When you are suddenly injured or become sick, you panic and wonder where is the best place to go for help. Often, one of the first things you think of is calling 911, but it can become very expensive and quite unnecessary. Your local clinic can take care of many ailments, injuries and conditions in a less expensive and expeditious manner.

The most common diagnosis in an urgent care center was upper respiratory condition in 2012. Also, the most common procedure was wound repair. There are currently 20,000 physicians practicing Urgent Care Medicine today. According to the Urgent Care Association of America, an estimated three million patients visit them each week. Most clinics are open seven days a week.

Clinic care is available in most towns and can take care of many symptoms. Urgent care centers provide fracture care, sprains and other injuries. More than 80% of ankle sprains are a result of inward rolling or inversion of the ankle. It is estimated that 25,000 Americans suffer from an ankle sprain each day. Then there are numerous reasons for back pain. As many as 69% of Americans say that low back pain affects their day-to-day lives.

Baby Boomers report that their physical activity is limited to only a few days a month. It is estimated that by 2030 around half of these Baby Boomer will be managing a chronic condition. Clinics provide preventive medicine that could benefit those who are less active. They offer physical therapy options to strengthen patients so their condition does not become more serious.

A recent study published in World Neurosurgery showed that, among 96 patients treated for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD), there were no significant differences in outcomes between the 53 who were treated with lumbar fusion and the 43 who chose to pursue nonoperative treatment like physical therapy. With this knowledge, you can see why local clinics are so valuable to your health and well being. Think of the expense and time invested in surgery that could have been avoided.

Dizziness is the second most common complaint heard in doctor’s offices, and will occur in 70% of the nation’s population during their life. An estimated 65% of individuals older than 60 years of age experience dizziness or loss of balance, often on a daily basis. With balance therapy in a clinic, dizziness can be alleviated considerably.

The next time you are faced with a sports injury, sprain or strain, seek out a medical clinic to assess it. You will be pleasantly surprised at all the treatments that are available at a urgent care facility. You can also sign up for physical therapy to prevent further injuries and help alleviate chronic pain.