Should I Worry About a Lump on My Lower Back After a Horse Riding Accident?
I’m a 21-year-old female, standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing 155 pounds. While I don’t regularly take any medications, I have been prescribed some pain relief and muscle relaxants to take twice daily since Tuesday night. On Tuesday, I had an unfortunate incident while riding in one of the fields; I was thrown off the horse with considerable force. The pain was intense, leaving me unable to move for several minutes. Although I wore my helmet throughout the ride and remained conscious, I did experience some temporary visual disturbances, seeing stars and halos for about ten minutes. After the fall, I struggled to put weight on my left leg, and I felt significant discomfort in my lower back, just above my hips. Feeling concerned, I went to the emergency room where I underwent X-rays and a CT scan from the upper abdomen downwards. Thankfully, there were no fractures or any anomalies detected. I was discharged that same night with a prescription for stronger painkillers and a muscle relaxant, along with advice to rest for a few days. Now it’s Sunday morning; although I can walk and put weight on my left leg without issue, my back has a strange sensation—it feels tight and a bit tingly. Additionally, I have noticed a soft lump at the lower part of my back, right above the crease of my buttocks. It is somewhat squishy, doesn’t seem to hurt, but has an odd feeling, almost like static electricity. Should this be a cause for concern, or is it likely to improve with continued medication, rest, and applications of ice and heat?
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 1:20:36 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a new lump after your accident, especially when combined with other symptoms. However, based on the information you've provided, there are several important points to consider.
Main Points:
- The lump you feel on your lower back may be a soft tissue injury related to your fall, such as a hematoma (a collection of blood outside of blood vessels).
- It is reassuring that your imaging tests showed no fractures or serious abnormalities.
- The tingling sensation and tightness could be associated with muscle strain or nerve irritation following the impact.
Explanation:
The body sometimes forms a lump as a response to injury, which can result from swelling in muscle tissue or an accumulation of fluid (like blood) that has not been absorbed back into the body. Given that you sustained significant force during your fall, it's common to experience various sensations, including tightness, tingling, or even minor lumps in the affected area.
Next Steps:
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Monitor the Lump: Keep an eye on the lump over the next week. If it decreases in size and the sensations improve, it is likely healing as expected.
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Pain Relief: Continue taking the prescribed pain relief and muscle relaxants as directed. This can help alleviate discomfort and aid in recovery.
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Ice and Heat Therapy: Apply ice for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling, followed by heat therapy (like moist heat or a heat pad) to relax tight muscles after the initial swelling decreases.
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Gentle Movement: While rest is important, try to engage in gentle, pain-free movements to maintain circulation and prevent stiffness. Avoid any activities that worsen your discomfort.
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Track Symptoms: Maintain a diary of your symptoms. Note any changes in the lump's size, sensitivity, or accompanying sensations, as this will be helpful if further evaluation is needed.
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Follow-Up Care: If the lump does not improve after a week, becomes larger, painful, or if you notice any new severe symptoms (like persistent numbness or weakness), it would be important to seek further evaluation to rule out any complications.
Your body is healing from a significant impact, and it's crucial to give it time and care. Should you have any more concerns or changes in your symptoms, don't hesitate to reach out for assistance. Above all, be kind to yourself during this recovery period.
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