Back injuries are most often caused by lifting something heavy, participating in weekend sports, excessive twisting of the spine, accidents, or some kind of physical activity that you don’t do very often. Usually, the back pain will get better with a short period of rest and activity modification. At times, however, there may be an underlying problem which needs to be evaluated by a spine specialist.
Conditions that cause weakening of the spine and increase risk of back injury include:
- Osteoporosis: Demineralization of bone
- Osteoarthritis: Wearing away of the bone cartilage
- Spinal stenosis: Stiffness of the spine
- Ankylosing spondylosis: A type of inflammatory arthritis
- Disk herniation: Damage to the rubbery discs present between the vertebrae
If you experience amild back injury, it may improve with at home treatment in a few weeks. Make every effort to not strain or twist your back and be aware of proper posture when standing or sitting. Avoid lifting anything heavy when possible. If you must lift something, be sure to keep your back straight or find someone to help you. If the pain is not improving or seems to be getting worse, you may want to consider conservative treatment for helping you recover.
Most often a back injury may be conservatively treated with medications, physical therapy, or spine injections. On the few occasions when spine surgery is required, minimally invasive techniques can be employed to ensure you recover quickly from the back injury and return to routine activities of daily living.
Dr. Ramesh Chandra has been practicing orthopedic surgery in the Washington DC Metropolitan area since 1984. The Center for Orthopedics and Sports Medicine is easily accessed from anywhere in the Washington DC metropolitan area with offices located in Falls Church, Reston/Herndon and Tysons Corner. For all appointments and inquiries, please call (703) 848-0800 or click here to request an appointment online.
