Expert: Dr. Paul Newhart - 2/24/2009

Question
Dr. Newhart,

Thank-you for taking the time to read and analyze my situation.

It is 10:33 PM now. Earlier today (around 2:00pm) I was playing basketball when a player on the other team pump faked. As he pump faked under the net, i jumped over him with my stomach on his back. He stood straight fast and I had a really hard fall straight on my back. I was winded for about 2 minutes then got back up and played. I wasn't really bothered until about 2 hours ago when I found it hard to breathe. There is a pain every time I inhale and it seems to be coming from the neck and lungs. It seems as time passes I am finding it harder to breathe and the pain is increasing.

I have never experienced anything like this before. I have been winded before, but that would only last for a minute or two...When i first fell today it did last a minute, but now it is coming back, as if I am still winded.

I am 6'1 and weigh 187 lbs. I am quite athletic and have a strong back, as I consistently workout. I am 18 years old and have had no serious health issues in the past. Although, I did have hooping cough at one point which i used a puffer for 6 months.

Can you please analyze this situation and tell me what is going on?

Thank- You so much

Joseph Makari  

Answer
Falling flat on your back may have caused misalignment, leading to dysfunction of the muscles of the back and chest, giving you the "winded" feeling.  A good chiropractor should be able to assess and treat it, and if needed, refer you to a medical professional if things are beyond their scope of care.  I would also suggest x rays to rule out a fracture.