Your spine is your body’s primary support structure, facilitating the body’s ability to move, feel, and respond to stimuli. It allows you to stay in an upright position while it also houses the spinal cord, which pairs with your brain to form the central nervous system (CNS).
However, everything from sports to household chores to driving can lead to accidents that cause direct trauma to your spine. Medical conditions, such as arthritis, may also cause the spine to weaken and become injured.
Let’s talk about some of the main ways in which the spine can become injured, and who can help you if you do suffer a back injury.
How Can My Back Be Injured?
Some of the most common spinal injuries include the following:
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc is when one of the protective cushiony discs that sit between each set of two adjacent vertebrae bones in your spine becomes ruptured. The inside of each disc is soft whereas the outside is much firmer, and when it is herniated, the soft interior leaks out.
When it leaks, the leak itself can cause pain by placing undue pressure against a nearby nerve in the spinal cord. This usually heals itself after a number of weeks; but if the pain or discomfort continues, your back surgeon may remove the leak to provide relief.
Spinal Fracture
A spine fracture can occur when an external force is applied to the back, causing one or more vertebrae to be crushed or broken. Osteoporosis is another major cause of spinal injuries, as the bones become brittle and can crack.
Spinal Sprain
If the back injury affects one or more ligaments of your spine, this is called a spinal sprain. A sudden twist or a fall may cause a back sprain.
Being overweight, having weak abdominal muscles, or poor posture can increase your risk for this injury. A spinal sprain can cause pain, muscle cramps, and difficulty in walking and bending your body.
Back Dislocation
A dislocated back occurs when the vertebrae do not line up correctly. It also occurs when the ligaments in your spine are torn or stretched due to sudden twists or accidents.
Spinal dislocations can cause severe damage to your spinal cord, so this can be a serious back injury. The dislocated vertebrae may be returned to their normal position by wearing a brace or, for severe dislocations, through back surgery.
Spine Surgeon in Rochester Hills, Michigan
Your spine plays a vital role in keeping your body functioning correctly. If you injure your back, always seek immediate medical attention to prevent further damage to your spine.
Our medical team at Ahlgren Spine offers the highest-quality treatment for your spinal conditions and back pain. Our own Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren is a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in diagnosing and treating spinal problems. Together with Dr. Ahlgren, our team aims to provide the best care for our patients using state-of-the-art technology and advanced surgical and noninvasive techniques.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren, you may reach us at (248) 215-8080 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you enjoy a more pain-free lifestyle once again.
