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Is It Normal To Have Painful Blue Bruise On Lower Back Post Injury?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Aug 2015
Question: Hi,
My car door hit my back a few weeks ago -- and I still have pain and a black and blue mark on my back where it smacked into me. (It closed as I was reaching into my car to try to take out my two big dogs). I have pain in my back and neck -- and am wondering if this is normal or potentially dangerous... and how long I can expect the pain (and bruising) to last. I work out daily -- but my back aches when I run (FYI: I've NEVER had back trouble before). I have continued to exercise for the most part-- but I now am using the elliptical instead of running outside (or on a treadmill) because it hurts when my feet pound the pavement. It even hurts a bit when I walk... I thought it would just go away with time but it's been a few weeks so am getting slightly worried. I also just wanted to make sure that this is what likely caused the bruise on my lower back ... I didn't notice it until about a week later (not that I looked)... And that there would not be another reason for a black and blue mark on my back like some terrible disease. I have NO OTHER symptoms... no high blood pressure (it's always very low) don't smoke, drink, am a vegetarian ... Also, the pain seems to be getting better but it's lingering (and is mostly concentrated in the lower left near the bruising).. Thanks very much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Due to soft tissue injury in the area.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The bruising and pain in the back is due to the soft tissue injury of the back. Bruising will gradually disappear win next few weeks. There is likely to be a small muscle tear that is causing the persistent pain. You need to give some rest to your back. Avoid all painful activities. Do a hot compress ion the area and take a muscle relaxant for relief. If adequate rest is not given it may take weeks for the complete healing to happen.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (29 minutes later)
Thanks very much! I was worried it might be some dread disorder. When you say to avoid sll "painful activities" does that include using the elliptical given it doesn't hurt that much while I'm actually working out... Or do you think that is further irritating it and delaying the healing process? I really feel a lot better when I exercise (generally speaking) though I really don't like this lower back pain. Please advise. Also: Is it possible I strained the muscles in my neck as a result of shifting my weight or position or something to avoid putting pressure on this tender area the lower left part of my back)? So... The best way to treat it is to apply heat -- not ice??? Thanks very much! Sorry.. I thought of one more question: Do you think a massage might help speed the healing/pain relief -- or could it potentially make it worse (if there's a muscle tear)? What about acupuncture? Thanks again!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (49 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Do not massage the area.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
It is best to avoid using elliptical also for at least a week. There can be strained muscles in the neck also. It is best to apply heat. Do not massage as it can worsen the tear. Acupuncture is better for chronic pains. It will heal on its own in next few weeks.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)
OK. Thanks very much. Your answer was very helpful and reassuring.

I hate not working out but guess haste makes waste -- and it will never heal or will take a lot longer f I don't take a break. So I'll limit my exercise mainly to to walking over the next few days to give my back some time off. I'll also apply heat -- and hopefully that and time will do the trick! Thank you very much again, XXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome.

Detailed Answer:
Yes. Heat application and rest are the main components to promote the healing. Avoid bending forwards and lifting any weights too.
I am happy I could help.
Please do recommend our services to others too in case you found them helpful. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Wishing you the best in whatever you do.
Best regards.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12310 Questions

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Is It Normal To Have Painful Blue Bruise On Lower Back Post Injury?

Brief Answer: Due to soft tissue injury in the area. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The bruising and pain in the back is due to the soft tissue injury of the back. Bruising will gradually disappear win next few weeks. There is likely to be a small muscle tear that is causing the persistent pain. You need to give some rest to your back. Avoid all painful activities. Do a hot compress ion the area and take a muscle relaxant for relief. If adequate rest is not given it may take weeks for the complete healing to happen. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal