Where can I go for help?
On rare occasion, back pain signals a serious medical problem. Seek immediate care if you have severe back pain.
For ongoing management and treatment of pain, there are several provider types available, including:
- Your Primary Care Provider
- Chiropractor
- Physical Therapist
- Acupuncturist
- Orthopedic Surgeon and Other Specialists
Learn more about these provider options.
Urgent care may be appropriate if you injured your back after hours or on the weekend and don’t want to (or can’t) wait see your regular provider.
- No appointment is needed for urgent care.
- An urgent care doctor may request a brief health history, conduct a medical exam, and possibly order X-rays or other diagnostic tests, if available at the facility. He or she may also prescribe medication to help relieve any immediate pain and will likely ask you to follow up with your PCP.
Visit the ER (or call 9-1-1) if you have a back injury or condition that is severe and possibly life-threatening, such as but not limited to:
- Back pain due to a fall or injury.
- Running a fever with severe back pain.
- Experiencing bowel or bladder problems along with back pain.