There are various reasons why people might need back injury treatment in Lexington, SC. Back pain can be caused by misalignments, disease, or trauma, and the back serves as a strong foundation that protects the body from damage while also facilitating movement.
Back pain can stem from issues with ligaments, bones, and muscles. It can result from a car accident, poor habits, or a sports injury, and determining the specific cause can sometimes be challenging due to the many potential factors at play. It’s also important to note that back pain can arise from poor health, digestive issues, or arthritis.
At Injury Medicine in Lexington, our team of chiropractic practitioners is experienced and highly trained in treating a variety of back issues. We have the necessary equipment, expertise, and professionals to diagnose your problem, identify the root cause of your back pain, and address the issue effectively, enabling you to live a life free of pain and stress.
To learn more about our services and how we can assist you with your back pain, please contact us at 864-866-PAIN.
Signs of a Back Injury
Back injuries can result in a variety of symptoms, ranging from minor muscle soreness to intense stabbing, burning, or shooting sensations. Pain may sometimes extend down one or both legs, worsen when standing, walking, bending, or twisting the back.
In most cases, self-care and home treatment can help alleviate back pain within a few weeks. However, it’s important to see a doctor if your back pain:
- Is severe and doesn’t improve with rest or time
- Accompanied by unexplained weight loss
- Lasts for more than a few weeks
- Causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both legs
- Radiates down one or both legs, especially if the pain goes below the knees
In rare cases, back pain may indicate an underlying medical condition. Seek immediate medical attention if your pain:
- Causes bladder or bowel issues
- Is accompanied by a fever
- Resulted from a fall, a blow to the back, or another injury.
If you’re in Lexington and experiencing back pain, it’s crucial to seek the appropriate medical attention to identify the cause and receive the appropriate treatment.
Back Injury Types
Back injuries are typically categorized based on the affected region or area of the back, the cause of the injury, and the type of pain experienced.
Herniated Discs
which generally affect the lower back, are often caused by degenerated spinal discs. While spinal degeneration is common, excessive strain on the back can exacerbate the condition and cause greater pain and damage.
Bulging Disc
which often affect how the spinal cord functions, typically occur gradually over time. The spinal discs in the spinal column support the weight of the upper body and serve as shock absorbers. If one of these discs loses functionality or becomes damaged, its shock-absorbing gel can be transferred to the disc’s weakest point, causing it to bulge. This can affect the dynamics of other parts of the spine and may impact the sensitive nerves of the spine, causing severe pain.
Nerve Damage
Back injuries that affect the spinal column, which houses a significant portion of the nervous system, can result in particularly painful symptoms. Issues such as bone fragments, bulging or herniated discs, and other injuries can cause excessive pressure on one or more nerves, resulting in severe nerve pain that radiates outward and down toward the leg.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries can impact the tendons, muscles, and ligaments of the back, causing pressure or strain that may result in a lump that restricts mobility. Stiff muscles and pulled tendons can also limit the back’s range of motion.
Fractures
Spinal fractures, or broken/fractured bones in the spine, are typically caused by impacts, falls, and other accidents, and often leave small fragments. Seeking immediate medical help is crucial, as a spinal fracture can potentially damage the spinal cord and cause paralysis. The severity of spinal fractures can vary greatly depending on the type of injury and its location, as these injuries can pinch spinal nerves or displace discs, resulting in severe discomfort.
How do Doctors Diagnose Back Injuries?
When you visit Injury Medicine in Lexington for a back injury, the doctors will conduct a thorough examination to determine the cause and severity of your pain. This examination will typically include:
Physical exam
The doctor will assess your back’s range of motion, strength, and flexibility. They will also look for any signs of swelling, inflammation, or tenderness. By examining your back, they can determine the area that’s affected and the potential cause of your pain.
X-rays
X-rays are a common imaging test used to visualize the bones and discs in your spine. X-rays can help the doctors identify any fractures, dislocations, or other structural problems that may be contributing to your pain.
MRI
An MRI is a more detailed imaging test that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of your back’s soft tissues, such as muscles, ligaments, and nerves. This test can help the doctors identify any tears, strains, or other soft tissue injuries that may be causing your pain.
CT scan
A CT scan is another imaging test that uses X-rays to produce detailed images of your spine. CT scans can provide more detailed images of bone structures, making it easier for the doctors to diagnose conditions such as herniated discs or bone fragments in the spine.
By using a combination of these methods and imaging tests, the doctors at Injury Medicine can diagnose the cause and severity of your back pain and develop a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs.
Types Of Treatment
The treatment options for a back injury will depend on the specific diagnosis and severity of the condition. Here are some common treatments that are often used:
Laser therapy
This non-invasive treatment is designed to remove specific types of tissue that are causing unwanted pressure on the spine or nerves. By targeting the affected area with a low-level laser, the therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Hot/cold therapy
This treatment involves the use of heat or cold to soothe and relieve pain. Cold therapy can help reduce inflammation and numb sharp or intense pain, while heat therapy can improve muscle flexibility and promote blood flow to the affected area.
Exercise
Exercise is an essential component of most back injury treatment plans. Specific exercises and stretches can help improve muscle strength and flexibility, reduce stiffness in skeletal structures, and promote overall healing.
Ultrasound therapy
This treatment uses high-frequency sound waves to improve the condition of the soft tissue in the back, speed up recovery, and provide pain relief.
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic practitioners specialize in treating misalignments of the spine that can cause back pain. By using hands-on spinal manipulation techniques, chiropractors can help improve spinal alignment, reduce inflammation, and promote overall healing.
These treatments are often used in combination to provide the most effective relief and promote long-term healing. Your doctor will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and helps you achieve a full recovery.
If You Need Treatment for a Back Injury in Lexington, South Carolina, Reach out to Injury Medicine.
If you’re experiencing sharp or recurring back pain, it’s important not to ignore it, as back injuries can worsen over time and affect your overall health and wellbeing. At Injury Medicine in Lexington, South Carolina, our team of experienced chiropractors and medical professionals can help diagnose and treat a wide range of back injuries.
At Injury Medicine, we understand that back pain can impact your daily life and limit your mobility. That’s why we strive to provide compassionate care and effective treatment options to help you get back to doing the things you love.
If you’re experiencing back pain, don’t delay treatment. Contact Injury Medicine in Lexington at 864-866-PAIN to speak to a specialist today and schedule a consultation.
