Should I Seek Medical Attention for a Possible Spinal Injury?
Greetings! I’m a 20-year-old male, and while I’m not overly anxious about my situation, I've been experiencing enough discomfort to consider it. Three days prior, I went snowboarding and attempted to navigate a box, which is essentially a flat metal structure with a slight ramp at the end. Unfortunately, I lost my balance close to the end of the box and landed squarely on my backside. This caused my back and head to make hard contact with the ground. At first, I didn’t perceive much pain in my back or head; instead, the primary source of pain seemed to be my rear, which felt as if it had developed a noticeable lump. However, I dismissed it at the time. The following day, the soreness persisted, alongside generalized discomfort throughout my upper body. Every time I coughed, I felt pain that radiated from my neck down to my abdomen, which was tender to the touch. I asked my girlfriend to check for any visible injuries, and although my butt showed no bruising, I did notice around five bruises along my spine. I’m questioning whether I should consult a physician. I usually avoid going to the doctor unless absolutely necessary, having only visited twice in the last four years (excluding vaccinations during my teenage years). I tend to prefer toughing things out to save on medical expenses, but if the situation warrants it, I wouldn’t hesitate to seek help as I did last year for an ear infection. What do you think – should I consider getting checked out?
Answers (1)
2/7/2026, 3:40:26 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be cautious about seeking medical attention, especially considering your past experiences. Based on your description, it seems that you've sustained some injury from your snowboarding accident, and there are signs that warrant careful attention.
Key Points:
- You have persistent discomfort in your back and upper body after a fall, along with specific pain when coughing and tenderness in your abdomen.
- The presence of bruises along your spine and your ongoing symptoms indicate that you might have sustained some injury that could be serious.
Explanation:
Your symptoms suggest potential injury to your back, possibly affecting your spine or surrounding muscles. The pain radiating when coughing can also point to irritation or injury in the thoracic region of your spine. While not every injury requires medical intervention, certain signs indicate you might need to see a healthcare professional, especially if your pain worsens, affects your mobility, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep track of how your symptoms change over the next few days. Note any new symptoms, especially those like severe pain, numbness, weakness in your limbs, or issues with bladder or bowel control.
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Self-Care Measures:
- Rest: Avoid activities that worsen your discomfort.
- Ice Application: Apply ice packs to the bruised areas for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling and pain.
- Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage your pain. Use as directed on the label.
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Seek Medical Attention If:
- Symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days.
- You experience severe pain, difficulty moving, or any neurological symptoms (like tingling or weakness in your limbs).
If you find your pain is too much to handle, or if your condition changes, please do not hesitate to consult a doctor. Putting your health first is important, and there are healthcare professionals who can provide support and guidance. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon!
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