Back injuries are very common. Injuries to the bones, joints, connective tissues, muscles and nerves can all cause pain.
While they can occur in any region, they are most common in the low back. Sprains, strains, herniated disks and fractures are the most common injuries. They can vary from minor injuries to severe ones.
1. What are some symptoms of major injuries?
There are a number of symptoms that can indicate a serious back injury. The most common are:
- Trouble breathing
- Problems going to the bathroom
- Numbness in the extremities
- Fever
- Paralysis
- Bloody urine
Any of these could indicate a severe injury, such as fractured bones, open wounds, extensive bruising or spinal injuries.
2. What are some signs of minor injuries?
Signs of minor injuries include:
- Painful to touch
- Pain when moving
- Stiffness
- Trouble standing up
- Muscle spasms
- Minor bruising
However, it is important to remember that back pain comes from a variety of places. Identify whether it is from a disease, age, fitness level, smoking, obesity or a work injury.
3. What causes them?
While people can injure their backs at home doing things like playing sports, they can also injure them while at work, such as if they are in a vehicular accident or fall. Muscle strain is also a very common cause of work-related back injuries.
Anyone with symptoms of a back injury should consider a trip to the doctor. That is especially true if someone injures themself on the job because identifying the injury means that they can receive workers’ comp sooner.
