Urgentcare MDs treats back pain and neck pain at our walk-in clinics in Baytown and Crosby. Most back and neck pain gets better at home, but sometimes it needs a closer look. If your pain came on suddenly, spreads into your arms or legs, or will not go away, we can see you today. We have on-site digital X-rays, and no appointment is needed.
When should I go to urgent care for back pain?
Go to urgent care for back pain that is sudden and severe, spreads to your legs with numbness, tingling or weakness, suddenly gets worse with a known back condition, or lasts more than six weeks. Urgent care can run tests, take X-rays and start treatment. Mild back pain can often be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter pain relief.
Signs your pain needs a doctor
Back pain. Come in for sudden, severe pain, which may point to a fracture or herniated disc. Come in if pain spreads to your legs with numbness, tingling or weakness, which may mean a pinched nerve. If you have scoliosis or degenerative disc disease and your pain suddenly increases, get it checked. Pain that lasts more than six weeks also needs a visit. Learn more in when to visit urgent care for back pain.
Neck pain. Come in if your pain lasts more than 3 to 5 days without improving, or if it hurts to turn, look up or tilt your head. Get checked after a minor accident, such as a low-impact car collision, a slip or a sports injury. Pain that spreads to your arms or shoulders with tingling or numbness, neck pain with swollen lymph nodes or a sore throat, and pain that keeps you from sleeping, driving or working are also reasons to come in. See when to go to urgent care for neck pain.
Common causes of back and neck pain
Muscle strain
Poor posture, stress or an awkward sleeping position can strain the neck muscles. Repetitive strain and poor posture can also cause back pain.
Whiplash and accidents
Car accidents, slips and sudden impact can cause whiplash or soft tissue damage. Auto injuries are one of our listed services.
Pinched nerves and discs
A pinched nerve, herniated disc or degenerative disc disease can cause pain that spreads into the arms or legs, with tingling or numbness.
Arthritis
Arthritis and cervical spondylosis can cause neck pain and stiffness.
Work injuries
Lifting, falls and repetitive motion on the job can cause sprains, strains and back pain. Read about work-related injuries treated at urgent care.
Infection
Less often, neck pain comes from an infection such as meningitis. High fever with neck stiffness and headache needs the ER.
What to expect at your visit
Here is how we look for the cause of your pain and help you feel better.
- History. Your provider asks about your symptoms, how the pain started and your medical history.
- Physical exam. We check your range of motion, tenderness and nerve function.
- X-rays if needed. X-rays may be ordered to rule out a fracture or arthritis. Board-certified radiologists interpret our X-rays.
- Pain relief. Treatment may include prescription medicine, muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatories. Prescriptions are sent electronically to the pharmacy in our building.
- Next steps. We may recommend rest, ice or heat, or physical therapy. If you need more care, we can refer you to a specialist such as an orthopedic, neurology or pain management doctor, or connect you with primary care.
Why patients choose Urgentcare MDs
- ✓On-site X-rays, lab and EKG.. Digital radiology read by board-certified radiologists.
- ✓Staffed by ER experienced physicians.. We treat minor emergencies, acute illnesses and injuries.
- ✓Walk-ins welcome.. Open 7 days a week, including evenings and weekends.
- ✓Most major insurance plans accepted.. Urgent care usually costs less and has shorter waits than the ER.
- ✓Primary care close by.. Prime Care MDs has clinics in Baytown and Crosby for ongoing care.
Home care for mild neck and back pain
Mild pain often improves with simple care at home. If it does not get better within a few days, see a provider.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| Rest | Rest for 24 to 48 hours, but avoid staying still for long periods |
| Ice, then heat | Use ice during the first 48 hours, then switch to heat |
| Pain relief | Over-the-counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen |
| Stretch | Start gentle stretching once the pain starts to improve |
| Sleep and posture | Use a supportive pillow, avoid sleeping on your stomach, and keep good posture at your desk and on your phone |
When to go to the ER instead
Some symptoms need immediate medical attention because they can point to a spinal cord injury, nerve compression or a serious infection. Go to the ER for:
- Serious trauma, such as a car accident or a fall from a height
- Any head or neck injury during sports
- Suspected spinal cord injury, paralysis or severe numbness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or trouble walking or balancing
- High fever with neck stiffness and headache
- Difficulty breathing, swallowing or speaking
- Chest pain or loss of consciousness
In a life-threatening emergency, call 911. See ER or urgent care?
Visit Our Baytown and Crosby Clinics
Walk in at either Urgentcare MDs clinic, open 7 days a week. We also welcome patients from nearby communities, including Mont Belvieu, Highlands, La Porte, Cove, Huffman, Barrett and Sheldon.
Baytown Urgent Care
1658 West Baker Rd
Baytown, TX 77521
Phone: (281) 428-0000
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Crosby Urgent Care
14405 FM 2100, Ste. B
Crosby, TX 77532
Phone: (832) 821-9780
Mon to Fri: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sat and Sun: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
Back and neck pain questions
Where can I see a doctor for back pain in Baytown or Crosby?
You can walk in at Urgentcare MDs in Baytown or Crosby. Both clinics treat back pain and neck or muscle pain, with on-site X-rays and ER experienced physicians. No appointment is needed. Find directions on our Baytown and Crosby clinic pages.
Do I need an appointment for back or neck pain?
No. Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are available but not required. You can also call either clinic to schedule a time. We are open evenings and weekends, so you do not have to wait for a regular office appointment or sit in the emergency room.
Is urgent care good for back pain?
Yes, for back pain that is not life-threatening. Urgent care can examine you, take X-rays on site, give medicine for pain and inflammation, and make a treatment plan. It usually costs less and has shorter waits than the ER. Serious trauma or a suspected spinal cord injury needs the ER.
Should I get checked after a car accident if my neck hurts?
Yes. Even a low-impact collision can cause whiplash or soft tissue damage. A provider may recommend X-rays or prescribe muscle relaxers. Auto injuries are one of our listed services, though restrictions may apply depending on your insurance. After a serious crash, or with numbness or weakness, go to the ER.
Do you treat back injuries from work?
Yes. We treat work-related injuries, and workers’ compensation is one of our listed services. Getting seen soon after a work injury also creates records that can be needed for a workers’ compensation claim. Call your clinic before your visit with any questions about your claim. See also sprains and minor fractures.
Do you take insurance for back and neck pain visits?
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans and keep prices affordable. Some services vary by location or depend on your insurance. For auto injuries, restrictions may apply depending on your plan. Call the clinic if you want to check your coverage before you come in.
When is neck pain an emergency?
Go to the ER for neck pain after serious trauma, with paralysis or severe numbness, with high fever, stiffness and headache, or with trouble breathing, swallowing or speaking. A head or neck injury during sports also needs emergency care right away, even without symptoms.
Back or neck pain? Walk in today
Come to Urgentcare MDs in Baytown or Crosby. On-site X-rays and ER experienced physicians, no appointment needed.