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Is It Normal To Have Pain In Chest Area And Arms Post Injury?
Posted on
Sun, 19 Jul 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 19 Jul 2015
Answered on
Mon, 17 Aug 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi
I tripped yesterday while in a slow jog down hill, although both knees and elbows made contact and my collar bone on both sides with the pavement, the brunt of the fall was caught on the right forarm with arm outstretched with the shoulder taking the load and my chest. As the day went on, naturally the pain spread and from the point of injury I haven't been able to lift my right arm. Not just from pain but strength. But the pain isn't just in the joint it's in the back of my scapula, and my thoraic back, and any pressure on me chest as well as even breathing is very painful. I guess my question is, in a fall like this is it possible to break anything in your spine. I have a high pain tolerance and naturally would expect to be sore today, but the chest pain, and inability to move arm makes me wonder if it is cause to go to ED. I'm usually one to wait too long. I do have osteoporosis and have had several breaks so I wonder if I should go...
I tripped yesterday while in a slow jog down hill, although both knees and elbows made contact and my collar bone on both sides with the pavement, the brunt of the fall was caught on the right forarm with arm outstretched with the shoulder taking the load and my chest. As the day went on, naturally the pain spread and from the point of injury I haven't been able to lift my right arm. Not just from pain but strength. But the pain isn't just in the joint it's in the back of my scapula, and my thoraic back, and any pressure on me chest as well as even breathing is very painful. I guess my question is, in a fall like this is it possible to break anything in your spine. I have a high pain tolerance and naturally would expect to be sore today, but the chest pain, and inability to move arm makes me wonder if it is cause to go to ED. I'm usually one to wait too long. I do have osteoporosis and have had several breaks so I wonder if I should go...
Brief Answer:
I will say wait and go in tomorrow if there is no progress.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fall. It is difficult to sustain a bone fracture to the chest and arm just from this fall that you have described. Also, a fracture of the arm would for sure be very prominent such that it cannot be missed.
Given the fact that you feel on your chest, it is almost impossible to break a bone in the spine. I will want to think this pain is more related to the fall and not a fracture. I recommend you take Tylenol and Ibuprofen today for pain relief, apply ice and rest enough. If this fails to address the pain within 24-48 hours, I will suggest you get examined and an X-ray done to understand what the possible reasons for persistent and sever pain could be.
In all, fracture unlikely even with the notion of osteoporosis. Take pain medications, rest and apply ice. If no significant progress within 24-48hours, then examination and an X-ray.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
I will say wait and go in tomorrow if there is no progress.
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this fall. It is difficult to sustain a bone fracture to the chest and arm just from this fall that you have described. Also, a fracture of the arm would for sure be very prominent such that it cannot be missed.
Given the fact that you feel on your chest, it is almost impossible to break a bone in the spine. I will want to think this pain is more related to the fall and not a fracture. I recommend you take Tylenol and Ibuprofen today for pain relief, apply ice and rest enough. If this fails to address the pain within 24-48 hours, I will suggest you get examined and an X-ray done to understand what the possible reasons for persistent and sever pain could be.
In all, fracture unlikely even with the notion of osteoporosis. Take pain medications, rest and apply ice. If no significant progress within 24-48hours, then examination and an X-ray.
I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much Dr. Ditah. I was going to give it one more day too. Take Care!
Brief Answer:
Keep me updated!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Keep me updated with your progress. Until next, I wish you a speedy recovery.
Keep me updated!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Keep me updated with your progress. Until next, I wish you a speedy recovery.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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