I fell on a boat and landed on the edge on my mid/lower right back. I feel pain/pressure when I breathe deep,walk, try to sit or stand, sneeze, cough. I can t even speak loud. I ve been using a heating pad continuously for three days and it seems to relieve the pain temporarily. Is this something that ll heal itself over time or should I go to a doctor? I m worried because I have a wedding to go to in a week.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. Blunt trauma on back can affect pleura and lungs. Causes for your symptoms are1. Rib fracture2. Pneumothorax3. Pulmonary contusions4. Muscular injury. Etc better to get done chest x-ray and rule out all these. If chest x-ray is normal than it must be muscular pain only. So try to follow these for muscular pain.1. Avoid heavy weight lifting2. Avoid strenuous exercise.3. Avoid bad postures in sleep.4. Take good painkillers and muscle relaxant. 5. Apply warm water pad to the pain site.6. Wear chest belt to avoid mobilization of painful segment.