3 Back Injuries You Can Experience

The back is comprised of the spine (24 vertebrae), nerves, and many muscles that help us function every day. There are many injuries that affect these structures and could lead to back pain and altered function.
Common Injuries:

Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal which puts pressure on the surrounding structures.
- Mechanism (cause):
  - Degeneration caused by age
  - Congenital
- Signs/Symptoms:
  - Numbness/Tingling
  - Muscle weakness
  - Pain with walking or standing for long periods of time
Herniated Disc: A condition where the inside of a vertebral disc protrudes out into the spinal canal. The protruding part of the disc can touch other surrounding structures, including nerves, which can cause pain.
- Mechanism (cause):
  - Forward bending/twisting trauma
- Signs/Symptoms:
  - Radiating pain down the buttocks and legs
  - Pain when bending forward or sitting
  - Reduced pain with extension (bending backward)
Muscular Strains: Tearing of a muscle.
- Mechanism (cause):
  - Quick forceful contraction which overloads the muscle
  - Chronic overuse
- Signs/Symptoms:
  - Bruising or swelling of the area
  - Tenderness over the site of the muscle
  - Pain when actively moving the back

Why Therapy? Why Now?

Back pain can become chronic and lead to more functional problems if not addressed. What starts as one problem can lead to many more, so it is best to seek help earlier rather than later.
Our Physical Therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation to help identify your injury and create a plan specific for you and your goals. We will work to control your pain and restore your function which will lead to an overall higher quality of living.