[34M] Experiencing back pain and shortness of breath after an injury

Question

Should I go to the doctor and see what they say thanks!

Patient Description

A 34-year-old male reports experiencing back pain and shortness of breath for 5 days following an incident where he was grabbed and his back/spine cracked while wrestling with a friend. The pain is described as sometimes sharp, causing aches, and is accompanied by difficulty taking deep breaths. The symptoms are exacerbated by bending over or lifting heavy objects and are alleviated by rest. The severity of the shortness of breath is not quantified, but it is noted that it becomes harder to take a deep breath.

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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.

  • 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:

  1. Rest and avoid any activities that worsen your pain.
  2. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with your discomfort, but they should not be used as a substitute for medical evaluation and treatment.
  3. 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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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common causes of back pain after a physical activity like wrestling?

Common causes of back pain after physical activities like wrestling include muscle strains, ligament sprains, or even minor injuries to the vertebrae. These can occur due to sudden movements, improper lifting techniques, or direct impact.

How can I differentiate between a musculoskeletal strain and a spinal fracture?

A musculoskeletal strain typically involves muscle or ligament pain that worsens with movement and improves with rest. A spinal fracture may cause more severe, sharp pain, and could be accompanied by neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs are needed for a definitive diagnosis.

What should I do if I experience shortness of breath along with back pain?

If you experience shortness of breath along with back pain, it's important to rest and avoid activities that exacerbate the symptoms. Try taking slow, deep breaths. If the shortness of breath is severe or worsening, seek medical attention immediately.

When should I seek medical attention for back pain and shortness of breath?

You should seek medical attention if your back pain is severe, if you experience neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness, if you have difficulty breathing, or if you notice any loss of bladder or bowel control. These could indicate a more serious condition that requires prompt evaluation.

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1 Comments

Leo#3962

8 mo ago

It seems likely that you have a spinal muscle injury or rib contusion. I would still go in to see a doctor and they can get you an X-ray just to be sure. However, if you have numbness, tingling, or weakness, then you might also have some nerve injury or nerve compression in which case it'd be more urgent for you to see a doc right away and go to the ER.

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