When you’ve become injured or ill and are unable to wait to see your regular doctor, you may need to attend urgent care. Urgent care is a branch of medical attention that specializes in offering its patients immediate assistance concerning everyday issues, ranging from muscle sprains to burns to cuts. Similar to emergency room care, this form of healthcare is necessary to act the buffer between more conventional doctor visits and therapy clinics. Knowing which one to use and when is paramount toward maintaining the consistent physical and emotional health of you and yours. Below is a simple list of statistics and tips concerning medical care in all its forms, with suggestions on which ones you should turn to in your time of need.

Age And Illness

Elderly populations face a higher rate of chronic illness and physical disability than younger ones. Ongoing surveys have shown six out of 10 Baby Boomers will be managing a chronic condition by the year 2030. One out of 10 Baby Boomers have also reported their physical activity has been reduced to only a few days a month. When it comes to lower back pain, medical costs have averaged around $2,700 for patients who have received early physical treatment.

Back Pain And Sprains

One of the most prevalent problems affecting Americans of multiple age groups is back and neck pain. Nearly 70% of Americans say low back pain affects their day-to-day lives, though 40% of people suffering from long-term back issues will not see a doctor or physical therapist concerning their health. While four in 10 people try to exercise to relieve lower back pain, some are unable to curb this chronic issue without the assistance of a physical therapist or, in extreme cases, surgery. A study published in World Neurosurgery showed a significant difference in outcomes between those treated with lumber fusion and those who chose a nonoperative treatment.

Sprains And Chronic Conditions

One of the most common diagnosis in an urgent care center was upper respiratory conditions, with the most common procedures being wound repair. Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in a doctor’s office and will occur in as much as 70% of the country’s population at any given time. It’s estimated 65% of individuals over the age of 60 experience either dizziness or loss of balance on a daily basis. When it comes to sprains, reports have estimated 25,000 Americans suffering from a sprained ankle every day. Over 80% of these are a result of inversion, or inward rolling, of the ankle.

Allergies And Mental Health

Last, but not least, we have allergies and mental health. Allergies affect millions of Americans throughout the country, ranging from allergic reactions to food, animal dander, pollen, medication or certain metal ingredients. Urgent care is often required when someone has an allergic reaction — while some are benign and can be mediated with over-the-counter medication, others can be life-threatening and require intervention. Mental health, such as depression and chronic anxiety disorder, can be treated with a variety of different methods. For those that need medication to function in their day-to-day lives, urgent care may be required in certain instances.

Urgent Care

When you have a burn or sprain that needs immediate attention, it’s imperative to visit an urgent care center for treatment. Around 85% of urgent care centers are open throughout the week, though it’s necessary to check your local center’s hours to ensure you are familiar with their unique schedule. There are 20,000 physicians who practice urgent care medicine throughout the country, with an estimated three million patients visiting them every week according to the Urgent Care Association Of America. If you have a regular doctor or clinic you’re able to visit, it should be used if the issue you’re facing doesn’t need immediate attention. Knowing the difference will help you and your family stay healthy all days of the year.