Back injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, repetitive motions, sudden movements, and heavy lifting. These injuries can range from mild to severe and can affect various parts of the back, including the muscles, ligaments, discs, and nerves. The symptoms can include pain, stiffness, numbness, tingling, weakness, and limited mobility, which can make it challenging to carry out daily activities.
If you have suffered a back injury, it is crucial to find the appropriate treatment to help you recover. At Injury Medicine in Camden, SC, our team of doctors provides effective treatment for back injuries. We can help you get back on your feet and resume your daily activities.
Contact us today at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment.
Symptoms of Back Injury
Back injuries have a vast array of symptoms including:
- A stabbing or shooting pain
- Reduced ability to flex the back or decreased range of motion
- An aching sensation in the lower back
- The inability to stand straight without feeling pain.
More serious back injury symptoms include:
- Pain lasting beyond a few weeks
- Pain that spreads down one or both legs
- Unexplained weight loss
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs
- Loss of bowel or bladder control.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to contact Injury Medicine in Camden and schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
What Are the Common Types of Back Injuries?
Here are some of the common back injuries our doctors in Camden treat.
Herniated/Bulging Discs
A herniated or bulging disc is a common type of back injury. It occurs when there is an issue with the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae, known as discs. A herniated disc happens when the softer interior protrudes through a tear in the exterior of the disc, irritating nearby nerves and causing painful symptoms.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage in the back is often caused by pressure applied to a nerve due to surrounding tissues such as muscles, bones, cartilage, and tendons. This can affect the nerve’s functionality, leading to symptoms such as nerve pain, increased sensitivity, weakness, tingling, and even numbness.
Fractured Vertebrae
Fractures to the vertebrae can vary in severity from a simple compression fracture, where the bone collapses on itself, to a burst fracture, where bone fragments can protrude into surrounding tissues. The most severe type of fracture is a fracture-dislocation, where the bone breaks and the ligaments are also damaged, causing the bones to separate from each other.
Soft Tissue Injuries (STI)
Soft tissue injuries to the back are commonly caused by trauma or overuse of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These types of injuries can occur during sports activities, exercise, or even simple daily activities.
How Will the Doctor Diagnose My Back Injury?
Medical diagnosis is a crucial process used to identify the root cause of a back injury or pain. Healthcare professionals use a combination of various diagnostic methods to determine the underlying cause, such as:
Medical History Review
The practitioner will inquire about the injury and symptoms, review medical history and records, and ask about activities or treatments that make the pain feel better or worse.
Physical Examination
During a physical exam conducted in the clinic, the practitioner will typically perform a comprehensive exam that includes:
- During a physical exam for back pain, several motion tests may be performed by the practitioner to determine the mobility and alignment of the joints involved in the injury.
- A visual inspection of your posture and the skin covering the affected area is also conducted during the physical exam.
- Segmental assessment involves checking the individual spinal segments for proper movement and alignment.
- A hands-on assessment is conducted by palpating or feeling for areas that are tender and muscle spasms.
- A neurological assessment, including tests of reflexes, skin sensation, cranial nerves, and muscle strength.
Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging test that uses radiation to create multiple cross-sectional images of the body. It is sometimes performed with the use of a contrast dye that is injected into the spinal canal to improve visualization of the soft tissues.
X-Ray
X-ray is a type of imaging that provides detailed images of the bony structures in the spine. It is particularly useful in identifying degenerative changes, fractures, and some types of rheumatological causes of pain such as osteoarthritis.
MRI
MRI scans use a magnetic field and radio waves to generate detailed images of the spine’s soft tissues, including the discs and nerve roots. They can also help distinguish between chronic and acute conditions. In cases where the doctor is examining a spine with a surgical history, an MRI is often conducted after a contrast dye is injected to provide a better view of blood flow in that area.
Common Types of Back Injury Treatment
Injury Medicine provides a variety of treatment options for back injuries, which are tailored to the patient’s specific needs and the severity of the injury. Some of the most common treatments offered include:
Medication Management
Medications are a common form of treatment for back pain and can include both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. It is important to follow the consumption directions provided by your doctor to ensure the best possible results.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments are a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative to traditional medical treatments. These adjustments can help avoid complex surgeries and medications that may have undesirable side effects. Techniques such as spinal manipulation and alignment are used to alleviate pressure on the central nervous system and reduce chronic inflammation.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive treatment that utilizes a specialized needle to heat a section of a nerve responsible for pain transmission, creating a heat lesion that blocks pain signals to the brain.
Low-Level Laser Treatment
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate the body’s connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), reduce inflammation, and accelerate the repair of connective tissue.
Other treatment options available at the Injury Medicine include injections, Kyphoplasty, and Orthopedic Surgery.
Call Us for the Best Back Injury Treatment in Camden!
If you are experiencing a painful back injury, don’t suffer in silence. At Injury Medicine in Camden, we have a team of experienced professionals who specialize in treating different types of back injuries.
Whether your injury is caused by overuse, trauma, or something else, we have a wide range of treatment options to help relieve your pain and restore your mobility. Call us today at 864-866-PAIN to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery.
