Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit urgent care. In fact, it’s the leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. If you’re dealing with back pain and wondering whether to head to urgent care for back pain or tough it out at home, this guide will help you decide.
At CityHealth Urgent Care in San Leandro, we see patients with back pain every day. We can assess your symptoms, order X-rays on-site, and get you started on a treatment plan — no appointment needed.
What Causes Back Pain?
Back pain has many causes. Understanding what’s behind your pain helps determine the right treatment — and whether you need urgent care at all.
Muscle Strain or Sprain
Muscle strain is the most common cause of back pain. It happens when you overstretch or tear a muscle or ligament in your back. This often occurs from lifting something heavy, twisting awkwardly, or sitting in a bad position for too long.
Signs of muscle strain include:
- A dull, aching pain in the lower back
- Stiffness and limited range of motion
- Pain that gets worse with movement but feels better with rest
- Muscle spasms
Most muscle strains improve within a few days to a few weeks with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Herniated or Bulging Disc
The discs between your vertebrae act as cushions. When one bulges or ruptures, it can press on nearby nerves. A herniated disc often causes sharp, shooting pain that travels down one leg — a condition called sciatica.
Herniated discs don’t always require surgery. Many cases improve with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and time. But they do benefit from a proper evaluation.
Could It Be Your Kidneys?
Not all back pain comes from your spine or muscles. Kidney-related pain is usually felt on one side of your mid-to-upper back, often just below the rib cage. It may come with fever, chills, painful urination, or blood in your urine.
If your back pain feels different from typical muscle soreness — especially if you have urinary symptoms — get evaluated right away. A kidney infection needs antibiotic treatment, and a kidney stone may need additional intervention.
Urgent Care for Back Pain: When to Go
Most back pain can be safely treated at home for a day or two. But certain symptoms mean you should seek care sooner rather than later.
Visit CityHealth Urgent Care in San Leandro if you have:
- Back pain that started after a fall, accident, or injury
- Pain that is severe or getting worse despite rest
- Pain that has lasted more than a week without improvement
- Back pain with fever, chills, or urinary symptoms (possible kidney issue)
- Numbness or tingling down one or both legs
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- Back pain combined with unexplained weight loss
When Back Pain Needs the ER
Some types of back pain are medical emergencies. Go to the emergency room — do not wait for urgent care — if you experience:
- Cauda equina syndrome: Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, and severe weakness in both legs. This is a spinal emergency that requires immediate surgery.
- Severe trauma: Back pain after a car accident, fall from height, or direct blow to the spine
- Signs of spinal infection: High fever, chills, and back pain together — especially after recent surgery or IV drug use
- Suspected fracture: Known osteoporosis plus a new, sudden back pain
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms are an emergency, it’s always safer to call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
What Happens at Urgent Care for Back Pain
When you visit CityHealth for back pain, here’s what to expect:
Physical Exam
Your provider will ask about when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and whether you have any other symptoms. They’ll check your range of motion, reflexes, and sensation in your legs to rule out nerve involvement.
On-Site X-Ray
CityHealth has digital X-ray services on-site in San Leandro. If your provider suspects a fracture, arthritis, or significant spinal change, they can order an X-ray right there — no referral, no second trip. X-rays are useful for ruling out bony causes of back pain, though soft tissue issues like disc herniations require an MRI (which we can refer you for).
Treatment Options
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment at CityHealth may include:
- NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) — reduce inflammation and pain
- Muscle relaxants — help with muscle spasms that are limiting movement
- RICE protocol — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation for acute strains
- Activity modification — guidance on how to move safely while healing
- Referral for imaging or specialist care — if your case is more complex
Home Care for Mild Back Pain
For mild muscle strain without neurological symptoms, these steps can help:
RICE Protocol for Back Pain
- Rest: Avoid activities that make the pain worse, but don’t stay in bed all day — gentle movement actually helps
- Ice: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes at a time during the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation
- Compression: A back brace or support belt can help stabilize the area
- Elevation: Lie on your back with a pillow under your knees to take pressure off the spine
Over-the-Counter Options
Ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) work better for back pain than acetaminophen (Tylenol) in most cases because they reduce inflammation. Take them as directed on the package. If you have kidney issues or take blood thinners, check with a provider first.
Keep Moving
Bed rest used to be the standard recommendation for back pain. We now know that’s the wrong approach. Gentle walking, stretching, and staying active speeds up recovery. Avoid prolonged sitting — get up and move for a few minutes every hour.
Related Conditions We Can Help With
Back pain often travels with other musculoskeletal issues. If you’ve been dealing with leg pain from nerve pressure, check out our guide on urgent care for a pinched nerve. If your back pain followed a car accident or sports injury, our urgent care vs ER guide can help you decide where to go. And if foot pain is part of the picture, see our post on urgent care for foot pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can urgent care treat severe back pain?
Yes. CityHealth can evaluate and treat most causes of back pain, including muscle strains, spasms, and nerve pain. We can prescribe medications and order X-rays on-site. For severe cases that may need an MRI or specialist, we’ll provide a referral.
How long does back pain last?
Most acute back pain from muscle strain resolves within 4-6 weeks. Chronic back pain (lasting more than 12 weeks) needs ongoing management. If your pain isn’t improving after two weeks, see a provider.
Do I need an X-ray for back pain?
Not always. X-rays are most useful when there’s been trauma, you’re over 50, or your provider suspects a fracture or significant arthritis. Routine muscle strains don’t need imaging right away.
Can urgent care prescribe muscle relaxants?
Yes. If your provider determines that muscle spasm is a significant part of your back pain, they can prescribe a short course of muscle relaxants along with guidance on activity and follow-up.
Visit CityHealth Urgent Care in San Leandro
Back pain shouldn’t keep you sidelined. CityHealth Urgent Care in San Leandro is open seven days a week — no appointment needed. We offer on-site X-ray, experienced providers, and fast, effective treatment for back pain of all kinds.
If your back pain is getting in the way of your daily life, don’t wait it out. Save your spot at CityHealth today and get back to feeling like yourself.
CityHealth Urgent Care serves patients in San Leandro, Oakland, Hayward, Castro Valley, and the surrounding East Bay. Urgent care services are available at our San Leandro location only.
