Fell down and back is hurting now; couldn't breath for the first few minutes but can breath normally now; what should be done?



Back Pain: Your back pain could be either a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain. You have started experiencing this pain ever since that fall. Back pain can also happen because of an accident, lifting weight, bad posture, disease, or old-age. Back pain is also experienced due to poor health or fitness level, high-fat diet can lead to obesity, heredity, and occupational factors.

BackInjuries: If you have this back pain ever since you fell down, this pain is as a result of an injury. It could be a short-lived sprain, a ligament tear, porous bones, osteoporosis or a fracture. You will need to get a check up done at a clinic or hospital to determine the exact cause of the back injury. Some back injuries are not so serious, while others can be quite serious.

Seeing a Doctor: In many cases, adequate rest is sufficient to get rid of a persistent back pain. In such cases, the bruised and injured muscles are given time to heal on their own without any additional treatment. But if the pain is making you dizzy, or breathless, or if you have a tingling sensation, then we suggest you make that trip to the doctor. You also need to consult a physician, if your back pain is accompanied with these symptoms: unintentional weight loss, pain or weakness in the legs, and problem urinating. It is best that you visit your family doctor first, and then if the situation requires a check-up by a specialist, your doctor will let you know.

Diagnosis: The physician will first do a physical examination and then ask for your medical history. In some cases, the doctor will conduct medical tests, including an x-ray. The doctor will ask you about the nature of the pain and how you think it was caused.

Treatment: Here are some non-operative treatments that are suggested to the patient for treating back pain. If the pain is severe and the cause serious, then surgery might be an option. However, the course of the treatment depends entirely on the doctor's findings i.e. the type of pain you have, the real cause, and the symptoms. Here are a few treatment options.

Hot or Cold Packs: It could be a combination of packs, or one of these to soothe a sore and stiff back. When a heat pack is applied, it dilates the blood vessels and also increases the supply of oxygen, which reduces muscle spasms. A cold pack can reduce the blood flow to that area and can decrease inflammation. It can numb the pain.

Exercise and Physiotherapy: You will need to work with a physiotherapist to relieve the pain in your back.

Medications: In some conditions, you might also be asked to take certain medicines to relieve the pain.

Braces and Corsets: These can be used to correct your posture or hold you back in a certain position.

answered by G M

Where did you fall from? How badly are you injured? Further explanation of the condition is recommended. A bleeding injury calls for immediate attention. Clean the area with a disinfectant and apply an ointment. Hidden injuries demand more care, as we fail to visualize the condition. Hemorrhages or clots and fractures are common. Inability to move the affected area indicates a fracture. Hair-line fractures are also possible. Sprain is a common outcome of a fall. It is an outcome of a sudden stretch. Dislocation of the bones or joints is nothing but the displacement or rearrangement in an improper fashion. The risks associated with falling are high and can be lethal. Accidental falls can be avoided and care is required in visibility problems. Balance of the body can be enhanced by regular exercise. Hot water packs and hot baths are efficient methods to reduce backache. A massage with eucalyptus oil or garlic oil proves beneficial. Meditation and yoga are effective methods for remedy. Your inability to breath, on injuring yourself, might be a result of shock. A general visit to your physician might prove helpful.

For information on bruises, read our article at, http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/remedy/Bruises.html

Read our article entitled 'Home remedies for Backache'

answered by Dr C


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