Pain injections in the Emergency Room (ER) are primarily used to provide immediate relief for moderate-to-severe acute pain. These typically include Ketorolac (Toradol) for intense inflammation, Opioids (such as Morphine or Fentanyl) for traumatic injuries, and Regional Nerve Blocks to numb specific areas before a procedure. While the ER is equipped for life-threatening emergencies, many of these same potent pain injections are available at urgent care centers for non-life-threatening conditions.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we offer a bridge between home care and the ER, providing medical-grade injections that bypass the digestive system for faster relief of severe musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain.
Common Injections Administered for Severe Pain
In acute care settings like the ER or Sahara West Urgent Care, providers use several types of injectable medications:
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NSAID Injections (Ketorolac): Often the first choice for kidney stones, severe migraines, or acute back pain because it is non-narcotic but highly potent.
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Corticosteroids: Used to shut down severe, localized inflammation in joints or soft tissues.
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Nerve Blocks (Lidocaine/Bupivacaine): Targeted injections that temporarily “turn off” pain signals from a specific nerve or region.
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Opioid Analgesics: In the ER, these are reserved for high-trauma cases like compound fractures or surgical emergencies.
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Anti-Emetic Injections: Often given alongside pain meds to prevent the nausea that can accompany severe pain or certain medications.
The Diagnostic Process: Why an Exam is Required
You cannot receive an ER-level pain injection without a thorough clinical evaluation. To ensure the injection is safe and appropriate for your diagnosis, the medical team at Sahara West Urgent Care may perform:
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Vitals and Pain Assessment: To determine the severity and systemic impact of the pain.
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Physical Examination: To differentiate between muscle strain, nerve compression, or internal issues.
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History Screening: Checking for contraindications like blood thinners, kidney disease, or allergies to specific anesthetics.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Treatment?
While the ER is necessary for life-threatening trauma, Sahara West Urgent Care provides the same level of relief for severe but non-emergency pain—without the long wait times or high costs of a hospital visit. We prioritize patient comfort and safety, offering on-site diagnostics to ensure you get the right pain injection for your specific needs. Our goal is to stabilize your pain and get you back to your daily life as quickly as possible.
Experiencing severe pain that won’t wait? Book an appointment or visit Sahara West Urgent Care today. We provide expert, walk-in medical care to help you find relief immediately.

