Falling flat on your back is one of those accidents that looks dramatic and feels even worse. It can happen in several ways: slipping in the bathtub or on an icy pavement, missing a step on the stairs, or wiping out while playing a sport. Whatever the situation, back falls can have various health consequences, and knowing how to respond correctly can help minimize damage.
If you want to learn how to react and relieve pain after a fall on your back, read on for our practical guide to optimal recovery.
Types of Injuries Caused by a Back Fall
Falling on your back can injure muscles, bones, or even the nervous system. Here are some of the most common consequences.
Muscular Injuries
A sudden impact can pull, tear, or sprain the muscles along your spine. This can lead to intense pain, which may worsen the next day, and limit movement.
Bone Injuries
A fall on the back can also cause fractures in the spine, ribs, or other bones of the back. These fractures may require medical treatment and a longer healing time than muscular injuries.
Neurological Injuries
In the most severe cases, a fall on the back can lead to neurological damage, such as spinal cord injuries. These injuries can have serious consequences on mobility and bodily functions.
The Right Steps After a Back Fall
How you respond in the minutes and days after a back fall makes a big difference in how well you recover. Here’s what to do, step by step.
Start by Assessing the Fall
Before getting up or moving, pause and check how your body feels. If the fall was very bad, or you notice severe pain, difficulty breathing, tingling, or trouble moving your legs, stay still and call for help. Moving after a serious back injury risks making things worse.
Relieve Pain After a Back Fall
In the case of mild to moderate pain, applying cold to the affected area helps to reduce swelling and dull discomfort. Once the initial inflammation has gone down, you can switch to heat to help loosen stiff muscles and reduce tension. Over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen, can also help relieve pain. Always follow the recommended dosage.
Consult a Physical Therapist for Rehabilitation
After a back fall, it is always a good idea to consult a physical therapist, who can work out how the accident affected your muscles and joints and give you exercises to restore mobility.
Try Osteopathy or Yoga
Approaches such as osteopathy or yoga can be a great complement to physical therapy, but always check with a medical professional to make sure it fits your needs.
Relieving Pain After a Back Fall
When dealing with pain after a fall on your back, several approaches can help reduce discomfort and support healing. Here are some useful tips:
Apply Cold to Reduce Inflammation
Applying ice to the injured area can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Wrap an ice pack or ice cubes in a clean cloth and gently apply it to the painful area for about 15–20 minutes at a time. Repeat several times a day, allowing rest periods between applications.
Use Heat to Relax Muscles
Once inflammation has decreased, heat can help relax tight muscles. Use a heating pad, warm compress, or take a warm bath to gently warm the affected area. Avoid excessive heat to prevent burns.
Take Appropriate Pain Relievers
To alleviate pain, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can be used. Always follow the instructions and consult a healthcare professional, particularly if you take any other medications.
Common Accidents Leading to Back Falls
Back falls can occur in various contexts. Here are some common examples:
1. Back Falls at Home
Household accidents, such as falling down stairs or slipping in the bathroom, can cause back injuries.
2. Outdoor Falls
Falls on icy streets, slippery sidewalks, or uneven surfaces are another common cause of back injuries.
3. High-Risk Sports and Physical Activities
Sports such as skiing, snowboarding, or contact sports carry a high risk of falls on the back.
Preventing Falls: Best Practices
Organize Your Living Space
- Make sure your home is well-lit by installing lamps in every room, and remembering to change lightbulbs.
- Remove obstacles and objects that could cause tripping, such as slippery rugs or poorly placed electrical cords.
- Use handrails on stairs and in hallways to support yourself and prevent falls.
Strengthen Muscles and Improve Balance
Regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves balance, which reduces the risk of falls. Consider muscle strengthening and balance exercises, such as tai chi, yoga, or walking. Consult a healthcare professional or certified trainer for personalized guidance.
Use Protective Gear for High-Risk Activities
When doing high-adrenaline, high-risk activities such as skiing or snowboarding, wear protective equipment like helmets and spine guards. They help reduce the severity of crashes and prevent serious injuries.
By adopting these best practices and remaining aware of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls and protect your back health. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
FAQ: Back Falls
How do I know if a back impact is serious?
Seek immediate medical help if you feel severe pain, can’t move or bear weight, notice numbness or weakness, or have trouble urinating. These symptoms may indicate a significant injury that needs urgent evaluation.
When should I see a healthcare professional after a fall on my back?
Get checked out if you develop persistent pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, or difficulty moving in the hours or days after the fall. Even mild symptoms deserve attention if they don’t improve, as some injuries aren’t obvious right away.
How do I know if a fall is severe?
A fall is considered severe if it leaves you with intense pain, difficulty breathing, an inability to stand or walk, or any loss of sensation. Don’t try to push through; you could make the injury much worse.
How do I know if I have a fracture after a fall?
Severe or pinpoint pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or a visible deformity may signal a fracture. Only a medical exam or imaging can confirm it, so go to the doctor’s immediately.
When should I be concerned after a fall?
Be concerned and consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent pain, muscle weakness, inability to move or perform daily activities, or symptoms like dizziness, severe headaches, nausea, or vomiting.
When should I consult a healthcare professional after a fall?
Go to the doctor if you are experiencing severe pain, struggling to move, or can see a visible deformity in your back. It is always better to consult a professional early so you can get the care you need and avoid
