My wife just fell on steps, and now has a bruise across her back. About a quarter of the way down where she landed on the steps, her back is swelling over her spine. I have ice on it, she says her spine is burning. We do not have money for doctor, should I take her to ER?
An ice bag on her back will aid her with pain, as NSAIDs, if she has no contraindications (i.e. peptic ulcer, stoma cache, coagulation problems or oral anticoagulant therapy, etc.). How old is your wife? This is important to assess how likely a spine fracture is. has she shown any other symptom after falling (motor problems at lower limbs, loss of sensibility in the slip-covered area, urinary problems)? If yes, go to the ER. if she has only pain on the bruising area and stop, you can wait and go to the ER if pain is still strong/NSAID resistant after three days, or if other symptoms add