Back Injuries

Summary

Your back is made of bones, muscles, and other tissues extending from your neck to your pelvis. Back injuries can result from sports injuries, work around the house or in the garden, or a sudden jolt such as a car accident. The lower back is the most common site of back injuries and back pain. Common back injuries include :

• Sprains and strains
• Herniated disks
• Fractured (broken) vertebrae

These injuries can cause pain and limit your movement. Treatments vary but might include medicines, icing, bed rest, physical therapy, or surgery. You might be able to prevent some back injuries by maintaining a healthy weight, lifting objects with your legs, and using lower-back support when you sit.

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Patient Handouts

• Back pain – returning to work Medical Encyclopedia
• Back pain and sports Medical Encyclopedia
• Lifting and bending the right way Medical Encyclopedia
• Returning to sports after a back injury Medical Encyclopedia

Treatments and Therapies

• Back Surgery: When Is It a Good Idea? Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
• Vertebroplasty for Spine Fracture Pain American Academy of Family Physicians

Diagnosis and Tests

• Bone X-Ray (Radiography) Radiological Society of North America
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Spine Radiological Society of North America
• Spine MRI Radiological Society of North America

Clinical Trials

• ClinicalTrials.gov: Back Injuries National Institutes of Health

Encyclopedia

• Compression fractures of the back Medical Encyclopedia
• Lumbosacral spine x-ray Medical Encyclopedia
• Spinal fusion Medical Encyclopedia

Find an Expert

• Find a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Physician American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
• Find a Physical Therapist American Physical Therapy Association
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases

Specifics

• Fractures of the Thoracic and Lumbar Spine American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

Prevention and Risk Factors

• Lifting Safety: Tips To Help Prevent Back Injuries American Academy of Family Physicians

Start Here

• Office Ergonomics Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

Videos and Tutorials

• Prevention: Exercise North American Spine Society

Journal Articles

• Back Injuries

Images

• Spinal fusion – series — Normal anatomy Medical Encyclopedia
• Vertebroplasty – series — Normal anatomy Medical Encyclopedia

Living With

• Spine Rehabilitation Exercises American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons