24/7 Emergency Care. Our patients are first.
Most back pain is not dangerous — but some back pain is.If your symptoms feel severe, sudden, or “off,” don’t wait.
Go to the ER right away if back pain comes with:
New weakness in a leg/arm or trouble walking
Numbness in the groin/saddle area
Loss of bladder or bowel control (or you can’t start urinating)
Fever with back pain (especially if you feel very ill)
Severe pain after a fall, car accident, or injury
Sudden “tearing” upper back pain or back pain with severe chest/abdominal pain, fainting, or shortness of breath — call 911
Get checked urgently if you have severe back pain and:
A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss
Immunosuppression (recent surgery, chemo, transplant meds) or long-term steroid use
IV drug use or a recent serious infection
You’re older, have osteoporosis, or the pain followed even a “minor” fall
Why some back pain is an emergency
Back pain becomes an ER issue when it may involve spinal cord/nerve compression, infection, fracture, or (more rarely) a major vascular emergency. The goal is to identify the dangerous causes early — before permanent damage occurs.
Red-flag symptom patterns to take seriously
What Post Oak ER can do for severe back pain
At Post Oak ER, we can evaluate serious back pain quickly with on-site CT, X-ray, ultrasound, and lab testing, plus emergency treatment for adults and children when needed.
Depending on your symptoms, care may include:
Focused neurologic exam (strength/sensation/reflexes)
Imaging (CT/X-ray; ultrasound when clinically appropriate)
Lab testing when infection or internal causes are a concern
Stabilization and treatment for trauma-related back pain
Whether you’re in Westchase, Midtown, or the Heights, getting to Post Oak ER is simple. We’re centrally located near major Houston routes like I‑610 and San Felipe — just a short drive from Memorial Park and River Oaks. Many patients reach us via Westheimer or Woodway Dr., depending on their neighborhood.
We accept most major insurance plans and also welcome self-pay patients with transparent, upfront pricing. Many Memorial-area patients visit us using Blue Cross, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, Molina, and United Healthcare.
Yes. We’re open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Our freestanding ER model is designed to minimize or eliminate wait times so you’re seen fast.
No. Walk in anytime. If it’s an emergency, come straight in or call ahead and we’ll be ready: 832-581-2277.
5018 San Felipe St, Houston, TX 77056 — near The Galleria/Uptown. Free, convenient parking right by the entrance.
Yes. Our board-certified emergency physicians care for all ages, including pediatric emergencies.
Chest pain, shortness of breath, severe headache/migraine, abdominal pain, injuries and fractures, cuts requiring stitches, high fever, dehydration, allergic reactions, asthma attacks, and more. If you believe it’s life-threatening, call 911.
Yes. We offer on-site CT scans, digital X-rays, and a full laboratory, so most tests and results are done during your visit.
Absolutely. We routinely see patients from Uptown, The Galleria, River Oaks, Tanglewood, and Memorial.
A photo ID, insurance card (if available), a list of medications/allergies, and any recent medical records you have.
We accept most major private insurance plans. Coverage varies by plan; our team will help verify benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs. Questions? Call 832-581-2277.
Urgent care handles minor illnesses/injuries. ERs have advanced imaging, lab, medications, and emergency physicians for time-sensitive or severe conditions (e.g., chest pain, severe abdominal pain, serious injury, difficulty breathing).
Yes. If inpatient care or surgery is required, we coordinate a direct transfer to the appropriate hospital.
Times vary by condition and testing, but our no-wait intake and on-site diagnostics help you get answers and treatment as quickly as possible.