What causes sharp pain in the left side of the back?

Question

Hi doctor,

I recently hurt the middle left side of my back in wrestling. I pretty much got picked up and slammed on a corner of a table and now I feel a sharp pain in that spot. It is a kind of black and blue, but there are no visible marks just sharp pain whenever I move. Also, when I take a deep breath I get pain in my left shoulder. Can this be healed on its own? And how long will it take to heal?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

You have mentioned the injury to your middle left side of the back region. If you have localized back pain with no other symptoms like radiating leg pain, and neurological symptoms like numbness, weakness, paresthesia, etc, then you can start with the following recommendations for an initial period of two to three weeks. Maintain a proper posture of your back while working and sleeping. If pain is more then you can take a short course of an anti-inflammatory medication which suits you.

Physical therapy initially under the supervision of a trained physiotherapist and then to continue at home. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake if levels are low in the body. Ice packs should be applied three to four times a day (10 to 15 times every time). Analgesic spray for a local application can be used and is easily available. Avoid lifting heavy weights, acute forward bending in the mornings, etc. We will observe you for the next five to seven days how you respond to this conservative management protocol. If you are not feeling better, then we might have to get some investigations like dynamic X-rays of the lower back and a few blood tests for evaluation.

I hope this helps.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.