Back pain is high on the list of reasons why people consult with their primary care physician. Medical conditions cause some back injuries, but most are due to some type of injury or trauma. Back injuries can happen to both young and old, those in great physical shape, and also those with sedentary lifestyles.
In this article, we’ll uncover the causes of back injuries, their symptoms, and what types of treatments are available.
The Causes of Back Injuries
Back injuries can happen from various causes. This includes everything from car accidents, slip and falls, sports or gym-related reasons, or simply lifting a heavy object incorrectly. Sometimes just getting out of bed the wrong way is the culprit. The National Library of Medicine reports that back pain is one of the most common reasons why people will seek medical assistance.
With back injuries being so prevalent, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes of back pain and injuries.
Fractured Vertebrae
A vertebrae fracture is a fracture or dislocation of the spinal vertebrae. This condition can cause bone fragments to pinch the spinal cord’s nerves. Most times, this type of back injury is caused by car accidents, falls, or high-impact sports.
Strains and Sprains
This type of injury occurs when you tear a ligament or overstretch a muscle. The muscles in the injury area will become inflamed and this inflammation typically triggers muscle spasms. The body does this to protect the injured area from further movement. Unfortunately, these spasms can be painful and can sometimes severely limit mobility.
Herniated Discs
A herniated disc is when one or more of the cushions (discs) that are located between each vertebra of the spine is leaking material from its center. This can irritate the nerves of the spinal cord and causes pain in either the back, down the legs, or up the neck. Sometimes referred to as slipped or ruptured discs, this is one of the more common back injuries.
Sciatica
Sciatica is nerve pain caused by inflammation, irritation, or compression of a nerve in the lower back. This back injury is typically caused by a car accident but is sometimes related to conditions such as diabetes. Also referred to as a pinched nerve, those with sciatica experience mild to severe pain that originates in the lower back, but could run down into the buttocks and down the legs.
Back Injury Symptoms
Those with back injuries could experience a wide range of symptoms, from mild to excruciating. Signs that you may have a back injury include the following:
- Posture issues
- Tenderness or pain in the back, neck, or shoulders
- Back pain that worsens when coughing, laughing, or sneezing
- Limited mobility or inability to stand up straight
- Muscle spasms on the sides of the spine or lower back
- Pain that radiates from the lower back, through the buttocks, and down the legs.
If you have any of the above symptoms, you should make an appointment to see your primary care physician, who can properly assess and diagnose your condition. Once a diagnosis has been determined, contact a team of expert Cape Coral chiropractors who will put together the perfect treatment plan for your specific back injury. Chiropractors use spinal manipulation and other techniques to realign the spine, relieve pressure on nerves, and reduce inflammation, relieving back injuries such as strains, sprains, and herniated discs.
Back Injury Treatments
Depending on the scope and severity of a back injury, treatment methods vary. They range from medication for pain management to invasive back surgery. Some treatment options include:
- Ultrasound or Electrical Muscle Stimulation therapy (E-STIM)
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medications
- Cold compresses multiple times a day
- Stretching and strength building
- Chiropractic treatments
- Therapeutic massage
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
Lifestyle changes, such as exercise and proper posture, combined with accessories like lumbar pillows and standing desks, can help relieve back pain by reducing strain and pressure on the back muscles and spine. Talk to a medical professional about the best options for your situation.
Chiropractic Therapies and Back Injury Treatment
For minor back pain and other back issues, chiropractic treatments, along with massage and proper stretching, can perform miracles. If your doctor has determined that you don’t need invasive surgery to correct your back-related condition, seek the assistance of a professional chiropractor who can help you to put your bad back behind you. There’s no need to feel as if your back issues are unfixable.