Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi | Date: November 22, 2025
Millions of people suffer a fall injury each year, and this risk is even higher in older adults, as about 1 in 4 seniors fall every year. A fall injury is one of the most common acute injuries that triggers a person to seek out medical care, but because these incidents are so common, how can you know if your injuries warrant medical attention? In today’s blog, we explore some of the signs that suggest you should seek out medical care for a back issue after a painful fall.
Back Injuries From Falling
While we’re going to focus on back injuries in this blog, the fact of the matter is that many of the symptoms and issues we list below are not exclusive to spine injuries. If you’re experiencing these problems in your shoulders, hips, knees or ankles, you’d be wise to consult with a medical expert. Here’s a look at some of the issues that patients should probably have examined by a doctor after a fall injury.
- Significant Pain – If you’re dealing with obvious and significant back or neck pain, you need to seek out professional medical care. This could indicate any number of issues, including disc herniations or vertebral fractures. You probably don’t need us to tell you that you should seek out medical care if you’re dealing with severe pain, but the fact is that pain is the most common symptom of a moderate to severe back issue, and it should be examined.
- Pain That Lingers Or Worsens – A more subtle way that back pain indicates that you should seek out medical care is if it lingers or worsens. Pain is typically at its worst in the moments after an injury, and then it tends to taper off. If back pain is at the same intensity 48-72 hours after your initial injury, or if it’s actually gotten worse, it’s time to seek out a professional opinion.
- Movement Restrictions – If you’re dealing with back discomfort that’s making it difficult to turn to one side, bend forward or simply move comfortably, head to a spine specialist.
- Difficulty Walking – If the fall has made it hard to walk, or it has altered your gait in any way, consider heading in for care. A fall that has made it harder to walk or affected your balance can lead to more fall injuries, so hands-on care is warranted.
- Bladder/Bowel Issues – If you notice that your bathroom habits have been impacted in the wake of a fall, head in for care sooner rather than later. It’s possible that nerves that help to control bladder or bowel function were damaged in the fall, and you’ll want to have that looked at by a professional.
- Radiating Symptoms – A final issue that suggests professional attention is warranted is if symptoms start radiating to other parts of your body. When fall injuries damage the spine, oftentimes symptoms will radiate to your arms or legs, especially if nerve relays have been affected. Muscle weakness, numbness, tingling sensations or pain that radiates to your extremities should be cared for by a doctor.
Contact a Minnesota Spine Specialist
As always, this isn’t a comprehensive list, and it’s never a bad idea to play it safe and seek out a doctor’s opinion in the wake of a fall. We’ve helped countless patients get back on their feet after a fall injury, and we can do the same for you. For more information about treating back injuries after a fall, or for assistance managing a different spine issue, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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