Back injury

Common back injuries include sprains and strains, herniated discs, and fractured vertebrae.

[5] The three categories - A, B, and C - are based on the location of damage on the vertebra (either on the anterior or posterior segment) and by the direction of the applied injurious force.

[8] Herniated discs are associated with age-related degeneration, trauma such as a fall or car accident, and bending or twisting while lifting heavy weights.

[9] Common causes of vertebral fractures include trauma from a direct blow, a compression force resulting in improper or excessive axial loading, and hyper-flexion or hyper-extension.

[16] MRI is commonly referred to as the gold standard for visualizing soft tissue and can be used to assist with diagnosing many back injuries, including herniated discs and neurological disorders, bleeding, and edema.

[8][9][18] Vertebral fractures may be difficult to prevent since common causes are related to accidents or age-related degeneration associated with osteoporosis.

[13][12] Treatment for back injuries depends on the diagnosis, level of pain, and whether there is loss of function or quality of life.