How Long Does Soft Tissue Injury On Back Take To Get Cured?

Posted on Mon, 7 Apr 2014

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

Mon, 7 Apr 2014 Answered on

Thu, 24 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I fell flat on my back on the ice three weeks ago. My lower back and hips still hurt and it is most painful when I lie down, so I have been sleeping sitting up -- and not getting great rest. I am also using a cane to aid in walking. I do have narco for arthritis pain that I have been taking but it doesn't seem to be overly helpful. I don't want to go to the doctor just to be told wait it out -- and it seems if things were broken, I wouldn't be able to get around. Thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Can be a bone injury. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. After an injury to the back even if it is a soft tissue injury only the complete recovery takes 4-6 weeks if adequate rest is provided. In case of a bone injury on getting up and moving around you are likely to feel a sudden sharp pain at the site of injury. You can move around with a compression fracture of the vertebra. The investigations like X-ray and MRI scan are the only way to find out if you have suffered any bone injury. In case there are no symptoms of nerve root compression or a shooting pain then you can get a brace from your orthopedician for a better relief. Taking some muscle relaxants will also be helpful. 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. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

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