The Most Common Back Injuries

Slipped discs, fractured vertebrae, muscle strains... who knew your back could be so much trouble? A very high percentage of people suffer from back pain caused by these injuries. So what do these injuries entail, and how can you avoid them? Well, I’m very glad you asked...

Slipped Discs

The lower back is the most common place for a slipped disc. The discs in your back are the protective layers between the bones in your spine; sort of like shock absorbers for your spine. The discs don’t literally slip, rather they rupture or split, which causes them to leak a gel type substance into the tissue around them and put pressure on the spinal cord, causing pain.

You are less likely to suffer from a slipped disc if you exercise regularly, and lift heavy objects by putting the pressure on your legs, not your back.

Fractured Vertebrae

Just like any other bone in your body, the vertebrae in your spine can fracture. The severity of this back injury depends a lot on where in your spine it is and the neurological effects associated with this area. Not all vertebral fractures will cause you pain, but the area where the fracture is will most likely be sore to touch and stiff. It is also possible that there will be a visible bump on your spine where the injury is.

Although it sounds really serious to have a fractured vertebra in your spine, in most cases an injury like this will heal on its own. One of the most common ways people fracture vertebrae is jumping from great heights and landing on their heels, which is a shock to the spine, so it’s best to avoid jumping from a great height.

Back Strain

Straining the lower back is most common, and this is called a Lumbar muscle strain. This is caused when the muscle fibres in your lower back are stretched too far or torn, and can happen gradually because of overuse, or suddenly because of an injury. The inflammation caused by this strain causes pain and sometimes muscle spasms.

Bed rest is recommended for the first few couple of days after sustain this injury, but not for too long, lest your muscles become weak. If you are suffering from back strain you should definitely consult your healthcare professional, who will most likely show you stretches and exercises which will help you recover from this injury.