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Suggest Treatment For Chronic Back Pain After A Bad Fall
Posted on
Fri, 10 Oct 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 10 Oct 2014
Answered on
Mon, 3 Nov 2014
Last reviewed on
Question : I took a fall landed on back, I have chronic back pain and have had steroid injections, went to back dr. he gave me anti-inflammatory, ex-rays indicated no fractures or changes in discs. still in back pain but also I have not had a bowel movement since I fell which was 7 days ago. I do not feel constipated. just concerned because I do get nauseous when I eat
Brief Answer:
MRI total spine a mandate.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Madam,
I have carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Madam i would like to tell you that certain spinal cord changes like pathological fractures and early disc changes post back injury are not evident on x ray spine.Hence it cannot be relied upon.
MRI total spine can reliably detect such changes and is the investigation of choice in spinal injuries.
Hence i advise you to have this investigation at the earliest considering the high risk of pathological fractures at your age due to reduced bone mineral density.
Steroidal injections can be helpful initially but are not curative.
Constipation can be assumed to be functional unless suggests otherwise on MRI.
Rectal suppository of one Dulcolax will help to evacuate the bowel.
Nausea can be controlled by tab Ondansetron.
Note:These drugs should be taken only under strict medical supervision.
Post your further queries,if any.
Thank you
MRI total spine a mandate.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Madam,
I have carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Madam i would like to tell you that certain spinal cord changes like pathological fractures and early disc changes post back injury are not evident on x ray spine.Hence it cannot be relied upon.
MRI total spine can reliably detect such changes and is the investigation of choice in spinal injuries.
Hence i advise you to have this investigation at the earliest considering the high risk of pathological fractures at your age due to reduced bone mineral density.
Steroidal injections can be helpful initially but are not curative.
Constipation can be assumed to be functional unless suggests otherwise on MRI.
Rectal suppository of one Dulcolax will help to evacuate the bowel.
Nausea can be controlled by tab Ondansetron.
Note:These drugs should be taken only under strict medical supervision.
Post your further queries,if any.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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