Acute symptoms · Berlin
Acute back pain
Acute back pain is an acute medical condition that RAB Arztbesuche treats with a licensed physician on a home visit anywhere in Berlin — daily from 6 am to midnight, usually within 60 to 90 minutes.
An awkward movement when standing, lifting or training — and your back locks up. Acute back pain can be so severe that every movement is agony and a trip to a clinic feels impossible. Our specialist physicians come to your home or hotel, perform a structured neurological exam, treat the pain on the spot and plan the days ahead with you.
Medically reviewed by Susanne Reiche · Last reviewed
Acute back pain in Berlin — when the house call makes sense
Acute lumbago, lumbalgia and sciatica are everyday occurrences in general medicine — yet for the patient, the moment they appear is anything but everyday. Getting up suddenly fails, stairs become impossible, every turn in bed ends in pain. In these hours the journey to a clinic is not just unpleasant; it is medically counterproductive: jolts in a taxi or on the U-Bahn often worsen the symptoms.
We attend patients across Berlin daily from 6 am to midnight — pre-war apartments in Kreuzberg, town houses in Mitte, semi-detached homes in Zehlendorf. Our board-certified physicians carry out a structured neurological examination, treat the pain directly on site where possible and plan the next days with you. Typical arrival time in Berlin: 60 to 90 minutes.
What the specialist examines and treats on site
The neurological exam comes first: reflexes, sensation, muscle strength, straight-leg-raise (Lasègue), and where indicated Bragard or Patrick tests. This allows the physician to triage clinically between simple lumbago, radiating sciatica and signs of a relevant nerve-root compression. For severe pain the doctor can, after appropriate counselling, administer an intramuscular analgesic — typically diclofenac or metamizole, combined with a muscle relaxant if needed. Onset is usually within 10 to 20 minutes.
When imaging is appropriate
Immediate MRI is not required for an acute uncomplicated lumbago. Guidelines recommend imaging only when red flags are present or when symptoms persist despite adequate therapy over several weeks. Our physician will decide this individually with you and, if indicated, issue a referral for outpatient MRI in Berlin together with a recommendation for physiotherapy and, where appropriate, an orthopaedic or neurosurgical consultation.
How the house call works
You call our Berlin number or send a brief callback request via WhatsApp. On first contact we clarify location, onset, possible triggers, neurological red flags and comorbidities. If anything suggests cauda equina syndrome or acute paralysis we direct you straight to a suitable hospital. Otherwise we dispatch the next available specialist — typically a 60- to 90-minute arrival.
On site we take time for the neurological exam, administer acute medication where indicated, and demonstrate pain-relieving positions and simple mobilisation exercises. Manual therapy techniques may help with muscular guarding. We issue prescriptions, a sick-leave certificate and a physiotherapy referral on request.
Billing and insurance
We bill according to the German private medical fee schedule (GOÄ) via our Privatärztliche Verrechnungsstelle. The invoice itemises house call, examination, administered medication and any manual-therapy elements separately. German private health insurance and civil-servant Beihilfe schemes typically reimburse these positions in full.
Self-payers receive an invoice with a payment deadline and may submit it to a travel or expatriate health insurer afterwards. We can issue an English invoice on request and remain reachable by phone for billing questions after the visit.
Emergency? Dial the emergency number
If unconscious, with severe chest pain, breathlessness or heavy bleeding, dial 112 immediately. Our service complements the emergency services — it does not replace them.
Case profiles
Typical scenarios
Lumbago in the morning
You bent, lifted or turned — and now you cannot leave the bed. We come into the bedroom, examine you supine and, where indicated, administer acute medication so that movement becomes possible again.
Sciatica with leg pain
Pain radiating from the lower back through the buttock into the leg points to nerve-root irritation. We clarify neurologically whether outpatient therapy suffices or whether further imaging is needed.
Office worker with an acute flare
A known chronic lumbalgia flares up acutely — typical in office districts such as Mitte or Friedrichshain. We treat the acute episode and outline a sensible follow-up with physiotherapy and movement guidance.
Hotel guest with a locked back
After a long-haul flight or an unfamiliar mattress: severe muscular guarding with restricted movement. We come to the hotel room, settle the acute symptoms and make onward travel possible.
Frequently asked questions
Can the doctor give me an injection for the pain?
Yes. After appropriate counselling and indication our physician can administer an intramuscular analgesic — typically diclofenac or metamizole, combined with a muscle relaxant if needed. Onset is usually within 10 to 20 minutes.
Do I need an MRI?
Not immediately. Most acute back pain is adequately assessed clinically. We recommend MRI when neurological red flags are present or symptoms persist despite therapy over several weeks.
Can the doctor sign me off work?
Yes. Our physician can issue a sick-leave certificate on site and add a referral for physiotherapy on request.
Do I need strict bed rest?
No. Current guidelines advise against strict bed rest. Cautious movement within a pain-free range is preferable. The physician will demonstrate positions and exercises for the first days.
Book now or call
Get in touch — we will arrange a doctor for your house call regarding Acute back pain.