[34M] Experiencing back pain and shortness of breath after an injury
Question
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:
-
Musculoskeletal Strain: This is a common injury that can occur when muscles or ligaments in the back are stretched or torn, often due to heavy lifting or sudden movements. This could explain your back pain, especially since it worsened with bending over or lifting heavy objects.
- Treatment typically involves rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy exercises.
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Spinal Fracture: A more serious possibility is a fracture in one of your vertebrae, especially given the cracking sound you heard during the injury. This could potentially cause sharp pain and difficulty breathing if the fracture is pressing on a nerve or the spinal cord.
- Treatment would likely involve immobilization of the spine and possibly surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture.
-
Pulmonary Contusion: This is a bruise of the lung, caused by chest trauma. It can cause pain and difficulty breathing. However, it's less likely in your case unless you also had a significant blow to the chest.
- Treatment typically involves monitoring in a hospital, pain control, and potentially supplemental oxygen or other supportive measures.
What you can do
Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime:
- Rest and avoid any activities that worsen your pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with your discomfort, but they should not be used as a substitute for medical evaluation and treatment.
- Try to take slow, deep breaths to help with your shortness of breath. If this becomes too difficult, seek emergency medical attention.
What you should look out for
You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain or worsening of your current symptoms
- Difficulty moving or feeling in your legs
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe difficulty breathing or chest pain
Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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7 mo ago