Did you know that the back is a very important part of our body?
The state of our spine can determine how well or how poorly the rest of our body’s functions are performing.
You see, the spine has two major functions. The first one is that it keeps the entire body upright, balanced, and stable.
The other one is the protection of the central nervous system, which is responsible for the communication between the body and the brain.
We can hurt our spine for several reasons like illnesses and strains. This in turn can cause misalignments in the spinal column leading to back pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, etc.
Our spinal column plays a big role in all our bodily functions and that is the main reason why we need to take extra care of it and ensure that our spinal health is in very good shape. Without a healthy spine, everyday movements like sitting up straight or walking can become really difficult. This can further affect our overall quality of life.
How can we keep our backs healthy?
Here are a few ways to ensure that your back is healthy and in good shape.
- Watch your back when you’re lifting heavy objects. To prevent causing damage to your spine, stand as close to the object as possible and use your legs and knees to lift as opposed to your back or upper body. If it’s too heavy, don’t attempt to lift it yourself.
- Get a good night’s sleep. Sleep helps the body repair and heal itself, which is why a good night’s rest is important. Also, sleeping on your side is better to put less pressure on your spine. Besides, sleep is something enjoyable, wouldn’t you say so?
- Stay active. Regular exercise helps you strengthen your core. At the same time, stretching helps you stay flexible to promote joint motion and function, helping your spine stay in good shape at all times.
- Maintain a healthy weight. Carrying too much excess weight can give your muscles and ligaments additional stress eventually straining your lower back. It’s important to keep your weight at its optimal level not just for aesthetics but most importantly for health and wellness purposes.
Doing these things will help you keep your spinal column healthy but this does not mean that you will never experience back pain.
What kind of back pain will we encounter?
There are two kinds: Chronic or Acute.
Chronic back pain is a pain that lasts longer than three to six months. This type of pain is beyond tissue repair.
Acute back pain, on the other hand, is pain that lasts for three to six months and is directly related to tissue damage leading to acute back pain.
If you feel that your back pain keeps getting worse, your body might be telling you that it’s time to go to a Union City urgent care.
Can urgent care help with back pain?
You might be wondering if you should bother Googling “urgent care near me” if you’re experiencing pain in your back. Can urgent care really help you out?
Well, the answer is yes, urgent care centers can definitely help with back pain. Any urgent care in New Jersey or otherwise has the necessary equipment to diagnose how severe your back pain is.
When should we go to urgent care for back pain?
Here are eight signs to look out for so you know when to go to urgent care for back pain.
Back pain isn’t going away.
If the pain that you feel doesn’t improve in a week given you rested well and did some home treatment, then it’s time to get an appointment for urgent care.
You feel pain that goes beyond your back.
If the pain from your back travels down to your leg, this can be an indication of a more serious condition like a damaged disk in your back.
There is a feeling of numbness or weakness, or you are experiencing tingling in your legs.
If your back pain comes with numbness and tingling in the legs, back, or other parts of the body – go to your doctor RIGHT AWAY. This can be a sign of nerve pain and shouldn’t be taken lightly as it can result in permanent damage or disability if left untreated.
You feel pain after an accident.
If you just got into a car accident, fall, or experience any kind of injury or trauma that results in back pain, then it’s time to consult a medical professional. There may be a fracture that needs to be addressed immediately. This also holds true in case you sense any swelling or redness on your back.
The pain gets worse at certain times or in certain positions.
If the back pain that you’re experiencing wakes you up at night or specifically appears when you’re in a certain position, this could be a sign of a more serious problem like an infection or fracture. Increased pain at night is also a sign of something more serious.
You are experiencing urination and bowel problems.
If you’re unable to urinate or have trouble with your bowel movement, seek help immediately. It may mean that your nerves in the lower spine have become paralyzed. It is rare but it can be permanently damaging to the nerves if not treated.
You are experiencing unexplained weight loss.
If you’re consistently losing weight without any diet or lifestyle changes all while experiencing back pain, seek your doctor’s advice to rule out more severe conditions.
You have a fever.
If your fever is not responding to your usual OTC medications and you’re experiencing back pain, you might have an infection that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
If you cannot move due to the severity of your injury, it’s best to try telemedicine in Union City or wherever you’re located. That way, you’ll still get the treatment you need for your back.
Visit Diligent Urgent Care for relief from your back problems.
Whenever you experience back pain, it’s important to be aware of what’s happening and become vigilant by consulting a doctor if things are starting to get more severe. Back pain is something that should not be ignored.
If the underlying condition is not treated, it will become worse. It may lead to joint degeneration and chronic muscle spasm.
If you have been experiencing back pain for a while and you need the help of a medical professional, there’s no need to Google “urgent care clinic near me” if you are in the New Jersey area. Diligent Urgent Care is here for you!
We can guarantee that we’ll provide comprehensive emergency care when you need it the most.
Can’t physically go to our office due to unavoidable circumstances? Schedule a telemedicine consult instead.
You just need an internet connection and an Internet-ready device, and you’re all set! Once your appointment is confirmed, you will be provided a link that will directly connect you to a doctor at the time of your appointment.
Whether in person or online, allow us to help you with your back pain. Contact us today.
