Back Injuries
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What are the Different Types of Back Injuries?
By: Ehren Allen, PT, DPT – Certified Manual Therapist
Lower Back Injuries are a very common, affecting nearly 80% of the population at some point during their life. The severity may vary from mild soreness to debilitating pain. Pain in the lower back may lead to symptoms of numbness, tingling, and pain in the legs and buttocks. There are numerous structures in the lower back which may cause pain but the most common issues stem from lumbar disk and facet joint issues. Disk and facet joint issues can lead to a pinched nerve in the lower back. True muscle strains in the lower back are less common, though patients may have muscle pain due to muscle spasms. To read more about a “catch” or locking sensation in your back, please read this informative ARTICLE.
Injuries to the back can occur from many causes including:
- Repetitive Stress from daily activity or prolonged sitting activity
- Sports Injuries
Image of Spine
Improper lifting technique- Trauma (falling or car accident)
Anatomy of the Spine
If you would like to learn more about the spine, please watch this anatomy of the spine video.
What are the Symptoms of a Back Injury?
The symptoms of a back injury can vary from person to person. It depends on the type of injury, general health and conditioning level, and the severity of the injury. Many people reports pain locally in the back but it is common to also have pain in the buttocks and leg. With severe injuries, nerve structures may be involved and there may be symptoms of muscle weakness and loss of sensation.
How do you treat a Sprained or Strained Back (thrown out back)?
True sprains vs. strains and pulled back muscles in the back are rare but they can occur. Initially, rest and ice can be helpful to decrease pain and inflammation in the back. After a few days, its best to move around if you can. Prolonged bed rest can increase the risk of other health issues. If the pain persists for more than a few days, it may be beneficial to see a physician and possibly a physical therapist.
How Can I Prevent a Back Injury?
There is no way to completely prevent a back injury but the following activities may decrease the risk of injuring the lower Back.
- Daily exercise – improving your overall health, conditioning , and core strength
- Stretching – improving the mobility of the spine and lower body musculature .
- Postural Awareness – is an easy way to reduce the likelihood of developing back pain.
- Standing Position– engage your core and change foot position frequently to reduce lumbar strain.
- Sitting position – It is important to sit upright and pull shoulders back to reduce slouching that can contribute to back pain.
- Body mechanics – Maintain a neutral spine position when bending and lifting
How Long Does it Take for a Back Injury to Heal?
Most back injuries resolve within 6 to 10 weeks, though it may recover much more quickly if the injury is minor and the patient receives early therapeutic intervention. In some cases, the symptoms may persist and become chronic. In these cases, it is important to seek medical intervention and physical therapy improve mobility, control, and function.
If a back injury does not resolve on its own quickly, The Jacksonville Orthopaedic Institute has a team of experts to help. From physical therapy, massage, and laser therapy, to injections and even surgical intervention, JOI has the answer for you! Come see us….We’ll treat you like a Pro!
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