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Pain Management

An estimated 70 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain is a major medical condition distinctly different and more complex than acute pain. While acute pain is a normal sensation triggered in the nervous system to alert one to possible injury, chronic pain is a state in which pain persists for many months or years, beyond the normal course required by healing of an injury. The economic and personal losses associated with chronic pain can be significant, including costly medical expenses, lost income and productivity; lost mobility, anxiety or depression.

The causes of chronic pain are not always clear. Past traumatic injuries, congenital conditions, cancers, arthritis, and others might point to an obvious culprit, but in many cases the source of chronic pain can be very complex. This makes it difficult to treat, and pain management usually does not involve one approach, but a multidisciplinary focus designed to help the patient reach his or her highest level of function and independence.

At Urgent Care Torrance, we provide comprehensive pain management services to help patients control their pain and continue to partake in their everyday activities.

Headache Disorders

A headache is a common symptom that involves aching or pain in one or more areas of the head or face. There are several different types of headaches, classified by the cause, location and severity of the pain. Some of the most common types include:

Cluster headaches - Cluster headaches repeatedly attack one area of the head within a short span of time before they recede into latency.

Tension headaches - Tension headaches are the most common type of headache, causing a dull, persistent pressure over the whole head.

Migraines - Migraines cause throbbing pain, often on one side of the head, and often cause nausea, vomiting and sleep disruption as well.

Treatment for headaches can often includes over-the-counter or prescription medications, and work to relieve stress and anxiety.

Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common condition that may occur as a result of a muscle strain, wear-and-tear, nerve injuries, whiplash or arthritis, causing pain throughout the neck muscles that is often worse with movement. Some patients may often experience shooting pain, numbness and weakness throughout the arms.

While neck pain is not usually a serious condition, its troubling symptoms can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life and may prevent them from participating in certain activities. Fortunately, many cases of neck pain can be effectively managed through pain medications or corticosteroid injections. Some patients also find relief through physical therapy or from immobilizing the neck. The best treatment for you depends on the cause and severity of your neck pain, and can be determined by your doctor at Urgent Care Torrance.

Low Back Pain

The lower back is one of the most important parts of the body as holds most of our body weight when we stand and is involved in the movement when we bend or twist at the waist. Because of its pivotal role and frequent use, it is susceptible to injury and chronic pain. Lower back pain is especially common in older adults, who may have decreased bone strength and muscle elasticity. The cartilage in between each vertebral disc may have worn away as well.

Lower back pain can be a result of a muscle sprain, strain or spasm, a ruptured or bulging disc or an irritated nerve. The pain may radiate down the legs as well. Obesity, smoking, poor physical condition and poor posture can create a higher risk for lower back pain.

While lower back pain is not usually a serious condition, it can be very painful and debilitating. At Urgent Care Torrance, we offer a wide range of pain management options to help patients.

Joint Pain

Through overuse and aging, our joints often become weak and painful, limiting movement and affecting our daily lives. While healthy joint ends are covered with a cushioning layer of cartilage that protects the bones from rubbing against each other and causing pain, the effects of time and excessive wear-and-tear causes this cartilage to slowly wear away and leave the joints weak and unprotected.

Without cartilage protection, the bones within an affected joint may cause painful friction with movement, which can significantly affect a patient’s daily life. Treatment for chronic joint pain depends on the cause of the pain, but often includes anti-inflammatory medication, injections, or surgery for more severe cases.

Medication Management

At Urgent Care Torrance, your doctor will develop a customized treatment plan to efficiently manage your pain with minimal side effects. The best treatment for each individual patient can vary significantly depending on the type and severity of the pain, as well as the patient’s age, medical history and overall health. Most patients benefit from a combination of medications, injections and conservative methods that work together to relieve pain and help you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

Your doctor will assess your pain problem and plan an individualized treatment program for your specific medical needs, which may include medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, or others to help temporarily manage severe cases of pain. When possible, we try to minimize pharmaceutical treatment by recommending appropriate alternate techniques.

For your urgent care needs in Torrance and the South Bay, please call or visit us today!