Back, Neck & Spine – Pain Relief & Injury Treatment in the Philadelphia Metro Area

If you’re dealing with back or neck pain, AFC Urgent Care is here to help. Our medical team will evaluate your symptoms, determine the cause, and recommend the most effective treatment. If we suspect a more serious or long‑term condition, we’ll guide you toward the appropriate next steps. Your comfort and recovery are our top priorities.

Back and neck pain affect millions of people every year. Injuries, sports activities, poor posture, repetitive movements, and everyday strain can all contribute to discomfort. More than 100 million adults in the U.S. experience back or neck pain annually. If you’re looking for relief, AFC Urgent Care centers in the Philadelphia metro area offers non‑surgical treatment options to help you feel better.

Back and neck pain are among the most common issues seen in urgent care. Sometimes the cause is obvious — a fall, a sudden twist, or hours of sitting. Other times, the pain seems to appear out of nowhere. While many spine‑related injuries improve with time, it’s important to take care of these essential areas of your body.

Which Back Injuries Do You Treat?

AFC Urgent Care primarily treats acute to moderate back and neck pain caused by injuries or common spinal conditions.

Sciatica

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body — becomes compressed or irritated. Pain typically starts in the lower back and travels down the leg through the buttocks and thigh.

Common causes include:

• Herniated disks
• Bone spurs
• Spinal narrowing

Symptoms range from mild discomfort to sharp, burning pain and may include numbness or weakness. Most cases improve within a few weeks with proper treatment.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones form when minerals or salts build up inside the kidneys. They can cause intense lower back pain and painful urination.

Pain from kidney stones often radiates from the lower back to the abdomen and inner thighs. Unlike typical back pain, kidney‑stone pain does not improve with movement or position changes.

While stones cannot be passed instantly, our providers can help manage symptoms and guide you through the process.

Upper Back / Spine

Back Strain

Upper back pain is often caused by muscle strain, commonly referred to as trapezius strain. This can result from:

• Heavy lifting
• Poor posture
• Sudden movements
• Repetitive use of the upper‑back muscles

Symptoms include stiffness, pain, and reduced range of motion.

Joint Pain

Joint dysfunction in the thoracic spine is another common cause of upper back pain. This can result from aging, injury, or long‑term poor posture.

Symptoms may include:

• Aching or sharp pain in one area
• Pain that spreads to the neck or shoulders

Treatment often includes rest, posture correction, and hot or cold compresses.

Spinal Arthritis

Arthritis in the back or neck can develop for several reasons, including:

• Wear and tear: Natural aging can cause joint degeneration.
• Autoimmune disease: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can damage spinal joints.
• Infection: Rare but possible, especially in people with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms often include stiffness, inflammation, and chronic pain.

Whiplash

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by sudden, forceful movement, which strains the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in the neck and spine. It is most common in rear‑end car accidents, but can also occur during sports or falls.

Most cases are treated with:

• Pain medication
• Heat and ice
• A neck collar
• Physical therapy

Symptoms often improve within a few weeks.

Common whiplash symptoms include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Ringing in the ears
• Muscle spasms

Some symptoms may appear days after the injury, so it’s important to monitor how you feel.