TWO MAIN TYPES OF BACK INJURIES & BACK PAIN-
*Spondylolisthesis: In most cases, this is a slipping of vertebra at the base of the spine due to a defect or fracture. It is most common to see this occur in kids who are in active sports, although you can also be born with it.
*Cervical Radiculopathy: Occurs when the nerve roots near the cervical vertebrae is compressed. Damage to nerve roots results in pain and the loss of sensation in various upper extremities. Cervical Radiculopahty can be the result of pressure from a ruptured disc, degenerative disease, arthritis, and other injuries that put pressure on the nerve.
SYMPTOMS-
Lower back pain and pain in the buttocks
Muscle tightness and stiffness
Pain radiating down the legs (due to pressure on nerve roots)
Pain that spreads into the neck, shoulders, chest and/or arms.
Muscle weakness and/or numbness or tingling in fingers or hands.
GENERAL BACK INJURIES- Most people have experienced back pain sometime in their life whether its a backache or extreme back pain. The causes of back pain are numerous; some are self-inflicted due to a lifetime of bad habits. Other back pain causes include accidents, muscle strains, and sports injuries. Although the causes may be different, most often they share the same symptoms.
SYMPTOMS- The symptoms for back pain are:
Pain/stiffness/aching along the spine which runs from the base of the neck to the hips. It can also be specific, sharp pain in the back, especially after lifting heavy objects. Pain that radiates from the low back down the leg, severe muscle spasms.
DEGENERATIVE DISC- Degenerative disc describe the normal changes in your spinal discs as you age. Spinal discs are soft "shock absorbers" that are separated by bones. Over time tissue that protects the joints breaks down causing pain. Further, Spinal Stenosis can take place which is narrowing of the spinal canal and put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
As we age, it is common to lose fluid in the discs, and experience tear and/or cracks in the capsule. The body reacts to all of these changes by constructing bony bone spurs which can put additional pressure on the spinal nerve root.
SYMPTOMS-
Back and neck pain that gets worse with movement. Sometimes there is also numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.