Back Sprains and Strains
Soft tissue injuries in which the ligaments, tendons, or muscles in the back are stretched or torn. A sprain affects the ligaments, bands of tissue between the bones of the spine, while a strain impacts the muscles of the back or the tendons, which are bands of tissue that attach the muscles to the spine. These injuries typically respond well to nonsurgical measures like bracing or physical therapy, which strengthens the spine’s supporting muscles and improves its range of motion.
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, stiffness, muscle spasms, decreased range of motion, and a pop or tear sensation in the case of sprains.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
Herniated Disc
The vertebral discs in the spine rest in between the vertebrae, cushioning them and absorbing shock. A herniated disc, also referred to as a bulged, slipped, or ruptured disc, occurs when a portion of a vertebral disc’s jelly-like interior, known as the nucleus, pushes into the spinal canal through a tear or rupture in the annulus, which is the tough, fibrous exterior of the disc. Due to the limited space in the spinal canal, the protruding nucleus then puts pressure on spinal nerves, often causing pain. Herniated discs usually result from wear and tear on the spine over time, but can also result from straining the back when lifting heavy objects.
Symptoms: Pain in the arms or legs, depending on the location of the injury. Numbness, tingling and/or weakness in the affected limbs.
Treatment Options:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgery
Spine Fracture
One or more break in the vertebrae, the small, interlocking bones that comprise the spine. These breaks can take a variety of forms and stem from a variety of causes. Underlying conditions such as osteoporosis can cause compression fractures in brittle vertebrae, and trauma can cause severe breaks such as fracture-dislocations. Spine fractures can also cause mild to severe compression of the spinal cord.
Symptoms: Moderate to severe pain, depending on the type of fracture. If the spinal cord is injured, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs may occur, as well as bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Treatment Options:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Bracing/immobilization
- Surgery
Inflammatory Arthritis
An attack on the spine’s healthy tissues by the body’s overactive immune system, including diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, and loss of function. Flare-ups of inflammatory arthritis can also be accompanied by flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
Osteoarthritis
The breakdown of the cartilage that coats the ends of bones and joints. Normally, damaged cartilage repairs itself as older cartilage is degraded. When this degradation outpaces repair, cartilage breakdown occurs and damage to bone results.
Symptoms: Pain, tenderness, stiffness, decreased flexibility, a grating sensation during movement, the formation of bone spurs around the affected joint.
Treatment Options: For further information, please select the Treatments tab.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Injections
- Physical therapy
Cervical Myelopathy (damage to the spinal cord in the neck region)
The severe compression of the spinal cord in the neck region, which is known as the cervical spine. This compression can result from trauma, a herniated disc, or underlying conditions like spinal stenosis, and can cause a variety of symptoms due to its impact on the nerves branching from the spine. Cervical myelopathy is progressive, meaning it typically worsens without surgical treatment.
Symptoms: Pain or stiffness in the neck. Tingling, numbness, and/or weakness in the arms or hands, difficulty walking, poor balance or coordination, clumsiness, and loss of fine motor skills.
Treatment Options:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Soft cervical collar/immobilization
- Corticosteroid injections
- Laminectomy
Sciatica (nerve pain running into the buttocks and leg)
Pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, through the hips and buttocks, and down each leg. Sciatica usually occurs due to the compression of a nerve caused by a herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs on the spine. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.
Symptoms: Mild to severe pain down the buttocks and legs, typically affecting only one side of the body. The affected leg might also experience numbness, tingling, and/or weakness.
Treatment Options:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
Radiculopathy
The compression or irritation of a nerve where it branches from the spinal cord, causing pain that radiates or “shoots” down the arms or legs. Often called a “pinched nerve” radiculopathy can also cause muscle weakness and numbness in the extremities. Radiculopathy is often triggered by arthritis or wear and tear on the spine due to aging, though trauma resulting in a herniated disc can also be responsible.
Symptoms: Pain, weakness, numbness and tingling.
Treatment Options:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Soft cervical collar/immobilization
Spinal Stenosis
A narrowing of the canal surrounding the spinal cord and spinal nerves, either in the lumbar spine in the lower back or in the cervical spine in the neck. Often a result of wear and tear due to aging or osteoarthritis, this narrowing causes pressure on the spinal cord or one or more of the spinal nerves.
Symptoms: Pain and instability. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in a hand, arm, foot or leg. In severe cases, some patients experience bowel and bladder issues like urinary urgency or incontinence. Symptoms are more common when the patient stands or walks upright, and often recede when the patient sits down or leans forward.
Treatment Options:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Laminectomy
Spondylolysis
A stress fracture in a thin part of one of the vertebra bones of the lower spine, commonly occurring in young people, and often caused by sports or activities that put strain on the lower back, like gymnastics or football. Spondylolysis often responds to conservative treatment, though in severe cases may require surgery.
Symptoms: Lower back pain, often radiating to the buttocks and backs of the thighs, and tight hamstrings.
Treatment Options:
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Bracing/immobilization
Spondylolisthesis
The shifting out of place of a vertebra, usually in the lower portion of the spine, occurring when damage from spondylolysis has weakened the bone. The vertebra shifts forward onto the vertebra below it. In more serious cases, this movement can cause nerve injury, and can require surgery to repair.
Symptoms: Lower back pain, often radiating to the buttocks and backs of the thighs, and tight hamstrings. Muscle cramping which may result in stiffness and difficulty standing or walking. In severe cases, the patient may experience tingling, numbness, or weakness in one or both legs.
Treatment Options:
- Rest
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Physical therapy
- Bracing/immobilization
- Spinal fusion
Degenerative Disc Disease
Pain caused by the degeneration of vertebral discs, round, flat, fibrous structures with jelly-like interiors that provide cushioning and support between the vertebrae of the spine. At birth, vertebral discs are approximately 80% water. Over time, these discs lose their ability to retain water, making it more difficult for them to absorb shock. Injury and everyday use can also cause small tears in the disc, contributing to degeneration.
Symptoms: Mild to severe pain, especially when sitting, bending, lifting or twisting. Pain occurs in the lower back, buttocks, and thighs, and may radiate to the arms and hands. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the extremities may also be present.
Treatment Options:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Spinal fusion
Osteoporosis
The weakening of the bones that occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough new bone tissue to replace the removal of old bone tissue. The vertebra bones in the spine of people with osteoporosis are susceptible to compression fractures, due to the bones’ diminishing ability to support weight. The occurrence of several of these fractures can compress the spine, leading to reduced height and a stooped posture, referred to as kyphosis.
Symptoms: Pain, loss of bone strength, loss of height, and a rounded spinal curvature (kyphosis.)
Treatment Options:
- Rest
- Bracing/immobilization
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Injections
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
Spinal Deformities
Abnormal curvatures of the spine including scoliosis, kyphosis, and lordosis, due to age-related deterioration, congenital abnormalities, or neuromuscular disease that affect the natural curvature of the spine. These deformities may worsen over time, affecting posture and causing discomfort and other symptoms without proper management.
Symptoms: Pain, discomfort, weakness, numbness, or tingling traveling down an arm or leg.
Treatment Options:
- Bracing
- Physical therapy, including gait and posture training
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Surgery
