A week ago, I was going downstairs to our garage and missed the last stair. Fell forward, crashed into a small end table and banged my upper arm and head on the wall. Then fell onto the floor and landed on my hip and back. Got up on my own within a minute, checked to make sure nothing was broken and that I could walk and move my limbs. Sat on the couch for a few minutes, had a drink of water. Felt OK, no dizziness or fainting, so I felt I was OK and went about my daily routine.
Later in the afternoon, I saw the beginnings of a bruise on my right arm. The bruise is now red, purple, and yellow and covers most of my triceps from just below the shoulder to my elbow.
About a day later, my neck, back, and right hip were slightly painful, but there is no bruising or swelling and I have been able to get around as I normally would. The neck pain has subsided and my arm seems to be healing. My head is ok, luckily my arm took most of the force of the fall.
I don't think anything is broken, but my back and hips are still painful, especially when I'm trying to sleep. It feels very similar to when I threw my back out many years ago. I'm managing the pain with ibuprofen plus heating pad and ice packs alternately, so it's not too bad.
I'm wondering how long it takes after a fall like this before the pain goes away. I should mention I'm a 68 year old woman who is in excellent health, exercises daily, take only one prescription medication, and I was in pretty good shape before I fell.
Hoping someone who has "been there, done that" can offer some advice. I don't want to call my doctor or go to the ER because I don't want to be labeled as a "fall risk". This isn't something that happens regularly, my balance is fine, it's just a singular instance of being a klutz. Any advice would be appreciated. And, please, no unkind remarks. I feel bad enough already. Thanks!