Fell And Landed On Back. Noticed Redness And Bruise Around Shoulder Blades. Should I Go To ER?

Posted on Mon, 8 Oct 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 8 Oct 2012 Answered on

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I slipped and fell last night, and landed on my back on the stairs. I immediately got up and started icing it. This morning it is a lot worse...I can barely sit up or stand up or walk. The area of my back I fell on is around my shoulder blades. It's all red and kind of bruised. Should I go to a doctor or the E.R?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Since there is an extreme pain on weight bearing and an extensive bruise in the area is present, a bone injury in the area of fall is likely.
For diagnosis it is important to get an x-ray and a MRI scan of the area done. X-rays are very sensitive for picking up any fracture and MRI is one of the best tests for ruling out and identifying soft tissue injuries in the area of fall.
I recommend you to consult an Orthopedician for proper examination and required investigations.
Meanwhile -
1. Do a cold compress on the area of injury.
2. Avoid weight bearing.
3. Absolute bed rest is advisable.
4. Get some mild pain killers prescribed from your doctor.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar