What you should do depends on what you did to start with and how severe your pain is. Did you fall and hit your head, your rear or knee? Did you strain your back shoveling? Not all pains are equal. Here are a few things to consider:
- Do you think "it" is possibly broken? If you fell hard enough that you suspect fracture, call your doctor or chiropractor or head to the ER.
- Can you move or use it? This is not a sure thing to determine fracture, but you are probably OK waiting to see how it feels the next day if you can still use the injured body part.
- Do you need stitches? If you cut yourself and think you may need stitches, it is best to find out. If something isn't stitched up within a few hours, the chance of infection is much greater and may prevent stitches, which at the very least will lead to a bigger scar.
- Did you hit your head and are now dizzy, disoriented or very drowsy? That warrants a trip to the ER. If you just have a knot and a headache, it's OK to wait see if it gets better.
- Are you having symptoms of a heart attack? Chest pain, shortness of breath, left arm or jaw pain are common symptoms of heart attack and should not be ignored, especially if you have been "over-doing-it".
If you don't suspect serious injury, you may still be wondering when it is best to call the chiropractor or doctor. My rule of thumb is 48 hours maximum. If you are sore from overexertion, your pain should start decreasing by that time. If it isn't, make the call. It is always easier to help someone get well when the condition is new. When someone waits weeks before seeking treatment, it will generally take longer to get well.
During the first 48 hours, use ice. Apply the ice for 15 minutes at a time and wait 60 minutes in between applications. Do not stay in bed, but try to avoid things that make the pain worse. If it doesn't hurt, you can do it. It's a simple rule, but it usually works!
Ice and snow are here for the next few months. Be careful out there!
