Services
Back Pain Urgent Care
in Miami Beach
Physician-led, same-day care for acute back pain and sciatica. We examine you, screen for the rare serious causes, image on-site only when it is needed, and send you home with a real treatment plan.
Open seven days a week. Physician visit from $195. Most insurance accepted.
Joint Commission AccreditedThe only one in Florida
Can I walk in for back pain today?
Yes. TrufaMED evaluates acute and subacute back pain seven days a week under physician supervision, with on-site digital X-ray and same-visit prescriptions. Most visits run 30 to 60 minutes from check-in to a written treatment plan.
For most acute low back pain, a muscle strain after lifting, a stiff morning after a long drive, a pulled paraspinal muscle from the gym, urgent care is the right level of care. A board-certified physician examines you, screens for the handful of serious findings that need imaging or the emergency room, and starts treatment the same visit. If a red flag turns up, we escalate immediately. See our urgent care overview for everything we treat.
Mechanical back pain and sciatica are different
Acute back pain falls into two broad categories, and the treatment pathway differs. The physician works out which pattern you have within the first few minutes of the visit, because the plan and the prognosis are not the same.
Mechanical back pain
The most common reason patients walk in. Pain stays in the lower back and comes from a strained muscle or ligament. It responds well to a few days of anti-inflammatory medication, a short course of a muscle relaxant at night, heat, and a graduated return to normal movement. Most cases improve within two to four weeks.
Radicular pain (sciatica)
Pain that travels from the low back into the buttock and down one leg, often past the knee, because a lumbar nerve root is irritated. It frequently brings tingling, numbness, or weakness in a specific nerve pattern. Sciatica usually takes longer to settle, often six to twelve weeks, and is watched more closely for any neurologic change.
A third category, back pain with red flags, is rarer but matters most. Red flags move the workup from urgent care to imaging, lab work, or the emergency department. Our physicians screen for them on every visit.
How a physician evaluates your back
Back pain is almost always diagnosed clinically, by history and physical examination, not by imaging. The physician uses targeted maneuvers to localize the problem and to screen for nerve root or spinal cord involvement.
Focused history
How the pain started, where it radiates, what makes it better or worse, and any warning signs. This alone points to the diagnosis in most patients and flags anyone who needs a closer look.
The straight-leg raise
The single most useful maneuver for sciatica. With you lying down, the physician lifts the straight leg. Pain shooting down the back of the thigh below the knee between 30 and 70 degrees points to nerve root irritation.
The neurologic exam
Strength, reflexes, sensation, and gait. Asymmetric reflexes, measurable weakness, or sensory loss in a nerve pattern changes the plan. Most acute mechanical back pain has a completely normal neurologic exam.
Red-flag screen
Fewer than five percent of cases carry a red flag, but the ones that do need urgent imaging, labs, or transfer. We screen for fracture, infection, cancer, and cauda equina on every visit.
Back pain warning signs that mean the ER
These findings are uncommon, but they change everything. If you have any of them, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Do not wait for a walk-in slot.
Cauda equina syndrome
Numbness in the saddle area (inner thighs, perineum, or genitals), new trouble controlling the bladder or bowel, weakness in both legs, or severe sciatica on both sides. This is a surgical emergency.
Fracture
Back pain after a car crash, a fall from height, or, in older adults or anyone on long-term steroids, after even minor trauma. A spinal fracture needs urgent imaging.
Spinal infection
Fever together with back pain, IV drug use, a recent spinal procedure, or a weakened immune system. An epidural abscess is a neurosurgical emergency.
Possible cancer
A history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, or night pain that is not relieved by changing position, especially over age 50 with a new persistent ache.
Progressive weakness
Leg weakness that is getting worse, new numbness that is spreading, or new loss of coordination. A progressing neurologic deficit needs urgent evaluation.
Severe, relentless pain
Pain that is unbearable, will not ease with rest or position, or is clearly out of proportion to a simple strain deserves an immediate, in-person assessment.
When an X-ray helps, and when it does not
Most acute back pain does not need imaging. The American College of Physicians and the American College of Radiology are clear: routine lumbar imaging in people with non-specific low back pain and no red flags does not improve outcomes and can cause harm. We image when it changes the plan, not by reflex.
When we X-ray on the first visit
We order a lumbar X-ray same-visit when a red flag is present: significant trauma, age over 65 with a severe first episode, a history of cancer, chronic oral steroid use, unexplained weight loss, a suspected vertebral fracture, or concern for spondylolisthesis. On-site digital X-ray means the physician reads the film in about ten minutes, with no outside radiology wait. More on digital X-ray.
When an X-ray would not help
Typical muscular back pain in a patient under 50 with no red flags does not need an X-ray. A plain film in this group almost never changes the treatment, and imaging can actually slow recovery by anchoring you on a structural finding that has nothing to do with the pain. We will tell you plainly when a scan is not in your interest.
When an MRI is the right test
An MRI is reserved for radicular pain that persists six or more weeks despite conservative care, a progressive neurologic deficit, suspected infection or cancer, or any red-flag finding. It is not a first-line test for routine acute back pain. When one is warranted, we refer for outpatient MRI and coordinate directly with spine specialists.
How we treat acute back pain
The cornerstone of acute back pain care is evidence-based and unglamorous: anti-inflammatory medication, targeted muscle relaxation when spasm is present, and a structured return to activity. Opioids are not first-line and are avoided in routine care.
Anti-inflammatory medication
An NSAID for 7 to 10 days is the backbone of treatment, dosed to your history and any contraindications. A topical agent can be added for localized pain.
Muscle relaxant for spasm
When muscle spasm is part of the picture, a short course of a muscle relaxant at bedtime for 5 to 7 days eases the spasm and helps you sleep through the worst nights.
A clear activity plan
Specific return-to-activity milestones and heat-therapy guidance, plus return precautions that tell you exactly which symptoms mean you should come back or go to the ER.
No opioids first-line
We actively avoid opioids for routine back pain. The evidence shows they are no better than NSAIDs, they delay your return to normal activity, and they carry a real risk of dependency.
Same-visit prescriptions
Your medications are e-prescribed to any pharmacy in Miami-Dade before you leave, so there is nothing to chase down and no second appointment to schedule.
IV options for severe flares
For a severe flare with dehydration or nausea, the physician may add a targeted Pain Relief IV in clinic to settle symptoms faster.
Why movement beats bed rest
The old prescription of a week of bed rest is obsolete. Prolonged rest slows recovery and worsens deconditioning. The current evidence, and our discharge instructions, point the other way: stay as active as the pain allows, starting on day one.
First 48 hours
Avoid heavy lifting, sustained bending, and any position that sharply worsens the pain. Walk for 5 to 10 minutes every couple of hours. Ice is optional in the first day or two for an acute strain.
Day 3 to day 7
Add gentle walking, easy stretching, and normal daily tasks. Heat usually feels better than ice now. Sleep on your back with a pillow under the knees, or on your side with a pillow between them.
Week 2 and beyond
Return to exercise gradually. Most people tolerate easy cardio by day 7 to 10 and progressive strength work by two to three weeks. Core and hip-stability work helps prevent the next episode.
If it is not improving
Pain that is not following the expected curve, or that keeps coming back, is best handled with structured physical therapy. We refer to local PT clinics that take most insurance and coordinate with them directly.
Clear pricing, no surprise bills
A back pain evaluation bills as a standard urgent care visit and is covered by most major plans. No insurance? Pricing is set up front, so you always know what to expect before you are seen.
Starting prices; final cost depends on the services you need. Imaging is added only when clinically indicated. See accepted plans on our insurance page.
Why TrufaMED for back pain
Back pain is one of the most common reasons adults visit urgent care. The quality of that first visit, a competent physician, an appropriate red-flag screen, and a sensible plan, shapes whether the episode resolves in days or turns into a chronic problem.
Physician-led every shift
A board-certified physician leads every shift and is involved in your care. Dr. Shane Naidoo (Emergency Medicine) and Dr. Uri Gedalia (General Surgery, FACS) lead the clinical team.
On-site imaging, only when it helps
Digital X-ray is right here when a red flag calls for it, read in about ten minutes. When a scan would not change your care, we say so instead of running it anyway.
Joint Commission accredited
The same body that accredits hospitals audits our documentation, medication safety, and imaging protocols. We are Florida’s only accredited urgent care, one of just eight nationwide.
Seen in minutes, not hours
Most back pain visits finish in 30 to 60 minutes from check-in to a written plan, a fraction of an emergency room wait for the same evaluation.
Led by board-certified physicians
Your back is examined by a physician trained to tell a simple strain from the rare emergency, and to treat it without over-imaging or over-prescribing.
Dr. Naidoo leads the clinical team and brings extensive adult and pediatric emergency, trauma, and critical-care experience from high-volume emergency departments. That training is exactly what is needed to separate a benign back strain from the small number of dangerous causes, quickly and calmly.
Dr. Gedalia earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University and completed his surgical residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York. His surgical background means imaging findings and possible fractures are read by a physician who treats the injuries behind them, and who knows when a spine specialist is genuinely needed.
Back pain, answered
The questions patients across Surfside, Miami Beach, and Bal Harbour ask most before walking in.
Can I walk in for back pain without an appointment?
Yes. Walk in with no appointment needed, seven days a week. Online check-in is available to reduce your wait at the front desk. Our hours are Monday to Friday 9 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 11 AM to 11 PM, and Sunday 12 PM to 8 PM. Most back pain visits run 30 to 60 minutes from check-in to a written treatment plan.
Do I need an X-ray for my back pain?
Most acute back pain does not need an X-ray. Guidelines from the American College of Physicians and the American College of Radiology recommend imaging only when a red flag is present: significant trauma, age over 65 with a severe first episode, history of cancer, unexplained weight loss, chronic steroid use, progressive neurologic deficit, fever, or IV drug use. When imaging is clinically indicated, we have on-site digital X-ray and read it the same visit. A self-pay digital X-ray starts from $120.
What is the difference between sciatica and ordinary back pain?
Mechanical back pain stays in the lower back and comes from a muscle or ligament strain. Sciatica shoots from the low back into the buttock and down one leg, often past the knee, because a lumbar nerve root is irritated. Sciatica often brings tingling, numbness, or weakness in a specific nerve pattern, and it usually takes longer to settle than a simple muscle strain.
Will you prescribe opioids for my back pain?
Not for routine acute back pain. The evidence is clear that opioids are no more effective than anti-inflammatory medication for back pain, they delay return to normal activity, and they carry a real risk of dependency. First-line treatment is an NSAID, a muscle relaxant when spasm is present, a topical agent, and a structured plan to return to activity. Opioids are reserved for very short courses in severe cases when other options have failed.
How long does acute back pain usually last?
About 80 percent of acute mechanical back pain resolves within two to four weeks with conservative care, and roughly half of patients improve substantially within the first week. Sciatica tends to take longer, with most cases resolving within six to twelve weeks. Pain that worsens after two weeks or persists beyond six weeks should be re-evaluated.
Should I rest or stay active when my back hurts?
Stay as active as the pain allows. The old advice to rest in bed for a week is obsolete; prolonged rest actually slows recovery and worsens deconditioning. Walk short distances, stretch gently, and avoid movements that sharply worsen the pain. Avoid heavy lifting, twisting under load, and high-impact exercise for the first 7 to 10 days, then return to full activity over two to four weeks.
Should I use ice or heat for my back pain?
Both can help. Ice tends to be more useful in the first 24 to 48 hours of an acute injury. Heat is usually more comfortable from day three onward and helps the muscles relax. Use whichever feels better to you. Limit each application to 15 to 20 minutes and keep a cloth barrier between the source and your skin.
When do I need an MRI for back pain?
An MRI is reserved for specific situations: radicular leg pain that persists six or more weeks despite conservative care, a progressive neurologic deficit, suspected infection or cancer, suspected cauda equina syndrome, or any red-flag finding. MRI is not a first-line test for routine acute back pain. When one is warranted, we refer for outpatient MRI and coordinate with spine specialists.
Can urgent care help with chronic back pain?
Urgent care is the right place for an acute flare of known chronic back pain, new radicular symptoms, or a clear mechanical injury on top of a long-standing pattern. We can prescribe a short course of an NSAID or a muscle relaxant and help expedite a specialist referral. Long-term chronic pain is best managed by an established specialist relationship rather than repeated urgent care visits.
When does back pain become an emergency?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for numbness in the groin or saddle area, new loss of bladder or bowel control, weakness in one or both legs, fever with back pain, or back pain after major trauma such as a car crash or a fall from height. These can signal cauda equina syndrome, a spinal infection, or a fracture, which are emergencies. For everything short of that, urgent care is the right level of care.
Does insurance cover a back pain urgent care visit?
Yes. A back pain evaluation at TrufaMED bills as a standard urgent care visit and is covered by most major plans, including Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Oscar Health (urgent care), Medicare, and Medicare Advantage. Self-pay patients are always welcome, with a physician visit starting from $195 and clear, upfront pricing.
Do I need a follow-up appointment after an urgent care visit for back pain?
Most patients with uncomplicated back pain do not need a routine follow-up. We schedule one when there is a red flag to monitor, imaging to review, physical therapy to coordinate, or symptoms that are not improving on the expected curve. You are welcome to return any time for worsening symptoms or a new warning sign.
Minutes from Bal Harbour and Miami Beach
TrufaMED is at 9445 Harding Avenue in Surfside, minutes from Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and Aventura. Walk in without an appointment, seven days a week.
What patients say
Best clinic ever
Excellent. Attentive clean
The staff is very nice and courteous
Very nice receptionist
Best place I’ve been to by far great service
The staff are amazing, from front desk, registration, nurse , the Dr. A mean the facility very clean, conftuble, I'll give them 150% plus on everything and all. Thank you so very much
Care grounded in recognized authorities
Diagnosis and treatment follow guidance from national health authorities and accreditation standards.
Find the right care
Find us in Surfside
Hours
Monday–Friday 9 AM – 9 PM
Saturday 11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday 12 PM – 8 PM
Walk in any time during open hours. No appointment needed.
Contact
Phone (305) 537-6396
WhatsApp +1 (305) 842-9801
Email [email protected]
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911. TrufaMED is urgent care, not an emergency room.
Back pain? Walk in today.
Be seen by a board-certified physician, get imaged on-site only if you need it, and leave with a real plan. Open seven days a week at 9445 Harding Ave.
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