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Monday, November, 23, 2009
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BAD fall - hit back while falling down stairs

kirstenannlynch
10/06/09
kirstenannlynch
Topics:fallBack pain

I slid and fell down the stairs this morning.  I flew up in the air, bounced off the first stair (apparently through my coffee in the air) after hitting my back on the first stair.  I heard a crack.  I slid down the other two stairs, ended up kind of on my right side with my left arm behind my back.  I could not feel a thing, I could not move.  I just knew I had broken my back.  I blacked out a bit, it kind of felt like a concussion, with the nausea and ears ringing.   Then, I felt the PAIN and I realized I was having trouble breathing.  I could not move the arm behind me or feel it for that matter.  I could not tolerate anyone touching or talking to me.  I almost summoned a call to 911, but my kids were freaking out, and I did not want them to be worried.  So, I waited to see if I would recover.

About 15 minutes later, I could stand up and get on with things.  But, I am in pain.  Mostly between my shoulder blades where I hit, my arms, and my ribs.  I cannot take a full breath without discomfort.  The tingling in my hands is going away.

I know I probably just got the wind knocked out of me and I'm probably just really bruised - like being hit by a linebacker.

But, I thought I would toss it out there for feedback.  I don't want to make an unnecessary trip to the ER.  But, I also don't want to make something worse by ignoring it.

Thanks for opinions.

btw - I just realized that I am in a forum for chronic pain.  I don't know if I can find answers here.  I do live with two recurring bulging discs in my neck.  So, maybe your answers will help me avoid having to live with more pain after this fall.

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Answers (1)
Karen Lee Richards
Karen Lee Richards
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Co-Founder of the National Fibromyalgia Assn.

Karen Lee Richards’ career as a writer and patient advocate grew...

Tuesday, October 06, 2009

I would definitely suggest going to the ER, especially since you heard a crack and are having difficulty breathing without pain.  Your spine is incredibly important and it's just not worth taking chances on long-term pain or worse. 

 

Please let us know what you find out and how you're doing.

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This video explains where back pain stems from by taking you through the anatomy of the back. 

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