Is Ibuprofen sufficient to treat contusion causing sharp pains in lower back?
Patient: I fell on stairs a little over a week ago with my lower back on the right side hitting the edge of the step. I had severe pain which is lessening but  I sometimes get a sharp pain when sitting down or standing up. It was diagnosed as a contusion but there is no bruise mark.  X-rays did not show any breaks. I try to walk around a little bit and take 600 mg ibuprofen every 4 hours.  Why no bruise mark if it is a contusion, how much longer until pain goes completely away and should I use any other type of treatment? I use an ice pack every few hours.  Thanks. Doctor: Hi there,Thanks for writing in.Initial 24-48 hours after any injury, it is best to use an ice pack intermittently. However , now the injury is almost a week old, in which case hot fomentation would be ideal.Apply a small quantity of pain relief gel like volini(diclofenac gel) to the affected region of the back. Do not massage or rub the gel too  much.. Just apply it lightly. After half an hour or so apply a hot water bag/ hot fomentation to the affected area. Do the above at least 3 times a day. Reduce the oral intake of ibuprofen gradually. Too much of this pain relief medication can cause gastritis.Hopefully you should be completely okay in another week or so. If the pain persists or increases in intensity, please visit your physician at the earliest...Hope this helps.Regards,Dr. Divya Kuttikrishnan