Injury from Lifting a Picnic Table: Should I Visit the ER?
HELP NEEDED! I’m a 24-year-old female who attempted to lift a picnic table at a campsite this morning around 7:30. When I started to lift it, I experienced pressure in my pelvic region accompanied by discomfort in my left thigh simultaneously. As soon as I felt that pressure, I ceased my efforts, and fortunately, the pressure and pelvic discomfort vanished immediately. Now, about 40 minutes after returning home, I began experiencing some lower back and abdominal pain, prompting me to call 811. After an hour on hold, I spoke with a nurse who advised me to monitor the situation for a couple of days. If the pain didn't improve, they suggested visiting a clinic. However, I’m reaching out now because I've recently developed pain in my upper back near my shoulders, which has surfaced within the last hour. I’m concerned about whether this new symptom indicates a serious issue. The discomfort remains fairly constant regardless of movement, but the shoulder pain is significantly worse compared to the lower back and stomach pain. While it’s not unbearable, I am wondering if it will intensify before it begins to improve?
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 5:40:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning situation after lifting the picnic table. The combination of pelvic, lower back, and now upper back pain might be due to muscle strain or some other soft tissue injury, which is common after lifting heavy objects incorrectly. It’s all right to be worried, but let's break down your current symptoms and what to do next.
Explanation
Your pelvic pressure and thigh discomfort suggest that you might have strained muscles in your back or abdomen during the lifting attempt. The subsequent development of upper back pain could be related to this initial incident or perhaps a result of tension or compensatory movement.
Next Steps
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep an eye on your pain levels and any changes. If the pain increases significantly, or if you develop additional symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or groin, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention.
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Rest:
- Avoid strenuous activities and lifting for a few days to allow your muscles to recover.
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Ice Therapy:
- Apply ice to the painful areas for 15–20 minutes every hour as needed for the first 24–48 hours to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
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Pain Relief:
- Consider taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the dosage instructions on the package.
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Gentle Movement:
- After initially resting, gently moving and stretching can help alleviate stiffness. Start with light activities, such as walking, and avoid anything that exacerbates the pain.
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Seek Medical Attention if Needed:
- If your shoulder pain worsens, becomes unbearable, or if you experience severe discomfort, weakness, or any concerning new symptoms, it would be prudent to seek medical evaluation, either at a clinic or the ER if symptoms escalate.
Your concerns are valid, and monitoring your situation closely while managing symptoms at home is appropriate at this point. Be attentive to how your body responds in the next few days and take care of yourself. Let me know if you need any more information or support!
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