Ask the Experts: "I fell yesterday and now my back really hurts..."
 Tari Roche, DO Cascade Valley Smokey Point Clinic |
Q: I fell yesterday and now my back really hurts. Do I need to see a specialist? What can I do myself? --J.V., Granite Falls
A: At this point you need to be examined by your physician to determine the extent of the damage. Most often though, back pain is caused by injuries to the "soft tissues" around the bones. If you have strained or sprained your back, you have stretched or even torn the muscle fibers and surrounding tissue a little. Often the area swells and a bruise may even develop.
In the first 24 to 48 hours after a soft tissue injury, you can use these three measures to minimize the damage and lessen the pain:
- Ice the area (try a bag of frozen peas if you do not have an ice pack.)
- Use an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help control the pain and inflammation.
- Rest is generally recommended, although gentle stretching is sometimes beneficial if it is not too painful.
Your strain and sprain injuries will typically heal by using these measures. After two to six weeks, you should be able to return to most of your activities.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. It should not replace a visit with your health care professional. Call your doctor if you need more information or have additional questions.