Emergency rooms provide essential, immediate medical services for the people who need it most. No one wants to go to the emergency room, but there are times where you have no choice. If you’ve suffered a back injury, for instance, you don’t have time to schedule an appointment with an orthopedic doctor in Suffolk County, NY. Not only is it important that you find relief for any pain as quickly as possible, but there are some health problems that will only get worse without immediate attention. If you feel like you could use medical care but aren’t sure if your health problem qualifies as an emergency, here are some of the most common reasons people visit the ER.
Chest Pains
Chest pains are among the most common reasons people visit an emergency room. While most of the time, pain in your chest isn’t an indication of an emergency—it’s most commonly a condition such as heartburn—you don’t want to take any chances when it comes to your heart.
Stomach Pains
There are a lot of health problems associated with the abdominal area. Stomach pain could be due to food poisoning, irritable bowels, kidney stones, or even appendicitis.
Sprains or Broken Bones
If you suffered a fall or twisted your ankle, there’s not time to make an appointment at an orthopedic center. You need your injury dealt with right away. Thankfully, ERs are perfectly set up to deal with injuries related to strained ligaments and broken bones.
Back Pains
Back injuries can occur suddenly and without warning. Lifting a heavy box or object can cause searing pain. Sometimes the pain is the result of a strained muscle, while other times it could be something more severe, such as a slipped disc. Either way, the pain can be debilitating, so visiting an ER is your only (and best) option.
Upper Respiratory Infections
We’ve all had to deal with a cold or even a mild case of the flu from time to time. Usually, the best course of action is to stay home, rest, and drink plenty of liquids. If the sickness is severe enough, however, you might have to seek care at an emergency room.
Tooth Problems
When people suffer from severe toothaches and the dentist’s office is closed, their only recourse is to go to the emergency room. It’s also common to seek help when suffering from an abscess or other mouth- and tooth-related issues.
Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common ailments that people suffer from. That’s why it’s also the number one reason people visit an emergency room. Many headaches can be treated at home with the help of over-the-counter medications. If the pain is too severe, however, or if you’re worried it might be an indication of some other health concern, you should visit your local ER.
Should you need emergency medical care, visit Peconic Bay Medical Center. Not only do we have the leading orthopedic spine surgeons in Suffolk County, NY, but we provide our community with advanced lifesaving emergency services. If you have any questions, call (631) 548-6000.