Back and Flank Pain Treatment

We know how frightening and frustrating it can be when your body isn’t feeling right. Whether it’s a sharp feeling that causes left side pain or a persistent ache that won’t go away, back and flank pain symptoms shouldn’t be ignored.

At Complete Care, we see people dealing with back and flank pain every day, and we understand how much it can affect everything you do. When you visit any of our freestanding emergency rooms, we’ll start by listening to your symptoms and then work quickly to determine the cause of your pain. This may involve running tests or taking images to gain a clearer understanding of what’s happening. Our team will walk you through everything we find and explain your options for treatment that works best for you and your needs.

Each of our Complete Care freestanding ER locations is designed to provide you with the expert medical attention you need, without the hassles of visiting a typical ER. We’re here for you around the clock with low wait times, and ready to help you get back to feeling like yourself again.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

What is flank pain?
What is back pain?
Symptoms of back and flank pain
How do you treat flank pain/back pain?
When to go to the ER for back and flank pain

For life-threatening situations, please call 911.

What is flank pain?

Flank pain refers to discomfort felt in your side, typically between your ribs and hip on either your left or right side. Many people describe it as pain that wraps around from your back toward your front, and it can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain that comes and goes. Unlike typical muscular back pain that you might feel from lifting something heavy, flank pain often signals that something is going on with your internal organs, particularly your kidneys or urinary system.

Common causes of flank pain include:

Kidney stones
Kidney infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Muscle strain or injury
Kidney disease or inflammation
Dehydration
Blood clots

The location and type of your flank pain can give doctors important clues about what’s causing it. That’s why it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you’re experiencing persistent or severe side pain, especially if it’s accompanied by a high fever, nausea, changes in urination, or blood in your urine. Getting the right diagnosis quickly can make all the difference in your treatment and recovery.

When is back pain severe enough to go to the ER?

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit emergency rooms, and it can affect anyone at any age. It typically occurs in your lower back, middle back, or upper back, and can feel like anything from a constant dull ache to sudden, sharp pain that takes your breath away.

While many people experience occasional back discomfort from everyday activities, severe or sudden-onset back pain can indicate a serious condition that needs immediate medical attention.

Common causes of back pain include:

Muscle strains and sprains
Herniated or bulging discs
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Kidney problems
Arthritis
Osteoporosis
Infections

Back pain becomes an emergency when it’s accompanied by symptoms like:

Numbness or weakness in your legs
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Severe pain following an injury
Pain that doesn’t improve with rest

These signs could indicate nerve damage or other serious complications that require immediate treatment to prevent permanent problems.

Symptoms of back and flank pain

Back and flank pain rarely travel alone — they often bring other symptoms that can help you and your doctor understand what’s happening in your body. Common symptoms that may accompany back and flank pain include:

Radiating pain that shoots down your leg, around your side, or into your groin area
Fever and chills signal infection, especially when combined with flank pain
Nausea and vomiting, which are common with kidney stones, severe muscle spasms, or intense pain
Changes in urination, including burning, frequency, urgency, blood in urine, or difficulty urinating
Numbness or tingling, loss of sensation in your legs, feet, or groin area
Muscle weakness, like difficulty lifting your foot, walking, or controlling leg movements
Stiffness or inability to move normally or bend without significant discomfort
Swelling or tenderness when touching the affected area
Loss of bladder or bowel control

If you’re experiencing back or flank pain along with any of these symptoms, don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own. These combinations of symptoms often signal conditions that need immediate medical treatment to prevent complications and get you back to feeling normal as quickly as possible.

How do you treat flank pain/back pain?

What will the ER do for back pain? At Complete Care, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to back and flank muscle pain — we take the time to understand your specific situation and create a treatment plan that addresses both your immediate pain and the underlying problem. Our goal is not just to mask your symptoms, but to help you heal properly so you can get back to your normal activities.

Your treatment plan could include a combination of the following:

Pain management: Prescription medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants to provide relief while your body heals
IV fluids and medications: For kidney stones, infections, or dehydration that may be contributing to your pain
Antibiotics: When infections in the kidneys, urinary tract, or spine are causing your symptoms
Imaging-guided procedures: Advanced techniques to break up kidney stones or address other structural problems
Physical therapy recommendations: Exercises and stretches to strengthen your back and prevent future episodes
Lifestyle modifications: Guidance on proper lifting techniques, hydration, and activity adjustments
Specialist referrals: Connections to orthopedic, urological, or pain management specialists for ongoing care
Emergency interventions: Immediate procedures when serious conditions require urgent treatment

The key to successful treatment is acting quickly when you’re experiencing severe or persistent pain. Many conditions that cause back and flank pain respond much better when treated early, and waiting can sometimes lead to complications or longer recovery times.

At Complete Care, we have the diagnostic imaging tools and treatment options available right away, so you don’t have to suffer while waiting for answers or relief. Quick testing, quick results, quick treatment.

When to go to the ER for back and flank pain

While some back and flank pain can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter medications, certain symptoms signal that you need immediate medical attention. Don’t second-guess yourself when it comes to severe pain — it’s always better to be safe and get checked out by medical professionals who can properly evaluate your condition.

You should seek emergency care immediately if you experience:

Severe, sudden-onset pain
Pain in lower back on sides
Severe right side flank pain that comes and goes
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in your urine
Inability to urinate
Numbness or weakness in legs
Loss of bowel or bladder control
High fever with chills

Trust your instincts — if your pain feels different, more severe, or is accompanied by any of these warning signs, don’t wait to see if it gets better on its own. Complete Care is equipped to handle these urgent situations and can provide the rapid diagnosis and treatment you need to prevent complications and get you feeling better.

Learn more about when to go to the ER for back pain and flank pain

Why wait when relief is within reach? Visit Complete Care for your back and flank pain today!

When back and flank pain disrupts your life, you don’t have to struggle through it alone or wait hours in a crowded hospital emergency room. Complete Care’s freestanding emergency rooms are strategically located throughout Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, East Texas, Lubbock, San Antonio, and Colorado Springs to provide you with fast, expert medical care when you need it most.

All of our freestanding ERs are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and provide lower wait times than traditional emergency rooms at hospitals. We treat both adult and pediatric patients, providing convenient care for the whole family.
Our emergency-trained doctors understand how debilitating pain can be, and we’re committed to getting you the answers and relief you deserve. Visit your nearest Complete Care location today — because your comfort and peace of mind shouldn’t have to wait.