Pain clinic near me

How to Choose Between Orthopedic Urgent Care, The ER, and Scheduling an Appointment

Wife holding side in pain and husband searching for "pain clinic near me" on his phone.

If you’re suffering from pain due to an acute injury or chronic condition, knowing where to go for help can be difficult. We all want to avoid an unnecessary trip to the ER, but what are your other options?

Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance is the Midwest’s premier provider of orthopedic care. As the largest orthopedic practice in Kansas City, we treat thousands of patients each year across our 5 locations: Overland Park, Leawood, Belton, Kansas City, and Blue Springs. Using the latest technology, our physicians can evaluate, diagnose, and treat nearly any type of musculoskeletal injury. 

Whether you’re searching for a “pain clinic near me” or an “orthopedic urgent care in Kansas City,” you need the right treatment to relieve your pain. In this blog, our orthopedic specialists provide guidelines on when to go to the ER, when to visit orthopedic urgent care, and when to schedule an appointment with your doctor. 

When to go to the ER

If you have a life or limb-threatening injury, call 911 or go to the nearest ER immediately. 

Patients experiencing any of the following symptoms/injuries should always choose the ER: 

  • Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing
  • A major traumatic injury
  • A severe fracture where bone is visible
  • A head injury
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Signs of stroke (weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, or difficulty speaking) 

It’s best to trust your instincts—if you think emergency medical attention is necessary, the ER is your best choice. 

When to go to orthopedic urgent care 

If you experienced an acute injury causing significant pain (but that doesn’t require emergency medical attention), an ortho urgent care in Kansas City might be your best option. KCOA has 3 orthopedic urgent care clinics throughout Kansas City that accept walk-in appointments for patients with:

  • Sports injuries
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Ligament tears
  • Dislocations
  • And more

Urgent care locations

KCOA offers orthopedic urgent care in Leawood, Overland Park, and Belton

When to schedule an appointment

If you’re searching for a pain clinic near you because of chronic pain, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or orthopedic specialist. At KCOA, our orthopedic pain management specialists create individualized treatment plans to help you live a pain-free life. 

If you’re searching for a pain clinic near you, it’s time to visit our orthopedic specialists

At Kansas City Orthopedic Alliance, we’re dedicated to creating a superior patient experience for all. We’ve helped thousands of patients treat their pain, restore their function, and improve their quality of life. 

For a thorough evaluation, call us at (913) 319-7600 or schedule an appointment today. If you’re struggling with pain but don’t know where to start, use our symptom tracker for treatment recommendations.