The most common types of back injuries

It’s not uncommon for many California citizens to deal with some sort of back injury throughout their lifetime. Some of these injuries come on slowly over time due to repetitive movements, while others come on suddenly. Understanding what type of back injury you have can assist you in seeking the appropriate treatment plan.

Sprains and strains

Two of the most common types of back injuries include sprains and strains to the back muscles. This type of injury typically pops up as muscle spasms, difficulty bending, pain with various flexion movements and even a loud popping noise of the time that the injury occurs. These types of injuries are easily treated with ice and rest. Most people will be able to return to their normal activities within one to two days after the injury occurs.

Bulging or herniated discs

Another more severe type of back injury happens when one of the rubbery discs in the vertebrae ends up being injured. When this happens, the tough exterior of the disc has a tear in it. The jelly-like material inside of the disc pushes out through the tear in the disc and irritates nerves. Individuals experiencing a herniated or bulging disc will typically have numbness, tingling, muscle weakness and general pain in the area of the arm or the leg. Herniated discs can typically be treated with rest, medication, physical therapy or epidural injections. In some cases, herniated discs may not show any sort of symptoms.

Back injuries are one of the most common injuries that people experience. Whether you just lifted something wrong or you turned quickly at an awkward angle, many things can cause these pains to develop. When they do, it’s advisable to seek professional medical help to ensure that you’re getting the right treatment for your condition.