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How To Reduce Backache After Fall And How To Ease Constipation Problem?
hi,doc.my mother in low is 70,she fall at our house last week.she has severe backache.we consult the doc.he did examine her &done x-ray spine.ostopenia is there.doc gave her painkiller,nasal spray &gave advice of total bed rest.but after a week the pain not subside totally.she has constipation also from 8 to 10 days.we gave her suppositeris &enema also,but she passed only small amount of stool &water,not clear the faecus from bowel.she is fat also.so please give some advice how we do for this problem?
posted on
Sat, 19 Apr 2014
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Fri, 22 Aug 2014
Answered on
Fri, 22 Aug 2014
Last reviewed on
User's Response
Hi, traumatic back pain in a 70 year old lady having osteopenia is a matter of concern. Back pain is also aggravated by associated constipation. Constipation may be a sequelae of spinal injury after back pain too.
If your mother is not passing stool even after suppositories and enemas, she needs to be evaluated further for subacute intestinal obstruction. A straight xray abdomen may be helpful to findout that or suspected fecal impaction. If your mother has severe bloating and nausea and/or vomiting she should be hospitalized under care of a general surgeon, who would evaluate her for any intestinal obstruction.
Secondly, no subsidence of pain even after a week or more of bedrest should also be reported to the orthopaedic surgeon. Traction may be considered if pain becomes intractable. A lumbar brace should be used if absolute bed rest is not possible. While on bedrest, frequent change of posture and use of air mattress is advisable to prevent pressure sores. DVT stocking should be used to prevent Deep vein thrombosis and consequent pulmonary embolism.
An MRI of lumbosacral spine may also be required if your orthopaedic consultant advices to do so.
Finally please consult your orthopaedic doctor and a general surgeon at the earliest. Continue all current medications.
For any further questions, please write back to me directly.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik
If your mother is not passing stool even after suppositories and enemas, she needs to be evaluated further for subacute intestinal obstruction. A straight xray abdomen may be helpful to findout that or suspected fecal impaction. If your mother has severe bloating and nausea and/or vomiting she should be hospitalized under care of a general surgeon, who would evaluate her for any intestinal obstruction.
Secondly, no subsidence of pain even after a week or more of bedrest should also be reported to the orthopaedic surgeon. Traction may be considered if pain becomes intractable. A lumbar brace should be used if absolute bed rest is not possible. While on bedrest, frequent change of posture and use of air mattress is advisable to prevent pressure sores. DVT stocking should be used to prevent Deep vein thrombosis and consequent pulmonary embolism.
An MRI of lumbosacral spine may also be required if your orthopaedic consultant advices to do so.
Finally please consult your orthopaedic doctor and a general surgeon at the earliest. Continue all current medications.
For any further questions, please write back to me directly.
Regards,
Dr. Kaushik
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