[28F] Experiencing severe lower back pain and abdominal pressure post-fall

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female presents with severe lower back pain and numbness, as well as tingling extending from the back to the right leg, which began 3 days ago after falling from a height of approximately 20 feet. The pain is described as a sharp shooting sensation with a constant ache, rated 7 out of 10 in severity, and is worse in the morning or after remaining in one position for an extended period. The patient has difficulty standing and walking, and reports that the pain and numbness make it necessary to crawl and keep a hand on the ground for support. Additionally, the patient experiences a weird, jello-like pressure above the stomach on the left side, under the ribs, which started the previous night and is associated with some difficulty breathing. The patient also had a severe headache the day before. Ibuprofen provides partial relief for the back pain. The patient has a medical history of chronic bronchitis diagnosed in fourth grade, de Quervain's tenosynovitis diagnosed in middle school, and an enlarged heart valve diagnosed at age 18. The patient reports allergies to many antibiotics but is not on any regular medications, supplements, or herbal remedies. No recent prescriptions or over-the-counter medications, other than ibuprofen, have been taken.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

Lumbar Spinal Injury: Given your recent fall from a significant height, it's possible that you've injured your lower spine. This could explain the severe back pain, numbness, tingling, and difficulty supporting your body weight.
- Diagnostic tests such as an X-ray or MRI could be used to confirm this diagnosis. Treatment may involve pain management, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.
Abdominal Injury: The fall may have also caused an injury to your abdomen, which could explain the pressure and discomfort you're feeling.
- Diagnostic tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan could be used to confirm this diagnosis. Treatment depends on the severity and type of injury, but may involve rest, pain management, or surgery.
Herniated Disc: This condition occurs when one of the rubbery discs that sit between the bones of the spine (vertebrae) is damaged and bulges or breaks open. This can cause severe back pain, numbness, and tingling in the affected area and down the leg.
- Diagnostic tests such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan could be used to confirm this diagnosis. Treatment may involve pain management, physical therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.

Please note that these are possible conditions based on the symptoms you've described and you should seek immediate medical attention for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms and the fact that they started after a significant fall, it's important that you seek immediate medical attention. If you're unable to walk or stand due to the pain, you should call an ambulance.

In the meantime, try to rest and avoid any movements that cause pain. Continue taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed, but do not exceed the recommended dosage.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or if you experience any of the following, you should seek immediate medical attention:

Increased difficulty breathing
Loss of bowel or bladder control
Increased numbness or tingling in your legs
Severe abdominal pain

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

1

Hugs

0

Comments

Save

11 mo ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Tingling or Cold Sensations at the Back of Your Head

Neosporin Ointment with Lidocaine

[28F] Experiencing severe lower back pain and abdominal pressure post-fall

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?