Could a CT Scan Miss Fractures?
At 29 years old, I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis in my spine as a consequence of long-term treatment with high doses of prednisone. Recently, I was involved in a car accident where my vehicle was struck on the driver’s side while I was seated in the passenger area. Since the incident, I have been experiencing intense pain in my neck and upper back. I visited the emergency room last night, where a CT scan was performed. However, the doctor informed me that the results appeared normal. I was sent home without any pain relief medication and advised to take ibuprofen. Unfortunately, due to my Crohn’s disease, I am unable to tolerate high doses of NSAIDs, yet the pain is making it difficult for me to carry out daily activities. Could there be a possibility that a fracture went unnoticed on the scan?
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 4:30:44 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your symptoms after a car accident, especially given your medical history with osteoporosis and Crohn’s disease. While CT scans are very detailed and effective at detecting fractures, there is still a small chance that some fractures—especially those that are hairline or less severe—might be missed. Your ongoing pain could be due to several factors beyond just a fracture, such as soft tissue injuries or muscle strain, which also need attention.
Explanation:
CT scans provide a good assessment of bones and can identify most fractures, but they are not infallible. Given your history of osteoporosis, even small changes in your spine or neck could lead to significant pain. Additionally, your inflammation from Crohn's disease can complicate pain management, particularly with NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Next Steps:
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Pain Management Alternatives:
- Explore over-the-counter pain relief options that are gentler on your stomach, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), unless contraindicated by your doctor.
- Consider topical pain relievers (like lidocaine patches) for localized pain management, which may not affect your digestive system.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep a log of your pain levels, specifically noting any changes or worsening symptoms, including numbness, tingling, or weakness, which may indicate nerve involvement.
- Observe for any new symptoms, such as swelling or changes in overall mobility.
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Gentle Activity:
- Engage in gentle stretching or low-impact activities, such as walking or yoga, if you can tolerate them. This can promote circulation and help alleviate some stiffness or discomfort.
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Follow-up:
- Contact your healthcare provider to assess your pain further, especially if it doesn’t improve within a few days. Discuss the possibility of seeing a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor or a pain management specialist, who might better evaluate your neck and back pain.
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Consider Imaging Follow-up:
- If your pain continues or worsens, ask your doctor about the potential for further imaging studies, such as an MRI, which can show soft tissue injuries and may clarify the situation better than a CT scan in certain cases.
Please remember to listen to your body and not push through intense pain, as you deserve to feel better and be able to engage in your daily activities comfortably.
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