Struggling with chronic pain? Learn how RCL Behavioral cares when flare-ups happen

Chronic Pain Management in Houston: Primary Care and Mental Health Care Solutions

Chronic pain affects millions of Americans and is one of the leading reasons people visit doctors. In Houston, patients often suffer from arthritis, back pain, migraines, neuropathy, or injury-related pain that doesn’t go away.

At RCL Behavioral Medical Center, we understand that pain impacts every part of life—physical, emotional, and social. That’s why we offer integrated care, combining primary care for long-term management with urgent care for sudden flare-ups.

What Is Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. It may be constant or come and go. Unlike acute pain from an injury, chronic pain often continues even after the original cause has healed.

Common causes include:

• Arthritis (joint pain and stiffness)
• Back and neck problems (herniated discs, spinal conditions)
• Neuropathy (nerve pain, often from diabetes)
• Migraines and headaches
• Fibromyalgia
• Old injuries that never fully recovered

The Role of Primary Care in Pain Management

Primary care doctors are often the first point of contact for patients with chronic pain. At RCL, our providers:

• Evaluate pain history and perform physical exams
• Order imaging or lab tests to find underlying causes
• Prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatories or nerve pain medicines
• Recommend lifestyle changes like weight management and physical therapy
• Coordinate referrals to specialists (orthopedics, neurology, rheumatology, or pain management clinics)
• Integrate behavioral health support, since chronic pain often leads to anxiety or depression

When to Visit Urgent Care for Pain

Urgent care is the right choice for sudden or severe pain flare-ups, such as:

• Intense back pain that makes it hard to move
• Sudden migraine that does not improve with medication
• Severe joint swelling or redness
• Pain with fever, which may signal infection
• Pain after an injury or fall

At RCL Behavioral Medical Center, we provide:

• On-site X-rays and lab tests
• IV medications for severe pain or migraines
• Joint injections to reduce inflammation
• Wound care for injury-related pain
• Same-day urgent treatment, so patients don’t have to wait for relief

Chronic Pain and Mental Health

Chronic pain isn’t just physical—it can also affect emotional well-being. Many patients develop:

• Depression due to ongoing discomfort
• Anxiety about worsening pain
• Sleep problems, which worsen overall health

At RCL Behavioral Medical Center, we treat patients as whole individuals, integrating behavioral health care with pain management.

Lifestyle Strategies for Pain Relief

• Exercise regularly (low-impact activities like swimming or walking)
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints
• Practice stress management with mindfulness or therapy
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
• Follow up with your primary care provider consistently

Why Choose RCL Behavioral Medical Center for Pain Care in Houston?

• Bilingual staff to serve Houston’s Hispanic and multicultural community
• Primary care + urgent care under one roof for ongoing and emergency pain treatment
• On-site labs and imaging for fast diagnosis
• Integrated behavioral health to address the emotional side of pain
• Personalized care plans to improve daily quality of life

FAQs

Q: Can urgent care prescribe pain medications?
A: Yes, urgent care can provide short-term relief. Long-term prescriptions are best managed through primary care.

Q: When should I go to the ER for pain instead of urgent care?
A: Go to the ER if pain is accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or signs of stroke.

Q: Can lifestyle changes really reduce chronic pain?
A: Absolutely. Diet, exercise, and stress reduction often make a significant difference.

Schedule Your Pain Care Visit Today

Living with chronic pain doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence. At RCL Behavioral Medical Center, we combine primary care and urgent care to help Houston patients manage pain effectively.

📞 Call us at 713-769-0096 or visit www.rclcenter.com to schedule an appointment or walk in for urgent relief.