Back injuries are caused by damage to the spine, the spinal discs, or the soft tissues of the back. Sometimes this is caused over time by the aging process. Depending on the specifics of the injury, the results can be any degree of pain, stiffness, and even permanent disability.
AlaMed Injury Clinics are prepared and qualified to handle all manner of back injury treatment in Columbus with an elite team of therapists, doctors, and nurses. We provide a variety of tests to discern the true nature of your back pains and troubles in an effort to provide the best solutions modern medicine has to offer. Our extensive range of treatments, nerve stimulation, hot/cold treatments, exercise programs, laser therapy, and much more.
If you have been suffering from any degree of back trouble, don't grin and bear it. Call our Columbus injury clinic today to greet the back treatment you really need.
Symptoms of Back Injury
Back injuries can happen all of a sudden or gradually worsen over time. Injuries can also be mildly uncomfortable or severely painful. The severity of your condition will depend on a variety of factors including lifestyle, weight, age, among others.
The most common symptom that something is not right in your back is pain that simply won't go away. Sometimes this pain can extend outwards to the hips, legs, or feet. This pain can become worse if you're standing or sitting for many long hours.
The pains or aches in the back are usually accompanied by:
- Inflammation in the back
- Difficulty performing any activity requiring back support
- Tightness and numbness on the pelvic region and thighs
- Loss of control over bowel movements
- Weight loss
- Fever
Types of Back Injuries
Back injuries are categorized by the area that is affected and the type of pain and the cause:
Bulging Disk
A bulging disc is an example of a gradual injury that can occur over time and affect the functionality of your spinal disc. Discs in the spinal column support the weight of the upper body and act as shock absorbers.
If your spinal disc becomes damaged or loses its functionality it will transfer its shock-absorbing gel to the weakest point of the disc and this can cause a bulging. This bulging will affect the dynamics of the other components of the spinal column in the region. The bulging protrusion can impact the tender nerves of the spinal column and cause severe pain that only worsens as time goes by.
Herniated Disk
A herniated disc will generally affect the lower portions of the back. The injury is the result of a degenerated spinal disc. Degeneration of the spine is a common situation but excessive strain on the back can aggravate the condition and cause greater damage and pain.
Nerve Damage
Because of the presence of so many vital verve systems operating in the spinal column the pain conditions of the back have a tendency to be especially painful. Herniated discs, bulging discs, fragments of bone, and other anomalies can result in undue pressure applied to a nerve and result in severe pains that radiate outward especially down the leg.
Fractures
Spinal fractures are another type of injury that is commonly experienced in the lower back. These fractures can be caused by falling, impacts, and other injuries and create small fragments. The severity of a spinal fracture can greatly depend on where the injury lays. They can displace discs or pinch the spinal nerves and cause severe discomfort.
Soft Tissue Injuries
In addition to injuries to the spinal discs of the back, there are other damages that affect the muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the back. Back strains in any of these softer tissues can cause a lump that will press against the spine and cause a range of mobility issues. Pulled tendons and stiff skeletal muscles can also affect the dynamics of your back in motion. Muscle spasms can also cause pains and adversely affect the function of your back.
How Will Your Doctor Diagnose Your Back Injury
Doctors will use a variety of methods to diagnose back injuries:
A Physical Exam
A doctor will begin by performing a physical examination to determine the center of the pain being experienced. This test will also gauge the conditions of the muscles and spine and the strength of the back as a whole.
A CAT Scan
The CAT scan will provide the doctor with a clear depiction of the internal spinal condition. From the CAT scan, your doctor will be able to diagnose the effects of herniated discs, bone fragments, and bulges. This scan will clearly highlight the presence of tumors, compressions, and damage.
An MRI
An MRI will examine the conditions of soft tissues of the back and alert your medical professionals. Superior MRI images can provide a plan to improve internal issues as well.
An X-ray
An x-ray can be used to examine the positioning of bones and spinal discs around the affected areas.
Types of Treatment
The treatment recommended for your specific conditions will be determined by the diagnosis of your condition. Here are some of the common treatments that can be applied to back injuries.
Exercise With Oxygen Therapy
EWOT, or exercise with oxygen therapy. is a non-invasive treatment designed to accelerate the repair of soft tissues. Oxygen promotes the recovery of soft tissues while eliminating the inflammation that can be caused by your injury. Exercise then works to improve the regeneration of bone structures and also improves the absorption of oxygen into these tissues.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy will be used to remove certain tissues that are acting against the smooth function of the back by adding undue pressure. If your spinal column or a specific nerve is receiving undue pressure from a herniated or bulging disc, laser treatment can help to reduce the pressure.
UltraSound
Ultrasound therapy can be used to improve the conditions of soft tissues in the back and improve recovery from injuries. This method can also be used for treating pain relief.
Exercise
Healthy exercise is a great way to reduce the stiffness of muscles, ligaments, and skeletal structures. It helps to strengthen muscles and connective tissue allowing them to recover from injury faster and be more resilient to damage in the future.
Hot/Cold Therapy
Hot/Cold therapy is another important treatment for back pains and discomfort. The Cold treatment causes constrictions of the muscles and blood vessels it also provides a numbing effect that can soothe the intense pain of back injuries. Then the heat treatment will improve the flexibility of the muscles and improve functionality and mobility of the joints, discs, and muscles.
Contact AlaMed for Your Back Injury Treatment in Columbus
Back injuries can begin as small discomfort and are often ignored, but if they're not given proper attention soon, they can grow to much larger issues. Don't delay your treatment, your health, well-being, and functionality could be at stake. Call our Columbus back injury treatment center, get help from the experts, and start feeling better today.