Symptoms of back pain.
Recognize these warning signs early — some back pain symptoms are true emergencies that need immediate care.
Common causes.
Understanding what's causing your symptoms helps guide the right diagnostic tests and treatment.
- ✓ Muscle strain or spasm
- ✓ Herniated disc
- ✓ Sciatica — nerve root compression
- ✓ Kidney stones
- ✓ Spinal stenosis
- ✓ Compression fracture from osteoporosis
- ✓ Spinal infection or malignancy
Don't wait. Come now if…
- ▸Back pain with leg weakness or inability to walk
- ▸Loss of bladder or bowel function
- ▸Numbness in the groin or saddle area
- ▸Severe back pain with fever
- ▸Back pain after major trauma or fall
- ▸Back pain in a cancer patient or IV drug user
Not sure? Call us.
Our nurses can help you decide.
Treatments we offer.
Our Fort Worth ER is fully equipped to evaluate and treat back pain 24/7 — from muscle spasm to spinal emergencies.
Neurologic exam & red-flag screening
Thorough examination to identify cauda equina syndrome, cord compression, or infection before anything else.
Imaging when indicated
X-ray, CT, or MRI ordered based on clinical findings — all available on-site, no waiting for a separate appointment.
IV anti-inflammatories & muscle relaxants
Toradol (ketorolac) and diazepam administered IV for rapid relief of acute muscle spasm and nerve inflammation.
Steroid burst for sciatica
Corticosteroids to reduce nerve inflammation and interrupt the cycle of severe sciatica pain.
Specialist referral & coordination
Direct referral to orthopedics, neurosurgery, or pain management when needed — with records transferred same visit.
Discharge plan & follow-up
Clear home-care instructions, prescriptions, and a follow-up plan so recovery continues after you leave.
Why ER Of Fort Worth for back pain.
Average wait under 10 min
You are brought back quickly — red-flag back pain is triaged with urgency, not left waiting for hours.
Board-certified ER physicians
Every patient is evaluated by an emergency-medicine-trained physician, 24/7. Never a mid-level alone.
On-site imaging & labs
CT, MRI, X-ray and full lab — complete spinal workup in one visit, no transfers, no waiting weeks.
All major insurance
BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Medicare, Tricare and more. See full list →
Frequently asked questions.
Is back pain an emergency?
Most back pain isn't, but red flags — leg weakness, bladder or bowel changes, saddle numbness, fever, or major trauma — need immediate ER care. When in doubt, come in or call us.
Will I need an MRI?
MRI is ordered when there are neurologic findings, red-flag symptoms, or persistent pain after initial treatment. Our on-site MRI means no wait for a separate appointment.
Can the ER help with chronic back pain?
We treat acute flares and rule out dangerous causes. Long-term management of chronic back pain is best handled by a pain specialist or primary care physician — we will refer you.
How long does back pain last?
Most acute back pain improves within 2–6 weeks with rest, anti-inflammatories, and gentle activity. Sciatica and disc injuries may take longer and sometimes require specialist follow-up.
Are opioids prescribed for back pain?
Rarely and only for short courses when other treatments — NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, steroids — aren't providing enough relief. Non-opioid protocols are our first choice.
Back pain care across North Texas.
We serve patients with back pain from Fort Worth and surrounding communities including: