Back Bruise (Contusion)

Home care

• Rest. Don't do any heavy lifting, strenuous exercise, or any activity that causes pain.

• Ice the area to reduce pain and swelling. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes in a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the bag in a clean, thin towel. Don't put ice or an ice pack directly on your skin. Ice the injured area for 20 minutes every 1 to 2 hours while you're awake for the first day. Keep using ice packs 3 to 4 times a day for the next 2 days Then use as needed to ease pain and swelling.

• Take any prescribed pain medicine. If none was prescribed, take acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to control pain, unless you have health conditions that prevent taking these medicines. If you are unsure about medicines, ask your healthcare provider before you leave the hospital.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised. Call if you are not better in 1 to 2 weeks.

When to get medical care

Call your healthcare provider for any of the following:

• New pain or pain that gets worse

• Increased swelling around the bruise

• Pain spreading to 1 or both legs

• Blood in your pee (urine)

• Fever of 100.4°F (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your provider

• Chills

Call 911

Call 911 right away if any of these occur:

• New weakness or numbness in 1 or both legs

• Loss of bowel or bladder control

• Numbness in the groin or genital area