A recent survey by the American Pain Foundation found that seven out of every 10 people who experienced acute back pain in the past year said that the recession caused, increased or affected their pain. The Urgent Spine Care Center, the only Indianapolis medical practice of its kind, provides rapid diagnosis and treatment to alleviate the increasing incidence and severity of acute back, neck, leg and spinal pain in adults. The Center, located on the north side of Indianapolis at 8805 North Meridian, accepts most insurance plans and patients are seen by a board-certified pain doctor.

According to the study, four out of five sufferers said back or neck pain affected their quality of life due to greater economic stressors at home and at work. Despite this, only four in 10 reported seeing a health care professional for their pain. The goal of the Urgent Spine Care Center is to meet the time constraints of these busy adults who normally try to "wait the pain out," said Dr. Edward Kowlowitz, medical director and founder of the Urgent Spine Care Center.

"Back and neck pains stem from injury and trauma to the spine and should be diagnosed and treated by a physician clinically trained in spine care — as soon as possible," Kowlowitz says. Acute injuries that are not properly diagnosed or treated could lead to chronic, long-term pain and debilitation potentially culminating in expensive medical treatment, medication dependence, time off work and lost wages. Seeking care at a facility that specializes in the treatment of spinal pain results in faster diagnosis, treatment and return to work or activities.

The Center provides rapid access to expert treatment by specialty physicians utilizing a using a multidisciplinary approach to care, which may include physical therapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), medication management, education or interventional procedures such as steroid injections or nerve blocks. Appointments are available by calling 317-706-7246.