Back Pain, Diagnosed Same Day.
Walk in to TrufaMED — minutes from Sunny Isles Beach — for physician-led evaluation of acute back pain, sciatica, and spinal complaints. Digital X-ray on-site. No appointment needed. Joint Commission accredited.
Physician on-site every day, 8 AM–10 PM. Walk-ins always welcome.
Can urgent care treat back pain near Sunny Isles?
Yes — and same-day imaging too. Here is what you need to know.
TrufaMED in Surfside evaluates and treats acute back pain, sciatica, and musculoskeletal spinal complaints the same day you walk in. A board-certified physician examines you, orders digital X-ray on-site if clinically needed, and provides a treatment plan or specialist referral before you leave. No primary care required, no appointment necessary. We are 8 minutes from Sunny Isles Beach.
Urgent Care vs. ER for Back Pain.
Most acute back pain is appropriately managed at urgent care. A small set of symptoms require the emergency room immediately. Knowing the difference can save time and direct you to the right level of care.
- Loss of bladder or bowel control — sudden inability to urinate or defecate, or incontinence, combined with back pain can indicate cauda equina syndrome, a spinal emergency requiring surgery.
- Progressive leg weakness — rapid worsening weakness spreading down one or both legs suggests nerve or spinal cord compression that may require urgent imaging and intervention.
- Numbness in the groin or saddle area — saddle anesthesia (numbness in the perineum, inner thighs, or genitals) is another sign of cauda equina syndrome.
- High fever with severe back pain — this combination raises concern for spinal epidural abscess, vertebral osteomyelitis, or severe pyelonephritis, all of which need emergency evaluation.
- Back pain after major trauma — a high-impact fall, motor vehicle accident, or sports collision with acute severe pain warrants ER evaluation for possible fracture.
What urgent care handles well
The vast majority of back pain presentations are musculoskeletal in nature — muscle strain, ligament sprains, disc irritation, or joint inflammation. These respond well to same-day urgent care management.
At TrufaMED, our physicians assess acute onset back pain, pain following overexertion or minor injury, radiating leg pain consistent with sciatica, and back pain associated with urinary symptoms that may suggest a kidney cause. We order imaging on-site, prescribe medications when indicated, and arrange appropriate follow-up or specialist referral.
If during your evaluation we identify findings that require emergency-level care, we will coordinate transport and provide a clinical summary immediately.
- Acute muscle strain or spasm — onset within 48 to 72 hours, no neurological symptoms
- Lifting or sports injury — mechanism of injury, moderate pain, intact neurological exam
- Sciatica (new or flaring) — unilateral radiating leg pain without rapidly progressive weakness
- Poor posture – related pain — prolonged sitting, travel, or desk work causing new onset pain
- Suspected kidney stone — flank or lower back pain with urinary symptoms, urinalysis needed
- Post-MVA back pain — moderate-impact collision, physician exam and documentation needed
- Worsening chronic back pain — pre-existing diagnosis with acute exacerbation and new features
Common Causes of Back Pain We Treat.
Back pain is the second most common reason for physician visits in the United States. Our physicians are experienced evaluating and treating the full spectrum of acute spinal and musculoskeletal presentations.
The most common cause of acute low back pain. Overuse, heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movement tears small muscle fibers and triggers protective spasm. Pain is typically localized, worsens with movement, and improves with rest and anti-inflammatory therapy within days to weeks.
Extended periods seated — especially at a desk, in a car, or on a plane — compress the lumbar discs and weaken the supporting musculature. South Florida’s long-distance commuters and remote workers frequently present with postural low back pain that has accumulated over weeks.
The intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between vertebrae. A disc can bulge or herniate inward, pressing on adjacent nerve roots. This produces local back pain plus radiating pain, numbness, or tingling down the leg. The L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels are the most commonly affected in the lumbar spine.
The sacroiliac (SI) joint connects the spine to the pelvis. Inflammation or hypermobility at this joint causes pain in the lower back and buttock region, often mistaken for disc herniation. It frequently presents after pregnancy, trauma, or asymmetric physical activity. Physical examination can differentiate SI joint pain from other causes.
Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) and upper urinary tract infections (pyelonephritis) both cause back and flank pain that can be severe and colicky. Our physicians distinguish renal causes from musculoskeletal causes through clinical examination and same-visit urinalysis. This is a critical distinction — the treatment pathway is entirely different.
Athletes, gym-goers, and physically active residents of Sunny Isles and Aventura frequently present with back pain following training or competition. Deadlifts, overhead lifts, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, pickleball, and tennis are common mechanisms. Physician evaluation determines whether imaging is needed and when return-to-activity is safe.
How We Diagnose Back Pain at TrufaMED.
Every back pain visit at TrufaMED follows a structured diagnostic protocol led by a board-certified physician every time. The evaluation is thorough, focused, and completed during a single visit.
The physician takes a detailed history: when and how pain started, character and location of pain, what makes it better or worse, any associated symptoms such as leg pain, urinary changes, or fever. Prior back injuries, surgical history, and current medications are reviewed.
A full musculoskeletal and neurological examination is performed: range-of-motion testing, palpation of the lumbar spine and paraspinal muscles, straight-leg raise test (for nerve root irritation), assessment of lower extremity reflexes, strength, and sensation. SI joint provocation tests are included when relevant.
If your physician determines imaging is clinically indicated, we perform digital X-ray on-site. This rules out fracture, evaluates alignment, and identifies degenerative changes. Results are reviewed with you before you leave. No separate radiology appointment. No waiting days for results.
When back pain presentation suggests a kidney cause — flank location, urinary symptoms, prior kidney stones — we perform a urinalysis in-clinic. Blood in urine (hematuria), signs of infection, or abnormal specific gravity help guide diagnosis. Urine culture can be sent for laboratory processing.
Based on diagnosis, your physician prescribes appropriate therapy: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketorolac), muscle relaxants for acute spasm, topical analgesics, or other agents as clinically indicated. Physical therapy referral is provided when appropriate. All instructions are given in writing before discharge.
If your clinical picture suggests disc herniation with nerve root compression, spinal stenosis, or another soft-tissue diagnosis not visible on X-ray, your physician will arrange an MRI referral with a clinical summary. We coordinate directly with imaging centers to expedite scheduling.
Kidney Stones & Back Pain in Sunny Isles.
Kidney stone pain (renal colic) is one of the most severe pain experiences a person can have — and it is frequently mistaken for musculoskeletal back pain. The hallmark of kidney stone pain is its colicky, wave-like character and its tendency to radiate from the flank into the groin or genitals as the stone passes through the ureter.
South Florida’s heat and outdoor lifestyle increase the risk of dehydration-related kidney stones. Active residents in Sunny Isles, Aventura, and Bal Harbour who spend time outdoors should stay well hydrated, especially in summer months.
How we evaluate suspected kidney stones
Our physicians perform a targeted physical examination, assess for costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness, and run an in-clinic urinalysis looking for blood in the urine (microscopic or gross hematuria) — the most reliable indicator of a passing stone. A urine dipstick showing hematuria combined with typical colicky flank pain is highly suggestive.
If presentation is consistent with a small passing stone without signs of infection, conservative management — aggressive hydration, pain control, and urological follow-up — is appropriate at urgent care level. Hydration IV therapy is available in-clinic the same visit for patients with significant dehydration or vomiting from colic pain.
When to escalate
Signs of infection with an obstructed stone (fever, chills, rigors) require emergency evaluation. Large stones or stones in certain locations may require urological intervention. If our evaluation raises concern for complicated urolithiasis, we coordinate transfer immediately.
Can I get IV fluids for kidney stone pain at TrufaMED?
Yes. If you are dehydrated from nausea and vomiting associated with renal colic, we can administer IV hydration in-clinic — the same visit as your back pain evaluation. Our IV therapy suite is integrated with urgent care. View testing and lab services we offer in-house.
- Flank pain — pain below the ribs, at the side of the back
- Colicky waves — pain that comes and goes in intense waves
- Radiation to groin — pain that moves toward the inner thigh or genitals
- Blood in urine — pink, red, or brown urine
- Nausea & vomiting — common during acute renal colic
- Urinary urgency — frequent urge to urinate as stone approaches the bladder
Sciatica: When Conservative Care Is Enough.
Sciatica — technically called lumbar radiculopathy — describes pain that originates in the lower back and radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve: down the buttock, through the back of the thigh, and into the calf or foot. It is caused by compression or irritation of one or more nerve roots, most commonly from a herniated disc at L4-L5 or L5-S1, or from spinal stenosis in older adults.
Conservative care at urgent care
For new-onset or flaring sciatica without progressive neurological deficit, conservative management is first-line and very effective. Our physicians prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, short-term muscle relaxants for associated spasm, and arrange physical therapy referral. The majority of patients with disc-related sciatica improve significantly within 6 to 12 weeks of conservative care.
When to refer to a specialist
Specialist referral — to orthopedics, neurology, or a spine surgeon — is appropriate when symptoms are severe and not improving, when there is rapid progressive weakness in the affected limb, when the patient has failed 6 weeks of conservative care, or when imaging suggests a structural cause requiring intervention such as epidural steroid injection or surgical decompression.
We do not refer unnecessarily. Many patients who come to us convinced they need surgery find that a structured course of physical therapy resolves their symptoms.
- Suitable for urgent care management: New unilateral sciatica, mild-to-moderate pain, no motor deficit, pain present less than 6 weeks
- Refer to specialist: Bilateral sciatica, rapidly worsening motor deficit, symptoms beyond 6 weeks without improvement, imaging-confirmed large herniation
- Emergency ER: Saddle anesthesia, bowel or bladder dysfunction, sudden severe bilateral leg weakness
- Physical therapy is first-line: Evidence-based stretching, core strengthening, and nerve mobilization techniques are the most durable treatment
- Imaging guidance: X-ray first to assess bone; MRI referral if disc or nerve cause is suspected on clinical exam
- Medications we may prescribe: NSAIDs, short-course oral steroids (in selected cases), muscle relaxants, neuropathic agents via follow-up
Did you know? Approximately 40% of adults experience sciatica at some point in their lives. The majority resolve within 4 to 6 weeks with appropriate conservative care — no surgery required. Our board-certified physicians will give you an honest assessment of your specific situation.
Post-Injury Back Pain & Clearance.
From gym injuries to motor vehicle accidents, post-traumatic back pain requires a structured physician evaluation to rule out fracture, assess neurological integrity, and determine safe return-to-activity timing.
Sports and lifting injuries
Athletes at the gyms, tennis courts, and sports facilities throughout Sunny Isles, Aventura, and Bal Harbour regularly present to TrufaMED with training-related back injuries. Deadlift injuries, overhead press mishaps, and field sport collisions can cause acute lumbar strain, rib contusions, or in high-energy cases, vertebral stress fractures.
Our physicians perform a complete evaluation and order digital X-ray on-site if there is concern for fracture or significant structural injury. We provide return-to-sport clearance documentation for athletes and formal clinical notes for coaches, trainers, or team medical staff.
Motor vehicle accidents
Back pain following a car accident — including rear-end collisions that cause whiplash-associated lumbar strain — requires formal physician documentation. TrufaMED provides complete clinical records, imaging results, and treatment summaries that are standard requirements for auto insurance claims and personal injury cases. We do not specialize in legal medicine, but we provide accurate, complete documentation of our findings.
Lifting at work
Occupational back injuries (warehouse work, construction, healthcare) require documentation for workers’ compensation and return-to-work clearance. Our physicians evaluate work-related back injuries and coordinate with employers as needed.
Do I need an X-ray after a sports back injury? Not always. Our physicians use evidence-based clinical decision rules to determine when imaging adds value. Low-force mechanisms without neurological signs often do not require X-ray. High-force mechanisms, falls from height, or direct spinal impact in contact sports typically do. You will receive a clear explanation of the reasoning either way.
- Return-to-sport clearance letter — same-visit documentation for athletes
- Auto accident clinical record — physician findings, ICD-10 codes, treatment plan
- Workers’ comp evaluation — work-related injury assessment and documentation
- On-site digital X-ray — same-visit imaging when clinically indicated
- Physical therapy referral — coordinated same-day referral for post-injury rehab
What We Can Do for Your Back, Today.
Treatment depends on diagnosis. Here is the full scope of what our physicians can initiate or coordinate during a single visit.
Ibuprofen, naproxen, and prescription-strength ketorolac (Toradol) are the backbone of acute musculoskeletal back pain management. They reduce prostaglandin-mediated inflammation and provide meaningful pain relief within hours. Our physicians assess your renal function and gastrointestinal history before prescribing.
Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), methocarbamol (Robaxin), and similar agents help break the pain-spasm-pain cycle in acute muscle injuries. They are prescribed for short courses of 3 to 5 days. Patients are counseled on sedation risk and advised not to drive while taking them.
Physical therapy is the most evidence-supported long-term treatment for musculoskeletal back pain. Our physicians provide a formal referral with a clinical summary the same day, allowing you to begin PT quickly. We can recommend specific facilities near Sunny Isles, Aventura, or Bal Harbour.
Prescription diclofenac gel, lidocaine patches, and similar topical agents deliver anti-inflammatory or analgesic effect locally without the systemic effects of oral medications. They are particularly useful for patients with gastrointestinal sensitivity or those who cannot tolerate oral NSAIDs.
When your presentation warrants specialist involvement — orthopedics, neurology, spine surgery, or urology — we provide a formal referral with complete clinical documentation so your specialist has full context from your urgent care visit. We coordinate MRI scheduling when needed.
For back pain caused by or complicated by dehydration — particularly kidney stone cases with vomiting — intravenous hydration is available in our IV therapy suite the same visit. Our Pain Relief IV includes IV-grade NSAIDs and supportive agents. Learn more about our urgent care services.
When Urgent Care Is Not the Right Fit.
We believe in honest guidance. Not every back pain presentation belongs at urgent care. Here is when we will tell you to see someone else instead.
Chronic back pain that has been present for months or years at the same level — with no acute change, no new symptoms, no trauma — is not an urgent care presentation. It is a chronic disease management issue best handled by your primary care physician, physiatrist, or orthopedic specialist who can follow you longitudinally, monitor imaging over time, and titrate treatments accordingly.
Coming to urgent care for chronic pain without an acute trigger is unlikely to change your long-term trajectory. You will receive the same medications you may have already tried, and you will not receive the continuity of care that chronic pain management requires.
What urgent care adds for chronic back pain patients
The exception: if you have a documented chronic back condition and you experience an acute change — sudden severe worsening, new leg weakness, new urinary symptoms, pain after a fall — that is an appropriate urgent care visit. We evaluate the new component, rule out a superimposed acute process, and coordinate with your regular provider.
Are you between primary care physicians? TrufaMED offers concierge membership plans providing ongoing physician access, same-day appointments, and continuity of care — including longitudinal back pain management. Membership starts at a fraction of the cost of traditional concierge medicine.
- Chronic low back pain unchanged for 6+ months — see primary care or physiatrist
- Post-surgical spine follow-up — see your surgeon
- Ongoing epidural steroid injection management — see pain management specialist
- Chronic opiate pain management — urgent care cannot manage ongoing controlled substances
- Long-standing radiographic findings with no acute change — specialist appropriate
Board-Certified Physicians On-Site Daily.
Every patient at TrufaMED is evaluated by a licensed physician — not a mid-level provider. Our physicians bring emergency medicine and surgical training to every back pain evaluation.
Dr. Naidoo is board-certified in Emergency Medicine with extensive experience evaluating acute spinal and musculoskeletal presentations in high-volume settings. His emergency medicine background means he is specifically trained to distinguish urgent care-appropriate back pain from neurological or surgical emergencies — a critical skill for every back pain evaluation. He leads clinical protocols at TrufaMED and ensures every physician on staff meets the same standard. View full bio →
Dr. Gedalia is a board-certified General Surgeon and the co-founder of TrufaMED. His surgical background provides a distinct level of anatomical precision to musculoskeletal evaluation — understanding precisely which structures are at risk in a given mechanism of injury and when a patient needs escalation beyond conservative care. He brings a practitioner’s perspective to building the highest-standard urgent care experience in South Florida. View full bio →
Back Pain Questions, Answered.
Answers to the questions we hear most often from patients in Sunny Isles, Aventura, and the surrounding communities.
Can urgent care treat back pain near Sunny Isles Beach?
Yes. TrufaMED in Surfside — 8 minutes from Sunny Isles Beach — provides same-day walk-in evaluation for acute and subacute back pain. Our board-certified physicians perform a full musculoskeletal and neurological exam, order digital X-ray on-site if needed, and provide treatment or referral the same visit. No appointment is required.
Do you have X-ray for back pain on-site?
Yes. TrufaMED has digital X-ray on-site. If your physician determines imaging is clinically indicated during your visit, it can be performed and reviewed the same day. No separate radiology appointment. No waiting days for results. Learn more about our digital X-ray services.
What is the difference between needing an X-ray vs. an MRI for back pain?
X-ray shows bone structure — useful for fractures, alignment, and signs of degenerative disc disease. MRI shows soft tissue — discs, nerve roots, ligaments, and spinal cord. Our physicians will recommend X-ray first for most acute presentations. If X-ray is normal but symptoms suggest disc herniation, nerve compression, or spinal stenosis, we will arrange an MRI referral and provide a complete clinical summary for the radiologist.
When is back pain an emergency that needs the ER?
Go to the ER immediately if you have loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive weakness or numbness spreading down both legs, numbness in the groin or saddle area (perineum), high fever combined with severe back pain, or back pain following major trauma. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, spinal cord compression, or spinal infection — all surgical or emergency-level conditions.
Are muscle relaxants safe, and will you prescribe them?
Muscle relaxants such as cyclobenzaprine or methocarbamol are commonly used for short-term relief of acute muscle spasm. Our physicians assess your full medical history, current medications, and clinical picture before prescribing. They cause drowsiness and are generally not recommended if you need to drive or operate machinery. Short courses of 3 to 5 days are typical for acute presentations.
Can I drive after my urgent care visit for back pain?
That depends on your treatment. If you receive only NSAIDs or a topical treatment, driving is generally fine. If muscle relaxants are prescribed, you should not drive until you know how they affect you — drowsiness is a common side effect. Your physician will advise you specifically based on what was prescribed and your individual circumstances.
Will you refer me to physical therapy?
Yes. Physical therapy is one of the most evidence-supported treatments for musculoskeletal back pain. Our physicians provide a formal referral with a clinical summary the same day, so you can begin PT quickly. We can also recommend specific facilities near Sunny Isles or Aventura if you need guidance.
Can back pain be caused by a kidney problem?
Yes. Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) and kidney infections (pyelonephritis) both cause flank or lower back pain that is often confused with musculoskeletal back pain. Key differences: kidney pain typically sits higher (below the ribs at the side), may radiate toward the groin, and is often accompanied by urinary symptoms. We perform a urinalysis in-clinic the same visit when a renal cause is suspected.
What is sciatica and how do you treat it at TrufaMED?
Sciatica is pain that radiates from the lower back down one leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve — typically caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis compressing a nerve root. Mild-to-moderate cases respond well to conservative care: NSAIDs, short-term muscle relaxants, and physical therapy. If symptoms are severe, rapidly progressive, or fail to improve in 6 weeks, we arrange specialist referral and MRI. See our full back pain & sciatica treatment page.
I injured my back lifting at the gym or in a car accident. What do you do?
We perform a full history and physical, assess for neurological deficits, and order digital X-ray if clinically indicated to rule out fracture. For gym or sports injuries we provide physician clearance documentation. For motor vehicle accidents, we provide clinical documentation that is standard for auto insurance carriers and personal injury cases — including physician findings, ICD-10 codes, and treatment plan.
Do you accept insurance for back pain urgent care visits?
Yes. TrufaMED accepts Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, Oscar Health*, and Medicare. Self-pay is always welcome. We do not accept or . Learn about our membership options for uninsured or self-pay patients.
When should I see a specialist instead of urgent care for back pain?
Chronic back pain without an acute change — pain present for months or years at the same level — is better managed by a primary care physician or spine specialist. Urgent care is best for new-onset acute pain, sudden worsening of existing pain, post-injury back pain, or back pain with new symptoms such as leg weakness or urinary changes. If you are unsure, walk in and let our physician assess — we will guide you to the right level of care honestly.
Serving Sunny Isles & All of North Miami Beach.
TrufaMED is located at 9445 Harding Ave in Surfside, FL — minutes from Sunny Isles Beach, Bal Harbour, Aventura, and Bay Harbor Islands. Walk-ins welcome. No appointment required.
TrufaMED Urgent Care & Concierge Medicine
9445 Harding Ave
Surfside, FL 33154
(305) 537‑6396
More from TrufaMED Urgent Care.
Walk-in urgent care for illness, injury, and chronic flares. Board-certified physicians. X-ray, lab, and ultrasound on-site. Open 7 days, 8 AM–10 PM.
TrufaMED’s dedicated Sunny Isles area urgent care page — services, conditions treated, drive times, and booking information for Sunny Isles residents.
Same-visit digital radiography reviewed by your physician before discharge. No separate radiology appointment. Rapid results for bone, joint, and spinal imaging.
Urinalysis, urine culture, blood panels, and rapid diagnostics performed in-clinic. Critical for ruling out kidney causes of back pain the same visit.
Ongoing physician access at a fraction of traditional concierge costs — including chronic back pain management, specialist coordination, and same-day appointment access.
Our full back pain and sciatica treatment overview page — conditions, treatment pathways, and what to expect from a back pain evaluation at TrufaMED.
Back Pain Shouldn’t Wait. Neither Should You.
Walk in today or book online. A board-certified physician will evaluate your back pain, order imaging if needed, and give you a clear diagnosis and treatment plan — all in a single visit. Open every day, 8 AM to 10 PM.
