In the emergency room (ER) for severe back pain, the care team will first perform triage to assess symptom severity, including a comprehensive physical exam that tests range of motion, reflexes, numbness, and muscle strength. They will inquire about medical history and how the pain started. Diagnostic imaging like X-rays, CT scans, MRI, or nerve tests may be ordered to identify fractures, nerve issues, or other causes. Treatment in the ER focuses on stabilizing the patient and relieving acute pain and discomfort. This typically includes pain medications, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Stronger opioids are usually reserved for extreme cases. The ER team aims to manage symptoms and prevent further harm but generally does not provide long-term treatment. After stabilization, patients are discharged with referrals for follow-up care with primary care doctors or specialists and prescriptions for continued pain management if needed. The emergency room is particularly necessary for severe back pain when accompanied by serious symptoms such as loss of bladder control, numbness in the groin, leg weakness, high fever, intolerable pain, or trauma history, as these may indicate critical conditions needing urgent intervention.
What Emergency Room Does for Severe Back Pain:
- Initial triage and severity assessment
- Detailed physical examination including neurological checks
- Diagnostic tests (X-ray, MRI, CT, EMG)
- Pain relief with medications (NSAIDs, muscle relaxers, sometimes opioids)
- Stabilizing underlying medical issues (fractures, nerve damage)
- Providing discharge instructions and referrals for ongoing care
In short, the ER aims to quickly evaluate and treat the cause of severe back pain to stabilize the patient and relieve acute symptoms, referring for further diagnosis and care afterward. This ensures immediate dangers are addressed while preparing for long-term management outside the emergency setting.
