Is any chance of risk for spinal fracture if a plywood fell?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have some pain due to injury. Last week, I was at a construction site and marine plywood that is used for construction fell and hit me on the back of my head. My head is fine but my upper back is still in pain and chest also. I did not fall down when I was hit but the impact pushed my upper body down and forward I think beyond normal that is why I am getting back and chest pain. I did not go to the hospital because I do not feel the need. I am sure they will just tell me to give time and take pain killer. Can I get your advice? Is it possible I fractured my spine? What should I do? I am just taking Ibuprofen. Pain is not very bad I am still doing things normally and I can move. I am just wondering why I am still in pain after one week. Can this be a fracture? Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Firas Arnaout

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. It seems that you have suffered whiplash injuries. This is common following high energy impacts on the upper body. From the mechanism you described, it seems unlikely to sustain a fracture. However, it is very difficult to be certain without clinical examination and X-rays. How is your pain? Is it tender at any particular spot? Is the tenderness is on the midline of your spine or on the sides? Pain directly in the midline with a particular spot of tenderness is something I would recommend that you get an X-ray. The fact that you are otherwise moving and carrying on with life normally is reassuring. However, unfortunately, whiplash injuries can take many weeks to settle. With regard to the chest pain, it is possible that the injury might have caused a crack in your ribs. X-rays are not very good at showing this. The treatment, in any case, is rest and painkillers. I hope this helps. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

My pain is more like aches. When I am sitting up straight or when I arch my upper body forward or back. Pain is not just at the midpoint but also on the sides of my back and shoulders. On touching my back I cannot feel any pain it is more of structural pain. Chest pain feels tight like there is pressure pushed on my ribs but nothing too serious I can still take a deep breath. I was just worried why I am still in pain after a week but since you said it may take a few weeks to settle this explains it. I think I will just give it more time. Even if I get an x-ray done I will just be advised to continue with pain medication and rest. Do you think it will heal 100 %? Will I get any chronic back pain later? This is my biggest worry. What should I do to make sure this does not become a chronic problem. I have stopped exercising. I do some stretches when I get back home, is this a good thing or does it interfere with the healing process?

Answered by Dr. Firas Arnaout

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. To give it the best chance of healing I suggest you start a physiotherapy treatment. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thanks for the advice doctor.

I will allow it some time to heal and will consider physiotherapy if necessary. Additionally, I have another question. For the past year, I have been experiencing discomfort in my tailbone while sitting, particularly on hard surfaces like plastic chairs or while driving. I am perplexed about the origin of this discomfort, as I have never sustained any injury to my tailbone. Is there a specific reason for this condition? This issue is significantly affecting my daily life, I now need to use a cushion while driving, especially for extended periods. I have attempted various stretches, but the discomfort persists when I sit directly on my tailbone. Interestingly, I do not experience any pain while standing. Consequently, I have resorted to avoiding hard surfaces altogether. Could this be indicative of chronic tailbone pain?

Answered by Dr. Firas Arnaout

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understood your concern. Concerning the tailbone pain, if the discomfort continues, I suggest you consult an orthopedic spinal specialist. They can provide options such as pain-relieving injections or, if necessary, a surgical procedure to address the issue by removing the tailbone. I hope this has helped you. Kindly follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Thank you very much doctor for your time.

I appreciate it