There are various reasons why people may require back injury treatment in Anderson, SC. Misalignments, disease, and trauma are just a few of the factors known to cause back pain. Your back plays a vital role in protecting your body from injury while also aiding in movement.
Back pain can stem from ligament, bone, or muscle issues. Car accidents, poor habits, and sports injuries are among the many causes of back pain, making it challenging to pinpoint the exact cause.
Additionally, other factors such as poor health, digestion problems, and arthritis may also contribute to back pain. In light of the many potential causes, expertise is crucial in successfully treating back problems.
At Injury Medicine in Anderson, our chiropractic team has extensive experience and training in treating a variety of back issues. Our clinic is equipped with cutting-edge technology, highly skilled practitioners, and a comprehensive approach to accurately diagnose the root cause of your back pain and provide effective back injury treatment options for long-lasting pain relief.
Contact us at 864-866-PAIN to learn more about our services and how we can help alleviate your back pain and to start your back injury treatment.
Symptoms of Back Injury
Back pain can vary in intensity from a mild muscle ache to a severe stabbing, burning, or shooting sensation. It can also radiate down to the leg or worsen when you stand, walk, twist your back, or bend.
Most cases of back pain can be managed with self-care and home treatments and will gradually improve within a few weeks. However, it is important to seek medical attention if your back pain persists or if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Numbness or tingling in your legs
- Weakness in your legs
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest
- Pain after a fall or injury
- Bowel or bladder problems
At Injury Medicine in Anderson, we offer comprehensive back pain treatment options that can help you manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Call us at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced chiropractic practitioners.
Types of Back Injuries
Injuries to the back are typically classified based on several factors, including the location or region of the back that is affected, the cause of the injury, and the type of pain experienced by the individual.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries to the back refer to damages that occur to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the area. These injuries may result from overuse, sudden movements, or trauma. When soft tissue in the back is affected, it can lead to the formation of a lump or knot that can press against the spine, restricting movement and causing pain. Additionally, pulled tendons and stiff skeletal muscles can also limit the range of motion of the back.
Bulging Disc
Gradual injuries to the spinal column such as bulging discs can significantly impact the spinal cord’s functionality. The spinal discs play a crucial role in supporting the weight of your upper body and absorbing shocks.
If a spinal disc becomes damaged or loses its functionality, the gel-like substance responsible for absorbing shocks can accumulate in the disc’s weakest area, resulting in a bulge. This bulging can cause an impact on the spine’s dynamics, leading to severe pain and affecting the nerves of the spine.
Nerve Damage
The spinal column is home to a significant portion of the nervous system, making issues that affect the back particularly painful. When bone fragments, bulging discs, herniated discs, or other problems occur, they can apply excessive pressure to one or more nerves, causing severe nerve pain that radiates outward and down toward the leg.
Herniated Disc
It’s true that herniated discs usually affect the lower back and can be caused by degenerated spinal discs. Although spinal degeneration is a common occurrence, excessive strain on the back can exacerbate the condition, leading to increased pain and damage.
Fractures
It’s important to note that fractures in the spine can range from minor to severe, and some may require surgery to correct. In addition to causing discomfort and pain, fractures can also put pressure on the spinal cord and cause neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or even paralysis. Therefore, seeking medical attention is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure proper back injury treatment.
How Will Your Doctor Diagnose Your Back Injury?
At Injury Medicine, our doctors utilize a range of diagnostic techniques and imaging tests to identify and diagnose back injuries.
A Physical Exam
Your doctor will begin by conducting a physical examination to determine the root cause of the problem. This examination will also assist in assessing the health and stability of your spine, muscles, and back as a whole.
An X-ray
Doctors generally use X-rays to observe the positioning of spinal discs and bones around the affected areas.
An MRI
MRI tests are an imaging tool that provides a detailed view of the soft tissues in your back. By using this diagnostic method, doctors can get a better understanding of the extent of your injury and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover.
A CAT Scan
A CAT scan, also known as a CT scan, is a type of medical imaging that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the body. This type of imaging can be very useful in diagnosing spine conditions because it can provide a clear picture of the bones, muscles, and other structures in the spine
Types of Back Injury Treatment
How your condition is treated will be determined by your condition and diagnosis. Here are common treatments that are often used to treat back injuries:
Laser Therapy
This procedure is commonly used to remove specific types of tissue that may impede the normal functioning of your back by causing unwanted pressure.
If a bulging or herniated disc is compressing a specific nerve or the spinal column, this treatment option may be considered to alleviate the unwanted pressure.
Hot/Cold Therapy
Cold therapy and heat therapy are both back injury treatment options used to provide relief and promote faster recovery from back pain.
Cold therapy works by causing the muscles and blood vessels in the affected area to constrict, which can help reduce inflammation and provide a numbing effect that soothes intense or sharp back pain.
Heat therapy, on the other hand, can improve muscle flexibility and promote the mobility and functionality of muscles, discs, and joints. It works by increasing blood flow to the affected area, which can help relax muscles and reduce stiffness.
Both cold and heat therapy can be effective for different types of back pain, depending on the underlying cause. Your healthcare provider can help determine which option is best for your specific condition.
Exercise
Exercise is another option that we use to reduce stiffness in skeletal structures, muscles, and ligaments.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy is commonly used to improve the condition of soft tissue in a patient’s back, promote faster recovery, and provide pain relief.
The high-frequency sound waves generated by the ultrasound machine are able to penetrate the skin and reach deep into the affected tissue, promoting blood flow and reducing inflammation. This increased blood flow can help to speed up the healing process and alleviate pain in the affected area.
Ultrasound therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments such as exercise, physical therapy, or medication, and can be a valuable tool in managing various back conditions, including muscle strains, sprains, and spasms.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic practitioners at Injury Medicine in Anderson offer treatments that aim to relieve back pain caused by misalignment of the spine.
Chiropractic care involves manual manipulation of the spine to correct misalignments, or subluxations, which can cause pain and discomfort. The chiropractor will use various techniques, such as spinal adjustments, to improve spinal function and alleviate pain.
In addition to spinal adjustments, chiropractors may also recommend other back injury treatments, such as exercise, stretching, massage, or electrical stimulation, to help manage pain and promote healing.
If you are experiencing back pain, a chiropractor at Injury Medicine in Anderson can provide an evaluation and create a personalized back injury treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals.
Contact Injury Medicine for Your Back Injury Treatment in Anderson, South Carolina
Back injuries can start as minor discomfort but can progress into a more severe condition if not addressed. If you are experiencing sharp or persistent pain in your back, it’s crucial to seek medical attention to identify and address the underlying cause.
Delaying treatment for back pain can have a negative impact on your overall well-being, functionality, and health. Therefore, it’s essential to take prompt action to get the help you need.
If you are in the Anderson area, you can contact Injury Medicine, our back injury treatment center, to speak with a specialist. Our team can provide a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs.
To schedule an appointment or speak with a specialist, call us at 864-866-PAIN today.
