Back Injuries May Lead To Back Pain

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Back forms an intricate structure of muscles, bones and other tissues that extend down from neck to pelvis. Back injuries may occur as a result of sports injuries, work related injuries or any sudden jolt like the one that may happen in a car accident. The most common site of back pain and injuries is the lower back. There are basically following three types of back injuries that you could come across:

Sprains and strains
A sprain refers to either torn or stretched ligament. The tissues connecting bones at a particular joint are known as ligaments. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Sprains are common in Ankle and wrist.

Symptoms: You may experience swelling, immobility of injured area or bruising.

A strain refers to stretched or torn tendon. The tissues connecting muscle to the bone are known as tendons. A strain can be caused by twisting or pulling of tendons. Moreover, strains are common in hamstring muscles and back.

Symptoms: You may suffer from pain, muscle spasms or you may experience swelling or trouble in movement.

Treatment: In case of both- strains and sprains, the treatment should initiate with providing rest to the injured area. Then, follow it with rubbing ice and wearing a bandage so that it compresses the injured area. Treatments like exercise and physical therapy may follow later.

Herniated disk
Backbone is made of 26 bones which are called as vertebrae. These are soft discs lubricated with jelly like substance between them. They provide cushioning to the vertebrae and help keep the discs in place. A ruptured disk is referred to as herniated disk. If it exerts pressure on any nerve, it causes sciatica or back pain.

Symptoms: You might experience back pain which spreads from buttocks to the legs when you suffer from herniated disk in your lower back. Also, you might come across neck pain which spreads from the shoulders to upper arms when you suffer from herniated disk in your upper back. Tingling, Muscle spasms, numbness or weakness are other common symptoms.

Treatment: It takes longer to recover. Treatments may vary depending on the severity. Proper rest and opting for anti-inflammatory medicines also helps. Losing weight along with physical therapy can also help.

Fractured vertebrae
Fractured vertebrae are bound to occur due to cracking or breaking of spinal bones. The vertebrae may suffer from fracture like any bone in though the extent varies greatly depending on the neurological effects and location.

Symptoms: The fractures that are caused by osteoporosis do not show the symptoms of lower back pain. You may suffer from stiffness, possible visual deformity or pinched nerves.

Treatment: Treatment requires conservative care. Pain management drugs, Dietary supplements, Physical therapy  are helpful in rehabilitation of the bone after healing. Surgeries like vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty can be helpful in treatment of serious fractures or spinal instability.