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Back Injuries

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nithin Jayan, MBBS, DNB on Jul 28, 2014


About

Our back is the area that extends from the neck to the pelvis and constitutes several bones, muscles, and other tissues. It is a very vulnerable part of the body and is prone to injure easily.


Common back injuries include strains and sprains, fractured vertebrae and herniated disks. These can occur as a result of sports injuries, working in the garden, or around the house, or as a trauma due to an accident. Back injuries can be quite painful and can restrict a person's everyday mobility.

The human backbone (spine) extends from the skull to the pelvis and is made up of a neatly stacked column of 33 bones (vertebrae) and tissues. A band of cartilage, serving as a shock absorber, is found between each vertebrae which form a protection around the spinal cord. The vertebrae may be classified as follows:

Sacrum and coccyx-group of bones fused and located at the base of the spine

Types of Back Injuries

There are two types of back injuries - spondylolisthesis and cervical radiculopathy. Both are specific conditions with its own set of causes, symptoms and treatments.


Diagnosis & Treatment of Back Injuries

If the back pain is significant, consult an osteopath.

The root cause of pain can be diagnosed with the help of a simple X-ray. CT scans or MRI scans are usually taken before planning a surgery.

The mainstay of Spondylolisthesis treatment is physical therapy, to strengthen abdominal and back muscles.


Cervical radiculopathy on the other hand is treated with a combination of pain killers and physical exercises. The pain medications used are acetaminophen (paracetamol), ibuprofen, ketoprofen and naproxen. Steroids may also be given either orally or injected epidurally. Physical therapy includes traction and other mobilization exercises.

Surgery is usually the last option and is usually considered when the compression on the nerve is significantly high and results in motor weakness.

It may be a good idea to take bed rest for some time. Applying ice compression will bring relief. Once treatment begins and the pain settles, it might be a good idea to take up gentle exercises such as stretching, yoga or pilates.

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