Is A Lump At The Base Of Spine In Back Serious?

Posted on Tue, 17 May 2016

Question: i have a lump/swelling at the base of my spine in back. how do i know when to see a dr or should i wait for it to do down? I did take a fall 3 days ago on motorcycle. it is a little sore but i am still able to walk and function as normal. its just the swelling that concerns me.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take treatment as advised, nothing serious

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXX,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
This swelling on back may be soft tissue injury and not concerned with spine or nerves.
If you have no motor weakness, sensory loss in lower limbs or any bladder dysfunction then rest assured. The pain may be relieved by taking pain killers like aceclofenac.
Hot pad application may also be helpful along with local pain killer ointment.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further queries.
regards
Dr N Kumar
neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (20 minutes later)

Even if its been for 9 days-see photo attached

how many days should it take for this swelling to go down? its been 9 days i attached a photo

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Possibility of soft tissue injury

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your attached photo.
The swelling with redness seems to be soft tissue injury with probably some haemorrhage too.
The swelling may take 2-4 weeks to completely resolve. The color may turn dark with time.
You can get an ultrasound if swelling increases.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina