The Most Common Back Injuries: A Helpful Guide

Did you know that around 8% of American adults deal with chronic back pain? Back pain is one of the biggest reasons people miss work, and it’s one of the most common complaints doctors hear. 

Back pain can make it hard to go to work, sleep, and exercise the way you used to. Some common causes of back pain include poor posture, heavy lifting, car accidents, and arthritis. 

What are some common back injuries? Keep reading to learn about different causes of back pain so you can prevent and treat your pain. 

Sprains and Strains

Some of the most common types of injuries are sprains and strains. Strains and sprains happen when you overstretch muscles, tendons, or ligaments in your back. 

The most common causes of strains and sprains are sudden movements, such as car accidents or lifting heavy objects. You also can strain your muscles and tendons by working out too hard or doing repetitive motions. 

Some common signs of a sprain or strain include soreness, difficulty moving, and feeling stiff. Most of the time, treating the injury at home with ice, pain relievers, and rest is the best option. 

If you think you sprained or strained your back, talk to your doctor to rule out other issues. If resting at home doesn’t fix the problem, you may need help from your doctor to find other solutions. 

Degenerative Injuries

Another one of the most common causes of back pain is degenerative injuries. As you get older, it is normal for things in your back to break down and stop functioning the way they used to. 

Some common degenerative back injuries include arthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. These conditions may cause stiffness, weakness, numbness, and movement loss. 

If you are dealing with chronic back pain, get help from your doctor. You can also check out azpaindoctors.com to learn more about chronic back pain and how to treat it. 

Herniated Disc

Another common cause of back pain is a herniated disc. A herniated disc happens when one of the discs between your vertebrae slips or bulges into your spinal canal. 

Getting a herniated disc is often one of the first signs of degenerative disc disease. You also can get a herniated disc from an injury, such as falling down the stairs. 

Some common symptoms of a herniated disc include back pain, stiffness, and weakness. If the disc is putting pressure on a nerve, you may experience numbness or tingling. 

In some cases, you may have a herniated disc and have no symptoms at all. Treatments for a herniated disc include resting, physical therapy, and surgery. 

Are You Dealing With Any of These Common Back Injuries?

Whether you have been dealing with back pain for a couple of hours or a few years, having an injured back can take a major toll on your life. Some of the most common back injuries include sprains, herniated discs, and fractures. 

Did you enjoy reading this article on the different types of back pain? If so, check out the health category to learn more about injuries and injury prevention.