
Back injuries are a common complaint that can occur in any part of the back although they are most common in the lower back. Sprains and strains, herniated discs, and vertebral fractures are common ailments.
The severity of the injuries varies based on the cause of the injury and the extent of the damage.
Common causes of back injuries
Common causes of back injuries include:
- Being overweight
- Sitting for long hours
- Poor posture
- Playing sports
- Working around the house or in the garden
- A sudden jerk in a car accident or movement
- A bump, knock, or fall
Muscle strain is the most prevalent cause of lower back injury. Back discomfort, however, can be caused by a variety of factors.
A disease, such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis, age, physical fitness, smoking, being overweight, or the type of employment you do could have a role.
11 signs and symptoms of a severe back injury
Fractures (breaks in the bone), substantial bruising, and damage to the spinal cord and internal organs are examples of severe back injuries.
Any of the following symptoms could suggest a serious back injury. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor straight away:
- Severe back pain
- Tingling and numbness in lower extremities
- Weakness in lower extremities
- Unable to pass urine or dribbling urine
- Tenderness or pain (sore to touch)
- Stiffness
- Difficulty moving or standing up straight
- Muscles in spasm on either side of the spine
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Pain radiating down one or both legs
Immediately seek medical help by dialing 000 for an ambulance if you are in danger. If you are not in danger, do not move, especially your back. Avoid twisting or bending movements by supporting your head, neck, and spine.
Your doctor could help manage your pain by referring you to physiotherapy or other tests.

SLIDESHOW
Back Pain: 16 Back Pain Truths and Myths See SlideshowHow are back injuries typically treated?
Your doctor will examine you to see if the nerves in your back are functioning appropriately. If you are having trouble going to the bathroom, make sure you notify them.
- Most minor back injuries heal on their own within six weeks.
- Other tests or treatments are usually not required. An X-ray for low back pain is only necessary if you have other important symptoms, such as problems with bladder and bowel control, severe pain, weakness, or numbness in one or both legs.
- The most important thing you can do is keep yourself busy.
- Back discomfort is often misunderstood as being cured by getting bed rest. Bed rest hinders your recovery and may aggravate your pain.
Simple pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, or anti-inflammatories may be beneficial.
Back injuries can be alleviated by doing the following:
- For the first day, use cold compresses (such as covered ice packs) for 20 minutes every three to four hours. This will relieve discomfort and swelling. After the first day, use warmth, such as showers, baths, or heated wet towels. These can help alleviate pain and with rehabilitation.
- Avoid bending, lifting, and twisting movements until you feel better.
- You may need to take time off work to allow your back to heal depending on your employment.
- Physiotherapy may help as well.
Health News
- CDC Warns of Potentially Fatal Bacterial Illness on U.S. Gulf Coast
- Helping Others as Volunteers Helps Kids 'Flourish': Study
- FDA Approves Pfizer's RSV Shot for Older Adults
- What to Do When Tough-to-Treat Lymphoma Strikes During Pregnancy
- Rate of Pregnant U.S. Women Who Have Diabetes Keeps Rising
More Health News »
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Johns Hopkins Medicine. Lumbar Strain. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/lumbar-strain-weight-lifters-back
Hamilton J. Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain. Arthritis-health. https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/pulled-back-muscle-and-lower-back-strain
Top How Can You Damage Your Back Related Articles
12 Ways to Relieve Back Pain
The 12 ways to relieve back pain include physical therapy, diet, mindfulness and meditation, stretching, lifestyle choices, injection treatments, acupuncture, hot and cold therapies, bed rest, chiropractic therapy, OTC medications, and yoga.Back Pain: Common Spine Problems
That stack of little bones along the center of your back has a key role to support and control your body. What happens when something's not right with your spine?Back Pain: A Visual Guide to Herniated Disks
Have you felt pain shooting down your leg from your lower back or rear end? It may be that one of the disks that separate the bones of your spine is pushing on a nerve. Learn what causes it and how to manage it.Back Pain Quiz
There are numerous causes of chronic lower back pain and only one ailment gets more complaints. What is it? Quiz your knowledge of symptoms, treatments, problems, and reasons for common back pain.What are the Best Stretches for Back Pain Relief at Home?
Learn what stretches can help you deal with back pain and manage this condition at home.Low Back Pain: 11 Stretches & Exercises for Relief
One of the best low back pain treatments is exercise. Whether your pain is in the lower left or lower right back, learn more about low back pain exercises--what works, and what doesn't. Discover severe low back pain relief through various gentle workouts designed to protect and strengthen the lumbar, core, and other related back muscle groups.How Do I Know If Back Pain Is Cancer?
After considering your medical history and symptoms, your doctor will rule out other causes of back pain before determining if it’s a result of cancer or not.How Do I Know if My Upper Back Pain Is Serious?
If you have upper and middle back pain without any other symptoms, then probably you will be able to manage your symptoms at home. Your back pain may indicate a severe underlying medical condition if you have intense pain, numbness, tingling, fever, weight loss and other symptoms.Is Back Pain Constant With Pancreatic Cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is cancer that begins in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ located behind the stomach. Pancreatic cancer occurs when the healthy pancreatic cells grow out of control, forming a tumor.Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Spine Pain)
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis, and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.Low Back Pain Relief
Do you suffer from low back pain? Learn more about common triggers of lower back pain like posture, exercise, and spondylosis. Find out about pain relief treatments like massage, yoga, stretching, exercises for back pain, and chiropractic medicine. See when surgery for back pain makes sense.What Can I Do To Relieve Upper Back Pain?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your upper back pain symptoms and help you manage this condition.What Is the Best Exercise for Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain is a common health problem that can benefit from daily stretching. Here are the seven best exercises for low back pain.When Should I Be Worried About Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain may be serious if the pain lasts for over a week, radiates to other parts of the body, or is accompanied by other symptoms.Which Exercises to Avoid With Lower Back Pain?
Doctors recommend strengthening exercises to help relieve low back pain, however, here are eight workouts to avoid potentially worsening your chronic pain.