Back Injury Concerns
Greetings, I hope this message finds you well. I appreciate you taking a moment to read my situation. I participate in men's ice hockey and experienced a mishap recently, approximately a week ago. While it was not a direct collision, incidental contact does occur. During the game, I was tripped and ended up falling flat on the ice. Fortunately, I sustained no immediate injuries. However, another player, who was quite large—standing at about 6’2" and weighing around 280 pounds—also fell and landed heavily on my lower back. I have a prior history of back issues, particularly involving the lower lumbar region and muscle spasms. The impact left me breathless for a few moments, accompanied by intense pain radiating through my back. Thankfully, the discomfort lessened, allowing me to continue and finish the game. In the days that have followed, everything seems relatively stable, but I have been experiencing significant soreness along my ribcage, particularly in the lower to mid-section. While I can breathe without sharp pain, certain positions definitely trigger discomfort. I’ve also been concerned about potential internal injuries, especially to my kidneys, as that area took the brunt of the fall. So far, I haven’t observed any alarming symptoms. In summary, I’m curious if I could have potentially bruised my ribs from this incident. I understand it’s challenging to assess such matters over the internet, but how likely is this? Additionally, are there any other symptoms or signs I should monitor? I was initially worried about blood in my urine, but that hasn’t occurred. My back seems to be holding up well, as I retain almost full range of motion, though my sides remain quite tender even a week later. Thank you for any advice you can offer. I have a doctor's appointment next week for an unrelated issue, and I plan to mention my concerns if the soreness persists.
Answers (1)
3/30/2025, 1:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been through a challenging situation with your fall during the hockey game, and it's understandable to be concerned about potential injuries, especially given your history of back issues. Let’s address your concerns step-by-step.
Main Points:
- You could have bruised your ribs, which may explain the soreness along your ribcage.
- Monitoring for specific symptoms is crucial to ensure there are no serious injuries.
- Pain management and gentle activities can help in your recovery.
Explanation:
Falling and having significant weight land on your back can indeed lead to rib contusions (bruises) or strain in the associated muscles. Given that you experienced immediate pain but were able to finish the game, it’s a positive sign, but it doesn’t rule out the possibility of bruising or soft tissue injury. The tenderness along the ribcage a week later can be an indication of that.
Concerns about internal injuries, such as to the kidneys, are valid when experiencing significant impact. Fortunately, the absence of blood in your urine and the ability to breathe without sharp pain are good signs. However, it’s still essential to stay vigilant.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management:
- Use ice packs on the sore areas for 15-20 minutes, three times a day, to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Consider over-the-counter pain relief, like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as needed for pain control.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Watch for any new symptoms such as severe pain that doesn't improve, breathlessness, increased swelling, or any blood in urine.
- Keep an eye on your ability to move and breathe comfortably, as worsening pain or difficulty could indicate a more serious issue.
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Gentle Activity:
- While you should avoid heavy lifting or intense physical activity that exacerbates your pain, gentle movements and stretches can help maintain mobility without triggering too much discomfort. Be cautious and listen to your body.
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Follow-Up:
- Since you have a doctor’s appointment next week, make sure to share your symptoms and concerns there. They can perform a physical examination and potentially recommend imaging if necessary.
Please take care and focus on your recovery. If your symptoms worsen at any point, consider seeking medical help sooner. Let me know if you have further questions or need clarification on anything!
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