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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Treatment Do You Suggest For A Bruised Back With Shooting Pain?

11 days ago I missed a step while walking down the stairs and landed on my left lower back. Initially it felt like a bad bruise so I rested and iced it. Although it felt like a bruise no physical sign of a bruise has ever appeared. I had to move rather gingerly to make sure the pain didn't get worse. About a day or so after that I started getting sharp shooting pains about 6 inches directly below where I hit my back. These pains did not spread anywhere else except for the one spot below my actual injury. These sharp pains were bad enough to take my breath away and caused tears to well. I did go to the doctor and she briefly checked me over and determined that I had injured a muscle which was spasming and causing the pain, which she prescribed a muscle relaxant for. Even with the muscle relaxant and Aleve these sharp pains would not subside. 11 days later my actual injury feels almost completely gone, but I still get the occasional sharp pain, although it does not hurt as much or last as long (only about 5-10 seconds now). These pains usually happen while trying to put on shoes, getting in and out of cars, or sometimes with the slightest of movements. Does this seem like more than just a muscle spasm? And if so what might it be and how serious?
Tue, 7 Jan 2014
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Orthopaedic Surgeon 's  Response
Hi there.

I personally think that you should go for a digital Xray focuse on the iinjured and painful part.
Not only will this rule out the possibility of any fracture but it will make you feel psychologicslly better in case no fracture is seen.

The possibility of a muscle spasm is more likely.

I see that you have not taken much rest after the injury. Maybe that is the reason why the pain is persisting even after so many days.
The first and foremost treatment for any back injury is rest....but its never too late.

I would advise an snti inflammatory medicine like nucoxia-mr along with hot fomentation and local gel massage.

Kindly avoid any sort of bending postures or too much driving. Avoid lifting heavy weights.

I hope my advice has helped.
Good luck
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What Treatment Do You Suggest For A Bruised Back With Shooting Pain?

Hi there. I personally think that you should go for a digital Xray focuse on the iinjured and painful part. Not only will this rule out the possibility of any fracture but it will make you feel psychologicslly better in case no fracture is seen. The possibility of a muscle spasm is more likely. I see that you have not taken much rest after the injury. Maybe that is the reason why the pain is persisting even after so many days. The first and foremost treatment for any back injury is rest....but its never too late. I would advise an snti inflammatory medicine like nucoxia-mr along with hot fomentation and local gel massage. Kindly avoid any sort of bending postures or too much driving. Avoid lifting heavy weights. I hope my advice has helped. Good luck