pain or assume it will resolve on its own — visit Portland Urgent Care to receive your diagnosis and treatment.

Many back injuries require only short-term, temporary treatment -- our healthcare team at Portland Urgent Care and Portland Wellness Care provides examinations, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture and massage therapy.

Located in Portland's Hollywood District

4160 NE Sandy Blvd Suite 1200

Portland, OR 97212

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Top-Rated Urgent Care for Back Pain

With the Highest Star Rating & Most Reviews on Google in the Portland Area, You Don't Have to Just Take Our Word for It!

See All 3,000+ REVIEWS - 4.8 Stars

"We are proud of our caring, dedicated and hardworking staff who earn their 4.8 star Google ratings everyday."

- Dr. Hosko, MD, Founder & Owner

Having an appointment assures that you will not need to wait when you arrive for you visit. We will be prepared to assess your situation and determine the best possible solution for your back pain.

We typically have a wait time of under 15 minutes, but with an appointment you can schedule your urgent care visit in advance with a time that fits your schedule.

Schedule an Appointment for Back Pain Recovery in Portland

See A Back Pain Specialist Near You & Get Treatment

Are you suffering from new or ongoing lower back pain, and are unsure what the root cause is? Come in to Portland Urgent Care for any type of lower back pain today for a full check-up and diagnosis. We also provide physical therapy if needed, and consultations for other services such as acupuncture or chiropractic work that may need to be done.

Our staff of on-site chiropractors will be able to assess and diagnose your discomfort and help mitigate back pain. Visit us today to get started on your back pain treatment.

CUSTOMIZED CARE FOR YOUR BACK PAIN

1. Visit Our Clinic for Urgent Back Pain Care in Portland

2. Receive Integrated Back Pain Treatment Through:

What Can Portland Urgent Care Do For Back Pain?

GOING TO URGENT CARE FOR BACK PAIN

THE BACK PAIN RELIEF TEAM

Our healthcare teams are prepared to treat back pain of all kinds, including from: auto accident injuries, patients with chronic back pain, lifting with poor posture and aging. Helping you get relief from pain is our goal.

TREATING BACK PAIN  - SOFT TISSUE AND NERVE INJURY

Soft tissue injury - Soft tissue injuries may cause back pain, tightness, pinching, and muscle spasms. You might experience loss of normal movement and pain that worsens with activities like lifting, bending or twisting.

Nerve injury - Sciatica is a common set of symptoms that develops when a bulging or herniated disc compresses nerves in the lumbar spine. Sciatica is a type of nerve pain that causes one-sided pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the low back, buttock, leg and foot.

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE OR WALK IN

Contact us now. Our clinic accepts same day appointments or walk in patients 7 days a week. Don't wait any longer to feel better. We are here to help the healing process today!

PIP and INSURANCE PLANS ACCEPTED

If you back pain is due to an auto accident treatment may be covered through the PIP insurance, which we gladly provide records for and bill. We also accept most insurance plans and provide discounted rates to those who pay at the time of service. Act now before your symptoms worsen.

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CUSTOMIZED CARE FOR YOUR BACK PAIN

Back Pain Diagnosis & Treatment in Portland, Oregon

Medical Exam

At Portland Urgent Care our staff provides a complete medical examination for your back pain. Seeking medical help quickly will give you comfort in knowing the extent of your injury.

Back Pain Treatment Plan

We develop customized treatments for every patient, designed to meet your specific needs.  Our services integrate western medicine and physiotherapy with chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy.

Back Pain Management

We develop customized pain management treatments for every patient, utilizing complimentary approaches such as acupuncture and physiotherapy in addition to medication when needed.

Symptoms of Back Pain

The main symptom of back pain is an ache or pain anywhere in the back, and sometimes all the way down to the buttocks and legs.

Some back issues can cause pain in other parts of the body, depending on the nerves affected.

Seek Medical Help

You should seek medical help if you experience any numbness or tingling, or if you have back pain:

  • that does not improve with rest
  • after an injury or fall
  • with numbness in the legs
  • with weakness
  • with fever
  • with unexplained weight loss

Back Pain Exam - Chiropractor

At Portland Wellness Care our chiropractor will diagnose through touch, or palpation, and a visual examination.

The chiropractic is known as a direct approach, with a strong focus on adjusting the spinal joints.

We may also want to see the results of imaging scans and any blood and urine tests.

How Can We Help You?

INJURED IN AN AUTO-RELATED ACCIDENT & HAVE OREGON AUTO INSURANCE?

PIP - Personal Injury Protection & Medical Insurance

*Every driver in Oregon is required to carry Personal Injury Protection insurance, frequently called PIP, of at least $15,000 in medical coverage. This coverage is Oregon's version of no-fault insurance.

If you were injured in car accident or were hit by a vehicle, you are entitled to the max PIP (Personal Injury Protection) insurance* regardless of who is at fault. If you have auto insurance in the state of Oregon, you are entitled to benefits that will cover the cost of injury treatment and rehabilitation. Please contact our clinic for more information regarding medical coverage options you have.

TREATMEN FOR ALL TYPES OF BACK PAIN

Back Pain Doctors Near You

Rest & Activity Modification

For mild cases, rest, and avoiding activities that worsen the pain may be sufficient.

Heat/Cold Therapy

Applying heat or cold packs can help alleviate muscle spasms and reduce pain.

Medications

Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic adjustments may be beneficial for certain types of back pain, particularly those related to spinal misalignment.

Acupuncture

Some individuals find relief from back pain through acupuncture, which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body.
Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can help improve strength, flexibility, and posture while reducing pain.

 

At our sister clinic, Portland Wellness Care, we incorporate effective techniques like chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy and physio therapy to mitigate the effects of back pain and promote lasting recovery.

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Understanding Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most frequent medical issues that patients face all over the country. While most back injuries recover on their own within a few weeks, some cases of back pain may signify a dangerous condition that necessitates immediate medical attention. However, emergency rooms are often costly and include long wait times while you are in pain. If you cannot wait to go to your doctor, you can go to an urgent care to help you with your pain. First, let's answer all of your questions to determine so you can determine the best course of action. As back pain is common, urgent care can help you to cope with the symptoms and offers solutions to help you get back to feeling better.  

Should you go to urgent care for back pain?

Back discomfort, lower specifically, is the second most prevalent reason for a doctor's visit in the United States. It's a problem that affects not only athletes but also anyone who has bad posture or does a lot of physical activities like gardening or cleaning. Patients between the ages of 20 and 40 are the most typically impacted.

For these reasons going to urgent care for help back pain, especially when you cannot wait to see your primary care physician with an appointment. Waiting in an emergency room does not work for people with back pain either, as the chairs alone can worsen the problem, not to mention spending hours waiting. Emergency rooms do not offer first-come, first-serve to patients; they operate by who has the highest level of threat to life or limb.

Back pain can sometimes be a threat to life or limb but usually starts from trauma or exercise. If these do not apply to you, then urgent care works best. Not only will you not have to wait as long, but you can start to feel better sooner. Also, urgent care often costs a fraction of the price in emergency rooms. Lastly, urgent care often has the necessary medical equipment to determine any issue to help you feel better quickly.

How do I know if back pain is serious?

In some circumstances, back pain develops due to an injury, necessitating medical intervention to care for the spine. Other symptoms may appear, indicating that the back pain is not a one-time occurrence and is linked to other illnesses or ailments. Alternatively, it could be one time and still require immediate help. If you experience any of the following issues, seek help as soon as possible.

Sudden onset incontinence and back pain require medical attention as this could be a kidney stone or something more serious. Leg weakness with back pain could be related to the spine or sciatica and needs attention to reduce the risk of worsening the symptoms. Another symptom to look for is abdominal pain and back pain, as this may indicate an issue with several critical organs.

Next, if the pain makes it difficult to move or it's debilitating, then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Sharp shooting pain must be seen by a doctor, too, as this could indicate a serious problem. Finally, numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or other problems should be seen, too, as this could imply a neurological issue.

Symptoms of Serious Back Pain:

  • Persistent Pain: Pain that lasts for more than a few weeks, doesn't improve with rest, or worsens over time is a concerning symptom.
  • Radiating Pain: Pain that radiates from the back to the legs or arms may indicate nerve compression, such as in sciatica or radiculopathy.
  • Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the legs, arms, or other areas can be a sign of nerve involvement or spinal cord compression.
  • Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or "pins and needles" in the back, buttocks, or limbs can suggest nerve irritation or damage.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty moving the back or experiencing stiffness that restricts normal movement is a common symptom.
  • Pain Aggravated by Specific Movements: Certain movements or positions, such as bending, lifting, or twisting, may exacerbate the pain.
  • Pain at Night: Back pain that interferes with sleep and is not relieved by changing positions can be a sign of a more serious issue.
  • Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: Loss of bowel or bladder control, especially in conjunction with back pain, may indicate spinal cord compression and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Unexplained Weight Loss: Back pain accompanied by unexplained weight loss may be associated with underlying medical conditions like cancer.

When does back pain become urgent?

Back pain becomes urgent when it prevents you from your daily life. Some back pain does not require medical attention as it could arise from poor posture or too much exercise. However, urgent back pain includes the symptoms listed above or pains bad enough that it makes it difficult for you to live comfortably. If you have trouble sleeping, walking, or moving because of back pain, then the pain is urgent.

It can be difficult to distinguish between acute and chronic back pain, but the most important factor is the timing. A shooting, burning, or aching pain that comes on suddenly is the most prevalent sign of acute back pain. Acute pain can be relieved rapidly – in as little as two weeks – with a little time and at-home therapies, including over-the-counter pain relievers, cold and heat therapy. However, symptoms might appear suddenly or gradually with chronic back pain, but they must stay more than six weeks or be recurrent.

It is critical to understand that the first step is to avoid sitting or standing for extended periods. You can also try taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatories for discomfort and applying cold or heat to the hurting area if necessary. These home remedies will relieve any inflammation in your muscles or joints that is giving you pain.

What is the most common type of back pain?

Back pain can be caused by various accidents, ailments, or diseases, the most common of which is a back muscle or tendon injury. The intensity of pain varies from mild to severe. Common back pain includes stiffness, where your muscles become harder to move or to straighten. Next, posture problems are very common and may make you look bent over and cause discomfort. Muscle spasms are common too, which is where the muscles of the lower back contract without any control, and these are highly uncomfortable. Finally, radicular back pain refers to disc degeneration and can pinch a nerve leaving someone in major discomfort.

What are major causes of back pain?

Back pain frequently occurs without a known reason that your doctor can determine through a test or imaging study. Back discomfort is usually associated with strains, sprains, bulging or ruptured discs, arthritis, and osteoporosis. While all of these can cause extreme back pain, usually major causes for back pain stems from trauma such as an accident, sports, exercise, or a fall.  

How do you know if back pain is muscular or spinal?

Muscular back pain involves discomfort with movement as the muscles tighten and are usually localized. The pain can be dull, aching, or sharp. Sometimes the pain persists even at rest but will relax with rest eventually. Spinal pain happens at rest and with movement. Often the pain radiates and creates weakness. The pain can be dull, sharp, or achy and feel like electric pain and usually comes from arthritis or injury.

What is acute back pain?

Acute back pain refers to pain that lasts for at least four weeks. Subacute pain lasts from four to twelve weeks, while chronic pain lasts longer than twelve weeks. Essentially, acute pain refers to short-term pain often caused by injury or exercise. Strains or sprains of the soft tissues in the back, such as the muscles, tendons, and ligaments, are typical causes of acute back pain. This might happen when lifting a big object, especially if your posture is poor. In addition, muscle spasms often cause acute back discomfort.

Minor cases of acute back pain usually go away on their own. Rest is recommended for patients, but only for a day or two. A prolonged period of bed rest might exacerbate acute back pain. Your doctor may instead prescribe a pain reliever to help you endure movement. Working with a physical therapist to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak muscles may also be recommended. Heat and cold therapy, as well as chiropractic care, can provide quick relief.  

What is chronic back pain?

Chronic back pain refers to ongoing back pain that does not disappear after three months. The spine and the structures that support it are highly complicated. A variety of issues that impact these structures might cause chronic back discomfort. Because of the risk of physical reliance and tolerance, most oral pain relievers are not meant for long-term usage. Instead, a mix of treatments may be used to alleviate chronic back pain.

How does urgent care treat back pain?

Some urgent cares simply offer pain relief along with same-day or walk-in appointments. However, great urgent care offers an entire relief team to work with various issues such as accident injury, chronic pain, poor posture, and more. In addition, urgent care can help with soft tissue injuries such as back tightness, pinching, and spasms. They can also help with nerve injuries such as sciatica, bulging or herniated disks, and much more.

Portland Urgent Care employs a systematic approach to diagnose back pain effectively. Here are the steps typically involved in the diagnostic process:

  • Medical History: The healthcare provider will begin by taking a detailed medical history, asking about the onset of symptoms, their duration, and any relevant medical conditions or previous injuries.
  • Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is conducted to assess the range of motion, muscle strength, reflexes, and areas of tenderness or pain.
  • Imaging Studies: In many cases, imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), or CT (Computed Tomography) scans may be ordered to visualize the spine and identify structural abnormalities or injuries.
  • Nerve Function Tests: Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies may be conducted to assess nerve function and identify nerve compression or damage.
  • Specialized Consultations: In complex cases, the healthcare provider may refer the patient to a specialist, such as a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon, for further evaluation and consultation.

Why choose Portland Urgent Care for back pain treatment?

Back injuries are treated and managed in various ways at Portland Urgent Care. Soft tissue and nerve injuries can be treated with the expertise of a specialized back pain relief team with same-day and walk-in appointments. In addition, we collaborate with many insurance companies and PIP to provide faster service to more people. We can better serve you by integrating the use of integrated medical resources, which include both western and eastern medical healthcare. Our chiropractors, physical therapists, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help you find relief. Furthermore, we will create a treatment plan for each patient tailored to their specific needs. Portland Urgent Care has the resources you need to address your back problems and relieve your suffering.

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We Treat All Forms of Back Pain:

Mechanical Back Pain

General back pain like this is often related to muscle strain, ligament sprain, or mechanical issues in the spine. It typically worsens with certain movements.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Over time, the intervertebral discs in the spine can degenerate, leading to pain and reduced flexibility.

Herniated Disc

A herniated or slipped disc occurs when the soft inner material of a disc leaks out and presses on nearby nerves, causing pain and possibly numbness or weakness.

Sciatica

Sciatica is characterized by radiating pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs. It is often caused by compression of the nerve.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis involves the narrowing of the spinal canal, which can lead to nerve compression and pain, particularly in the lower back and legs.

Spondylolisthesis

This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, resulting in back pain and potential nerve compression.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

An inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.

Fractures

Trauma or osteoporosis can cause vertebral fractures, resulting in acute pain and changes in posture.

Back Pain: Frequently Asked Questions

Back pain is a prevalent health issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain, significantly impacting one's quality of life. Understanding the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and when to seek care at a place like Portland Urgent Care is essential for managing back pain effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the symptoms of serious back pain, how Portland Urgent Care diagnoses back pain, available treatment options, the different types of back pain, the reasons behind its prevalence, and when it is necessary to visit an urgent care facility for back pain.

How do you explain back pain to the doctor?

You explain the location, quality, and severity of pain, when the back pain is worse and when it is better, and any other general symptoms you have with the back pain.

When should you go to urgent care for back pain?

Any new back pain should be evaluated.  If you have recurrent lower back pain from motion or weight bearing activities or have a hard time walking, an urgent care evaluation is necessary.

Should I go to the ER or urgent care for back pain?

Emergency rooms specialize in life-threatening illness and injuries.  Urgent cares are usually the best place to evaluate new back pain.

How do I know if my back pain is serious? Why would my back hurt all of a sudden?

Severity of lower back pain is determined by a thorough evaluation and diagnostic tests such as x-rays and ultrasound. There are several potential reasons for sudden back pain. Muscle strain and spasm is very common, though it is best to be evaluated by a medical professional to get a proper diagnosis.

Why is back pain so common?

Sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, and excessive sitting contribute to muscle imbalances and weak core muscles, increasing the risk of back pain. As people age, the spine undergoes natural degenerative changes, making it more susceptible to pain and injury. Hazardous jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive motions, or prolonged periods of sitting can strain the back and increase the risk of injury. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate pain perception and contribute to the development of chronic pain. Inactivity and a lack of regular exercise can weaken the supporting muscles of the spine, making it more susceptible to injury.

What can an urgent care doctor do for severe back pain?

Depending on the diagnosis, a medical provider at an urgent care can provide pain relief using treatments such as medications, local injections, and also write a referral for rehab therapy.

How do you know if back pain is muscle or disc?

Getting a proper diagnosis from a medical professional is the best way to be sure. Other signs of disc injury can be bowel or bladder changes, numbness, tingling and weakness in your lower extremities.

What doctor should I see for my back pain? How long should back pain last?

New back pain can be evaluated by your personal physician or an urgent care provider. If on the right treatment plan, back pain should last 1-2 weeks typically. Come in to Portland Urgent Care or book an appointment for back pain treatment today.

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