24/7 BACK PAIN EMERGENCY CARE
Severe Back Pain ER in Houston — 24/7 Emergency Evaluation
Most back pain improves with time, but sudden severe back pain, back pain with leg weakness or numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or pain after a fall or accident needs emergency evaluation. The Heights Emergency Room in Houston is open 24/7 for walk-ins, with X-ray and CT on site.
Open 24/7 • Walk-Ins Welcome • No Appointment Required
WHAT WE OFFER
Emergency Care for Severe Back Pain, Day or Night
Open 24/7, Even Holidays
Severe back pain can start at any hour. We are open every hour of every day.
Walk-Ins Welcome
No appointment or referral is needed for emergency evaluation.
Spine Imaging
X-ray and CT of the spine when your physician needs them.
Lab & Urine Testing
To look for infection, kidney stones, and other causes.
Pain Relief
Medication for severe pain when appropriate.
Near Houston Heights
101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, on the North Loop.
Ordinary back strain usually doesn’t need an ER visit. Red-flag symptoms are what make back pain an emergency.
BACK PAIN WARNING SIGNS
When Is Severe Back Pain an Emergency?
Severe back pain is an emergency when it starts suddenly and intensely, follows a fall or accident, or comes with leg weakness or numbness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, chest or abdominal pain, or fainting. A history of cancer, IV drug use, or a weakened immune system also raises concern.
Most back pain comes from strained muscles or ligaments and improves within a few weeks with gentle activity. Emergency care is for the uncommon cases where a nerve, the spine, the kidneys, or a major blood vessel is involved.
Get emergency care for back pain with:
- Weakness or numbness in one or both legs
- Numbness in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs
- New trouble urinating, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Fever or chills
- Back pain after a fall or crash
- Sudden, tearing back or abdominal pain
- Severe flank pain with vomiting or blood in the urine
- A history of cancer with new back pain
PATIENT REVIEWS
What Patients Say About The Heights Emergency Room
4.7
★★★★★
Based on 664 Google reviews (as of October 2026)
Patients frequently mention a welcoming atmosphere and a clean facility.
E
Erika M. on Google
★★★★★
My sister went into anaphylactic shock while at work and her airway started to close. When we walked in the receptionist took one look at her swelling and ushered us to a medical suite. … I am immensely grateful to the care staff here. Their professionalism and efficiency went a long way to keep my sister calm during the whole process.
K
Kendi on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at The Heights Emergency Room after a head injury. … Dr. Zahid was very thorough in his evaluation and took the time to explain everything clearly. … I’m very grateful for the excellent care I received and would highly recommend The Heights Emergency Room!
A
Ahson W. on Google
★★★★★
Very good service. I brought my son here and they very quickly attended to him. … Abdullah took my son’s blood and Pablo administered the CT scan. … Dr. Khan explained the results thoroughly and professionally.
M
Michelle R. on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at this ER. The facility was very clean, and the staff was attentive, professional, and compassionate. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure all of my needs were addressed. I felt well cared for throughout my visit.
S
Samantha M. on Google
★★★★★
The staff here are amazing!! I had an embarrassing and painful health issue. … This staff made me feel so comfortable and supported through the pain, I didn’t feel embarrassed. … I left feeling heard, educated, and 1000% better!
Need emergency care now?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. No appointment needed.
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences; care and outcomes vary.
Severe Back Pain?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24/7 with X-ray and CT on site and no appointment needed.
For sudden tearing pain, fainting, or major trauma, call 911.
On This Page
Severe Back Pain? We’re Open 24/7
Emergency evaluation is available day and night at The Heights Emergency Room.
Back Pain With Numbness or Weakness
Numbness or weakness can mean a nerve or the spinal cord is being compressed.
Go to the ER for back pain with
- New weakness in a leg or foot
- Foot drop, or tripping over your toes
- Numbness that is spreading
- Weakness in both legs
- Trouble walking or standing
Pain that shoots down one leg (sciatica) is common and often improves on its own, but new weakness is a warning sign.
Cauda Equina Syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare but serious compression of the nerves at the base of the spine.
Warning signs
- Numbness in the groin, buttocks, or inner thighs (saddle area)
- New difficulty starting urination or emptying the bladder
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Sudden sexual dysfunction
- Weakness in both legs
This is a surgical emergency. Seek emergency care immediately if these symptoms appear.
Is Severe Back Pain After a Fall an ER Problem?
Yes. Back pain after a significant fall, crash, or blow should be evaluated.
A spinal fracture is more likely in older adults, people with osteoporosis, and people on long-term steroids, sometimes even after a minor fall. Don’t move someone with back or neck pain after a serious injury; call 911. Learn more on our injury care page.
Sudden Severe Back Pain
Back pain that starts suddenly and severely, especially without an injury, needs prompt evaluation.
Sudden tearing or ripping pain in the back or abdomen can signal an aortic dissection or a leaking aortic aneurysm, both life-threatening emergencies—call 911. Severe back pain with fever can signal a spinal infection, especially after recent surgery, spinal injections, or IV drug use.
WHEN IT’S NOT YOUR SPINE
Can Kidney Stone Pain Feel Like Severe Back Pain?
Yes. Kidney stones commonly cause severe pain in the back or side, below the ribs.
Kidney stone pain often comes in waves, may move toward the groin, and usually doesn’t change with position or movement, unlike muscle pain. Blood in the urine, nausea, or vomiting point toward a stone; see our kidney stone ER page. Back pain with fever and urinary symptoms may be a kidney infection. Pain from the pancreas, gallbladder, or heart can also spread to the back.
YOUR ER VISIT
What Happens When You Visit the ER for Severe Back Pain?
The physician asks how the pain started, checks the strength, sensation, and reflexes in your legs, and looks for red flags.
Imaging When Needed
X-ray or CT of the spine for injuries or suspected fractures; CT of the abdomen when a kidney stone or vascular cause is possible.
Urine & Lab Tests
Urinalysis and blood tests can reveal a kidney stone, infection, or inflammation.
Pain Relief
Medication to ease severe pain so you can move safely, along with a plan for recovery.
Imaging isn’t needed for most simple back pain. Patients who need an MRI, surgery, or specialist care are referred or transferred.
What Can Cause Severe Back Pain?
Possible causes can include:
Muscle & Ligament Strain
The most common cause, often after lifting, twisting, or overuse.
Spine Problems
Herniated discs, nerve compression, and spinal fractures.
Kidney Problems
Kidney stones and kidney infections can cause severe back or flank pain.
Serious Internal Causes
Aortic aneurysm or dissection, spinal infection, and, rarely, cancer.
This list is general information, not a diagnosis. Upper abdominal problems can also cause back pain; see our abdominal pain ER page.
QUICK ANSWERS
Severe Back Pain Questions, Answered
When is severe back pain an emergency?
Severe back pain is an emergency when it starts suddenly and intensely, follows a fall or accident, or comes with leg weakness, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever, or fainting. Most back pain from muscle strain is not an emergency and improves with time and gentle activity.
Should I go to the ER for back pain with numbness or weakness?
Yes. Back pain with new leg weakness, spreading numbness, or numbness in the groin or inner thighs can mean nerve or spinal cord compression and needs prompt emergency evaluation. Loss of bladder or bowel control with back pain is a surgical emergency.
Where should I go in Houston for sudden severe back pain?
For sudden severe back pain, go to an emergency room—or call 911 if the pain is tearing, comes with fainting, or follows major trauma. The Heights Emergency Room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, is open 24/7 with X-ray, CT, and lab testing on site. No appointment is needed.
Is severe back pain after a fall an ER problem?
Yes. Severe back pain after a fall should be evaluated, especially in older adults or people with osteoporosis, who can fracture the spine even in a minor fall. Call 911 and avoid moving the person if there is numbness, weakness, or a high-force injury.
Can kidney stone pain feel like severe back pain?
Yes. Kidney stones often cause severe pain in the back or side below the ribs that comes in waves and may move toward the groin. Unlike muscle pain, it usually doesn’t change with movement. Blood in the urine, nausea, or vomiting point toward a stone, which can be confirmed with CT imaging.
EMERGENCY SAFETY
When Should You Call 911 for Back Pain?
Call 911 for back pain that may involve a major blood vessel, the spinal cord, or a serious injury.
Call 911 for:
- Sudden tearing back or abdominal pain
- Back pain with fainting
- Back pain after a serious crash or fall
- Sudden weakness in both legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control with severe pain
- Back pain with chest pain or shortness of breath
- Cold, clammy skin with severe pain
- Rapidly worsening numbness
Paramedics can immobilize the spine, monitor blood pressure, and take you to the most appropriate hospital.
Don’t drive with severe pain or leg weakness, or after taking prescription pain medication.
WHERE TO GO
ER vs Urgent Care for Back Pain
Urgent care or your doctor is usually the right place for ordinary back strain. Back pain with red flags—weakness, numbness, bladder changes, fever, trauma, or sudden severe pain—needs an emergency room.
Call 911
- Sudden tearing pain
- Fainting
- Major trauma
- Weakness in both legs
Go to the ER
- New leg weakness or numbness
- Saddle numbness or bladder changes
- Back pain with fever
- Pain after a fall
- Severe flank pain with vomiting
Your Doctor or Urgent Care
- Back strain after lifting
- Stiffness that improves with movement
- Mild sciatica without weakness
If you are unsure, choose the ER.
Learn more about the difference between urgent care and the ER.
24/7 Severe Back Pain Evaluation in Houston
Severe back pain can start at any time. The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Emergency Physician Evaluation
Neurologic and spine exam.
Digital X-Ray
For injuries and suspected fractures.
CT Imaging
Spine and abdomen when indicated.
Lab & Urine Testing
For infection and kidney stones.
Pain Relief
Medication when appropriate.
Transfer Coordination
Arranged for MRI or surgical care.
Testing and treatment depend on your symptoms and the physician’s evaluation.
Severe Back Pain ER Near Houston Heights
The Heights Emergency Room is a freestanding emergency room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, along the North Loop (610). It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for adults with severe back pain and can be reached at (281) 560-4373.
The Heights Emergency Room
101 N Loop W #300
Houston, TX 77018
Houston, TX 77018
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you are searching for:
- Back pain ER near me
- Sudden severe back pain ER in Houston
- Back pain with leg numbness ER
- ER for back pain after a fall
The Heights Emergency Room is open day and night for severe back pain.
Serving Houston Heights and Nearby Neighborhoods
Workers, athletes, and older adults from across central and northwest Houston—including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Houston Heights, Timbergrove, Woodland Heights, Independence Heights, the Northside, Rice Military, the Washington Avenue corridor, First Ward, and Downtown—come to us when back pain comes with warning signs. Our North Loop location is a short drive from many of these neighborhoods.
ZIP 77018
Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Independence Heights / Central Northwest
ZIP 77008
Houston Heights, Lazybrook, and Timbergrove
ZIP 77009
Heights East, Northside, and the Woodland Heights area
ZIP 77022
Independence Heights and Northline / Northside
ZIP 77007
Washington Avenue, Rice Military, the western and southern Heights, and First Ward
ZIP 77002
Downtown, northern Downtown, and nearby First Ward areas
Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
FAQ
Severe Back Pain ER — Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not. Long-standing back pain is best managed by your doctor or a specialist. Seek emergency care if your usual pain changes suddenly or comes with new weakness, numbness, bladder changes, fever, or an injury.
Most back pain doesn’t need immediate imaging. If your physician suspects nerve compression or a spinal infection, you may be referred or transferred for an MRI.
Over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen may help if they’re safe for you. Tell the staff what you took and when.
For most simple back strain, staying gently active leads to faster recovery than bed rest. Avoid heavy lifting and twisting until the pain eases.
Sometimes. Pain between the shoulder blades, especially with chest pressure, shortness of breath, or sweating, can be heart-related, particularly in women. Call 911 for these symptoms.
No. Walk-ins are welcome 24/7, and you can check in online before you arrive.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Severe Back Pain? Emergency Care Is Available 24/7
Get back pain with weakness, numbness, bladder changes, fever, or a recent injury checked promptly.
For sudden tearing pain, fainting, or major trauma, call 911 immediately.
