What is a back injury?

Back injuries fall into various different categories. Some of the most common back injuries include:

 

Slipped disc or herniated disc (spondylolisthesis)

A slipped disc and a herniated disc are terms that are often confused, but they both refer to the same condition. This occurs when the vertebra in your lower spine slip out of place, often due to trauma. Symptoms include:

Lower back pain with occasional shooting pain down the back of the legs

Tingling

Numbness

Difficulty sitting or standing.

Read more about slipped and herniated discs.

 

Pinched nerve (cervical radiculopathy)

Pinched nerves can occur at various spots throughout your body, but can be especially painful in your back. This condition often results from an injury to the nerve roots. Symptoms include:

Pain that spreads into the arms, chest, shoulders, or neck

Numbness or tingling in the hands and fingers

Aggravated pain when coughing or sneezing

Frequent “falling asleep” feeling in the limbs

Read more about pinched nerves.

 

Spinal cord injury

Spinal cord injuries occur when trauma damages the spinal cord itself or the nerves in the spinal canal. Symptoms of a spinal cord injury include:

Loss of bladder and bowel control

Loss of function below the point of injury

Sexual dysfunction

Difficulty breathing

Read more about spinal cord injuries.

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What causes a back injury?

A pinched nerve can often be the result of a herniated disc. Direct trauma to the back, like the type that may be sustained in a car or motorcycle accident, often causes a wide variety of back injuries – from simple strain to complete spinal cord injury.

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How is a back injury diagnosed?

Depending on the type and severity of your injury, you may be sent for back x-rays or an MRI. Those with spinal cord injuries may also be seen by a neurologist.

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How do you treat a back injury?

Back injury treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the injury. Pain management medication is prescribed in many circumstances. Physical therapy may be necessary to regain pain-free use of your back muscles and spine. Read more about the treatment options Sall Myers provides for back injury patients.

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What is the recovery time for a back injury?

Your recovery time depends on a number of factors, including your age, the severity of your injury, and your general health. Someone with a slipped disc may completely recover within a month or two, while a spinal cord injury sufferer will likely manage their injury complications for the rest of their life.

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If you’ve been in a car accident in New Jersey and need treatment for a back injury, please call us at 866-609-4448 or fill out our contact form.

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Whether your injury is a small one, or is more serious, the staff at Sall Myers Medical Associates has your needs covered.