Slip and fall accidents are too common, especially in bustling cities like Philadelphia with its icy winter sidewalks, old buildings, and uneven streets. In fact, according to the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, falls are the leading cause of injury and death among older adults in the city.
Falls can cause a wide range of injuries, from mild bruises to severe head trauma and spinal cord damage. When you slip and fall on your back, it is especially important to pay attention to any symptoms that arise in the hours and days that follow. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated. Letโs look for symptoms to look for after a fall on your back so you can seek prompt medical attention and protect your legal rights.
Back Pain and Stiffness
One of the most common symptoms to look for after a fall on your back is pain and stiffness in the back muscles, especially in the lower back. You may feel a dull ache or sharp, stabbing sensations that worsen with movement. This pain can radiate into the buttocks, hips, and legs.
While some degree of soreness is to be expected after a fall, severe or persistent back pain should not be ignored. The back injuries from falling can range from a strain, sprain, or herniated disc slip to even a spinal fracture. Stiffness and difficulty moving may also indicate inflammation or nerve compression.
If your back pain does not improve with rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and gentle stretching within a few days, it is important to see a doctor. They can perform a physical exam and order imaging tests like X-rays or an MRI to diagnose the extent of your injuries. Prompt treatment can help prevent chronic pain and long-term complications.
Neck Pain and Headaches
Another key area to monitor after falling on your back is your neck. The impact of the fall can cause your head to snap back and forth violently, leading to whiplash-type injuries in the neck muscles and ligaments. Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches (especially at the base of the skull), dizziness, and difficulty turning your head.
Like back pain, neck pain after a fall should not be brushed off as “no big deal.” Untreated whiplash can lead to chronic pain, migraines, sleep disturbances, and even cognitive issues like memory problems and irritability. If you experience neck pain along with numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands, it could indicate a more serious injury like a herniated cervical disc or nerve damage.
Bruising and Swelling
Falling on your back can cause visible bruising and swelling, especially over bony prominences like the tailbone, shoulder blades, and elbows. While some bruising is normal after an injury, large, severe, or persistent bruises warrant medical attention. They could be a sign of deep tissue damage or even internal bleeding.
Swelling is another common symptom to watch for after a back injury from falling. The inflammatory response triggers fluid buildup in the damaged tissues, leading to puffiness, tenderness, and decreased range of motion. Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce pain and inflammation in the first 48 hours. If swelling persists or worsens despite home treatment, see a doctor to rule out complications like compartment syndrome.
It is also important to document any visible injuries with clear photographs. This visual evidence can be valuable for insurance claims and legal proceedings down the road. Be sure to photograph bruises and swelling at their worst before they start to heal and fade.
Difficulty Walking or Standing
Depending on the severity of your back injuries from falling, you may have trouble with basic movements like walking, standing up from a seated position, or climbing stairs. Pain, stiffness, weakness, and loss of balance can all contribute to mobility issues after a fall.
If you find yourself struggling to bear weight on one or both legs, limping, or needing to use furniture for support while walking, it is important to see a doctor right away. These could be signs of a serious injury like a spinal cord compression, nerve damage, or fracture that requires immediate treatment.
Your doctor may recommend assistive devices like a cane or walker to help you move around safely while you heal. Physical therapy can also help rebuild strength, flexibility, and balance after a fall. Be sure to follow your therapist’s instructions for at-home exercises and activity modifications.
Numbness and Tingling
Another worrying symptom to look out for after falling on your back is numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation in your back, buttocks, legs, or feet. These symptoms could indicate nerve damage from the impact of the fall.
When nerves are compressed, inflamed, or severed, they cannot transmit signals properly between the brain and the rest of the body.
This can lead to odd sensations like pins and needles, burning, or numbness in the affected areas. You may also experience weakness or muscle cramps.
If you experience numbness or tingling after a fall, do not try to “tough it out” or wait for it to go away on its own. Nerve damage can worsen over time and, if left untreated, lead to permanent sensory loss or paralysis. See a doctor right away for a thorough neurological exam and appropriate treatment, such as medication, physical therapy, or surgery in severe cases.
Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control
One of the most alarming potential symptoms after a fall on your back is loss of bladder or bowel control. If you find yourself suddenly unable to control your urination or defecation, it could be a sign of a spinal cord injury or cauda equina syndrome, which is a medical emergency.
The bundle of nerves at the base of the spinal cord, called the cauda equina, controls bladder, bowel, and sexual function. If these nerves are compressed or damaged, it can lead to incontinence, constipation, and even permanent paralysis if not treated promptly with surgery.
How Gibbons & Crichton Can Help
If you or a loved one has suffered from back injuries from falling due to a slip and fall accident in Philadelphia, the experienced personal injury attorneys at Gibbons & Crichton are here to help.
Contact us today for consultation, and let us put our skills and resources to work for you.