There are several types of pain-killing injections, but the most common ones used in urgent care settings are NSAID injections (like Toradol), corticosteroids, and local anesthetics. Depending on the cause of your discomfort—whether it is an injury, a migraine, or joint inflammation—the specific medication used will vary to target the source of the pain directly.
However, not every type of pain requires an injection. At Sahara West Urgent Care, our medical providers assess the severity and location of your pain to determine which “pain killer shot” is appropriate for your recovery.
Common Types of Pain Injections Used at Urgent Care
Urgent care facilities frequently utilize different injectable medications to provide rapid relief:
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Ketorolac (Toradol): A powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) used for acute moderate-to-severe pain, such as kidney stones or severe back strains.
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Corticosteroids (Cortisone): Steroid injections used to reduce intense inflammation in joints, tendons, or bursae.
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Local Anesthetics (Lidocaine): Often used for “nerve blocks” or to numb an area before a procedure like stitching a wound.
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Trigger Point Injections: Used to treat extremely painful “knots” in the muscles that don’t respond to oral medication.
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B-12 or Vitamin Injections: While not traditional painkillers, these can help with nerve-related pain caused by certain deficiencies.
The Diagnostic Process: Why an Evaluation is Required
You cannot receive a pain-killing injection without a proper medical screening. To ensure the medication is safe and effective for you, the team at Sahara West Urgent Care may perform:
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Vital Sign Monitoring: Checking blood pressure and heart rate, as some pain meds can affect these.
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Focused Physical Exam: Pinpointing the exact origin of the pain to decide between a systemic (intramuscular) or localized injection.
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Allergy & History Review: Ensuring you have no history of adverse reactions to NSAIDs or steroids and checking for potential drug interactions.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Treatment?
While many clinics only offer oral medications, Sahara West Urgent Care specializes in advanced pain injections to provide faster relief than pills alone. We understand that when you are in pain, every minute counts. Our facility provides a comfortable environment and expert administration of injectable treatments to help manage acute flare-ups and injuries efficiently.
Are you struggling with acute pain that won’t go away? Visit Sahara West Urgent Care today for an evaluation. We offer walk-in appointments and specialized care to help you find relief immediately.

