Quick answer: Urgent care can treat sudden back pain from a strain, lifting injury or minor fall, and minor burns smaller than about 3 inches, including many second-degree burns with blisters. Go to the ER for back pain with leg weakness, numbness in the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control, and for large or deep burns, or burns to the face, hands, feet, groin or major joints.
Back pain and burns are two very different problems, but both send many people to urgent care. Here’s what to do for each.
New to PACS? Start with our complete guide to urgent care in Alexandria, VA.
Back pain
Most sudden back pain comes from a strained muscle or ligament, often after lifting, twisting, a long day of yard work or sleeping wrong. It usually improves within a few weeks with the right care.
When to come to urgent care
- Pain that’s severe or keeps you from normal activity
- Pain after a fall or minor accident
- Pain that shoots down one leg (sciatica)
- Pain that isn’t improving after a few days of home care
- You need a work note or workers’ comp documentation
At PACS, back pain treatment includes an exam, an X-ray if a fracture is possible, and treatment such as anti-inflammatory medicine, muscle relaxants or a Toradol injection when appropriate. If you hurt your back at work, our occupational health team can help with workers’ comp.
Go to the ER for back pain with
- New weakness in the legs
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever, or a history of cancer or IV drug use
- A major fall or car accident
- Sudden, tearing pain in the back or belly, especially in older adults
Home care for back strain
- Stay gently active. Bed rest slows recovery.
- Use ice for the first 1 to 2 days, then heat.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Avoid heavy lifting and twisting until the pain eases.
Burns
First aid right away
- Cool the burn under cool (not ice-cold) running water for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Remove rings, watches or tight items near the burn before it swells.
- Cover loosely with a clean, non-stick dressing.
- Don’t use ice, butter, oil or toothpaste, and don’t pop blisters.
When to come to urgent care
- A burn with blisters (second-degree) smaller than about 3 inches
- A burn that’s very painful or not improving after a day or two
- Signs of infection: more redness, swelling, pus or fever
- Bad sunburn with blisters, fever or chills
- You need a tetanus shot
PACS treats burns and minor injuries 7 days a week. For sun and heat problems, see sunburn and heat illness.
Go to the ER for
- Large burns, or burns that look white, leathery or charred
- Burns on the face, hands, feet, groin, buttocks or major joints
- Electrical or chemical burns
- Burns with trouble breathing or after breathing smoke
- Burns in babies or older adults that are more than minor
What does it cost?
For self-pay patients at PACS, a routine visit is $139. An X-ray is $99 and burn care for second- or third-degree burns is $99. See the cost guide for more.
Frequently asked questions
Can urgent care X-ray my back?
Yes. PACS has digital X-ray on site, used when a fracture or other bone problem is possible.
Should I see a chiropractor or urgent care for back pain?
For sudden or severe pain, or pain after an injury, start with a medical evaluation to rule out serious causes.
Should I pop a burn blister?
No. Blisters protect the skin underneath. Let a provider decide if one needs care.
Get care today at PACS Urgent Care
PACS Urgent Care – Alexandria
3481 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM · Walk-ins welcome
Call (571) 656-8838 · Get directions · New patient guide
This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.
