Sharp Lower Back Pain After Lifting? Your Care Guide in Long Beach, CA

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Sharp Lower Back Pain After Lifting? Your Care Guide in Long Beach, CA

If you recently experienced a sharp, sudden pain in your lower back after lifting something heavy, it’s completely normal to feel worried and unsure about what to do next. Back injuries can be painful and sometimes serious, so it’s important to take your symptoms seriously. Resting might help, but understanding when to see a doctor and what to expect can ease your mind.

This post will guide you through potential next steps, including the types of healthcare providers who can evaluate your injury, typical procedures they might perform, and the estimated costs you can expect in Long Beach, CA. We want you to feel informed and empowered as you take the next critical steps toward healing.

Who to See for Your Symptoms in Long Beach, CA

Several types of healthcare providers could be the right first stop for your back pain, depending on the severity and your needs. Here are some good options to consider:

  • Family Practice Doctors: Generalist doctors who diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. They are a great first step for back pain as they can assess your symptoms and recommend next steps.
  • Internal Medicine Physicians: Specialists in adult healthcare who can evaluate your back pain and provide medical management or referrals.
  • Pain Management Specialists: Doctors who focus on diagnosing and treating various types of pain, including back pain from injuries. They often use medications, injections, or other treatments.
  • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatrists): Experts in restoring function and mobility after injury. They can offer therapies, guide rehabilitation exercises, and manage pain.
  • Orthopedic Surgeons: Doctors specialized in musculoskeletal injuries. They evaluate bone, joint, and spine injuries and can recommend surgery if necessary.

Each of these providers can play an important role depending on how your pain develops and whether imaging or specialized treatments are needed.

What to Expect: Initial Visits and Estimated Costs

Below is a breakdown of common procedures for back injury evaluation and management from different provider types in Long Beach, CA. All costs shown are self-pay estimates and refer to typical charges for the procedures.

Visit with a Family Practice Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This is a detailed office visit where the doctor will review your injury, take your medical history, and do a physical exam. It helps determine the cause and severity of your back pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $212.06 (typically ranges from $159.05 to $265.08)
    This estimate is based on 574 providers in the Long Beach area.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, 2-3 views (CPT Code: 72100)
    Purpose: An X-ray helps visualize the bones of your lower back to check for fractures or other problems causing your pain.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $72.55 (typically ranges from $50.35 to $94.74)
    This estimate is based on 10 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of upper spinal canal without contrast (CPT Code: 72141)
    Purpose: An MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues like discs and nerves to detect injuries that X-rays can’t detect.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $565.21 (typically ranges from $156.02 to $974.40)
    This estimate is based on 1 provider in the area.

Visit with an Internal Medicine Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Similar to family practice, this is a thorough visit to assess your symptoms and decide if further testing or treatments are needed.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $209.33 (typically ranges from $157.00 to $261.66)
    This estimate is from 602 providers in Long Beach.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, minimum 4 views (CPT Code: 72110)
    Purpose: More detailed X-ray views for a clearer look at your lower back bones.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $100.65 (typically ranges from $55.30 to $146.00)
    This estimate is from 1 provider.

Visit with a Pain Management Specialist

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Examines your pain in detail to recommend focused treatments like medication or injections.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $245.26 (typically ranges from $160.78 to $329.74)
    Based on 24 providers.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of lower spinal canal without contrast (CPT Code: 72148)
    Purpose: Detailed imaging to evaluate discs, nerves, and spinal canal structures.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $584.45 (typically ranges from $178.91 to $989.98)
    Based on 2 providers.

Visit with a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctor

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: This doctor will assess how your injury affects your movement and plan rehabilitation.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $211.94 (typically ranges $158.95 to $264.92)
    Based on 38 providers.

  • Procedure: Injection of anesthetic and/or steroid into lower back and leg nerve (sciatic nerve) (CPT Code: 64445)
    Purpose: This injection can reduce nerve pain and inflammation associated with back injuries.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $282.11 (typically ranges $211.58 to $352.64)
    Available from 1 provider.

Visit with an Orthopedic Surgeon

  • Procedure: Established patient office visit, 30-39 minutes (CPT Code: 99214)
    Purpose: Orthopedists evaluate for bone or disc injuries and discuss surgical or non-surgical treatment options.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $216.41 (typically ranges from $160.21 to $272.60)
    Based on 165 providers.

  • Procedure: X-ray of lower and sacral spine, minimum 4 views (CPT Code: 72110)
    Purpose: Detailed X-rays to check for fractures or alignment issues.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $111.94 (typically $70.98 to $152.90)
    Based on 16 providers.

  • Procedure: MRI scan of lower spinal canal without contrast (CPT Code: 72148)
    Purpose: In-depth imaging for nerve, disc, and spinal structure analysis.
    Estimated Self-Pay Cost: $542.92 (typically $207.73 to $878.10)
    Based on 21 providers.

How to Interpret the Cost Estimates

Healthcare prices in the U.S. can feel like haggling in a marketplace—they vary widely and depend on many factors. Think of the maximum cost shown as the amount a provider ideally aims to charge, called the “charged amount.” The minimum cost is closer to what Medicare, the government insurance, has negotiated—a more “fair” or break-even price for many providers.

Often, costs fall somewhere between these minimums and maximums depending on your insurance, provider agreements, and your ability to negotiate or pay cash upfront.

Know Your Rights

If you’re paying without insurance, you have important protections and rights:

  • Your healthcare provider is legally required to give you a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) of expected costs if you request it or schedule services ahead of time.
  • Before your appointment, ask: “What’s the cash price if I pay upfront?” Many providers offer discounts for self-paying patients.
  • You can request an itemized bill showing exactly what you’re being charged for. If you spot errors or charges that seem wrong, you can dispute them.
  • You’re entitled to ask for CPT codes (procedure codes) and billing details to understand the charges better.
  • Many states protect patients from unfair or “unconscionable” billing practices, especially for the uninsured.

Taking the right next step will help you manage your pain and avoid complications:

  1. Schedule an Appointment: Contact a Family Practice doctor or Internal Medicine physician as a first step. If pain is severe or doesn’t improve, consider a pain management specialist or orthopedic surgeon.
  2. Prepare for Your Visit: Write down your symptoms, when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and any questions you want to ask.
  3. Discuss Costs: When booking, ask about the expected costs and if a Good Faith Estimate can be provided. Remember, the prices shared here are approximate for Long Beach and may vary.
  4. Seek Professional Advice: Don’t delay seeing a healthcare professional, especially with sharp pain after injury. Early diagnosis can prevent worsening issues.

Need Help Navigating Your Options?

Finding affordable, trustworthy care can be confusing, especially if you’re uninsured or new to the system. That’s why we built Transparent Health: a tool to help you understand your options and find the right provider for your needs.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider regarding symptoms or treatment decisions.