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How Do I Treat a Bruised Back?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

There are several possible ways to treat a bruised back, depending on the extent of the damage and any other physical injuries that may be present. Over-the-counter or prescription medications are frequently used in conjunction with hot or cold compresses. Supportive devices such as back braces or crutches may be recommended by a doctor during the healing process. Rest is important while recovering from the injury, although mild exercise should begin as soon as possible in order to prevent the muscles from losing strength. In rare cases, a blood clot may develop, which could require surgical intervention, so it is important to have the bruised back evaluated by a doctor.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen are frequently used to treat the discomfort caused by a bruised back. If the damage is severe, stronger pain medications or muscle relaxants may be prescribed by a doctor. These medications should be used exactly as prescribed in order to prevent possible complications from the drugs.

An ice pack, which can help with a bruised back.
An ice pack, which can help with a bruised back.

Ice therapy or cold compresses may be used for the first couple of days following injury to prevent or treat any swelling that may occur. After the first 48 to 72 hours, some people may prefer to use heat therapy, although a doctor should be consulted on advice for the individual situation.

A back brace or crutches may be recommended for those with a bruised back, especially if the damage is severe. These supportive devices can help to protect the injured muscles and other tissues from further injury and may help the patient participate in light physical activity. While these devices can prove to be helpful for a limited amount of time, prolonged use can actually weaken the muscles of the back.

A posture back brace may help alleviate back pain.
A posture back brace may help alleviate back pain.

Rest is essential when recovering from a bruised back, although complete bed rest is rarely recommended. As soon as possible, the patient is typically advised to slowly resume normal activity in order to avoid muscle weakness and promote healing. The supervising physician will advise the patient on any individualized activity limitations.

As a bruise is caused by internal bleeding, the development of blood clots is possible. In the most extreme cases, surgical intervention may become necessary in order to remove the blood clots or to stop excessive bleeding. This complication is relatively rare, and screening by a health care professional will usually allow the doctor to detect any problems before they become severe.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

@ZipLine-- There are gel cold packs that come with a strap and other accessories to keep it in one spot. I'm sure you could find one that will stay on your back.

Taking pain relievers is a good idea. Most pain relievers are anti-inflammatory so they do more than just relieve pain. They also reduce swelling and allow the body to do its job and heal more efficiently. If the over the counter pain relievers aren't enough, ask your doctor for something stronger. There are also great prescription creams for bruising and tissue damage.

ZipLine

Resting with a bruised back is the most difficult thing ever. It's uncomfortable to lie on the stomach and too painful to lie on the back. I'm resting on my side but I can't keep an ice pack on the bruise that way. I'm trying to get through it with pain relievers.

SarahGen

If I remember correctly, vitamin K cream helps bruises heal more quickly. But not everyone has vitamin K cream lying around the house. So the best treatment that everyone has access to, is a cold pack.

Some natural remedies could be used also. Sliced, raw potatoes can help bruises heal. It basically speeds up the process for the blood in the area to dissipate. Usually, it takes at least a week for a serious bruise to go away. It changes colors slowly, from purple to green to finally yellow. Things like vitamin K cream and potatoes can speed up this process.

Magnette

A good way to stretch out your back is to hang by your arms from a chin-up bar or something similar, like a playground jungle-gym. Wearing heavy boots or ankle weights will help too. But you should also be careful not to overdo it, especially if you have serious bruises or other back problems. I used to hang like that to relieve sore muscles and it generally worked, but if you have bruising or other more serious issues, you should definitely visit a doctor. Back pain is nothing to mess around with.

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    • An ice pack, which can help with a bruised back.
      By: Marc Dietrich
      An ice pack, which can help with a bruised back.
    • A posture back brace may help alleviate back pain.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      A posture back brace may help alleviate back pain.
    • Bruises are caused by internal bleeding.
      By: roblan
      Bruises are caused by internal bleeding.
    • Bed rest may be recommended for some people with a bruised back, although others will be encouraged to continue low impact exercise.
      By: april_89
      Bed rest may be recommended for some people with a bruised back, although others will be encouraged to continue low impact exercise.
    • An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can lessen the discomfort of a bruised back.
      By: Geo Martinez
      An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can lessen the discomfort of a bruised back.
    • Back braces may be recommended to help healing from a bruised back.
      By: belahoche
      Back braces may be recommended to help healing from a bruised back.