Spinal Pain

Neck, Mid Back & Low Back Pain

Listed below are some of the most common origins of pain in the neck, mid back, and low back.

Traumatic Spinal Sprain/Strain Injury

A traumatic spinal sprain/strain injury is a type of injury that occurs to one or more of the joints in the spine. This type of injury can be caused by unnatural, uncontrolled, or violent spinal movement, as well as movement under excessive loading. This generally causes disruption (tearing) of the fibers of muscles, ligaments and tendons around the joint as well as disruption of the fibers of the joint capsule. It also involves a decreased ability of the injured joint and neighboring joints to move and function properly. The word "traumatic" is used to describe disruption that occurs suddenly or at once, due to a traumatic event. For more details about sprain/strain injuries click here.

What are a few possible causes of a Traumatic Spinal Sprain/Strain Injury?

1. Auto accidents
2. Falling down
3. Riding a roller coaster
4. Sustaining a blow to the head (boxing/fighting)
5. Using improper lifting techniques while lifting a heavy object

Intervertebral Disc Injuries

A part of the spine that can also cause pain is the intervertebral disc. The intervertebral disc is a type of cushion in the spine that can be injured when excessively loaded. Disc bulge/protrusion/herniation injuries and disc tearing are the most common types of disc injuries. For more details about disc injuries click here.

What are a few possible causes of an Intervertebral Disc Injury?

The types of events that can excessively load the intervertebral discs in the spine are the same as the events that can damage the joints.

1. Car accidents
2. Falling down
3. Using improper lifting techniques while lifting a heavy object

Repetitive/Overuse Spinal Sprain/Strain Injury

A repetitive/overuse spinal sprain/strain injury is similar to a traumatic spinal sprain/strain injury. It is an injury involving one or more of the joints in the spine and consists of disruption (tearing) of the muscles, ligaments, tendons or joint capsule. In addition, it involves a decreased ability of the injured joint and neighboring joints to move and function properly. Repetitive/overuse injuries can occur when a joint goes through a harmless movement over and over again or if it is held in a certain position for too long.

What are a few possible causes of an Overuse/Repetitive Spinal Sprain/Strain Injury?

1. Sitting at the computer for hours with your head leaning forward and bent downward
2. Bending over the edge of the bathtub for a long time while you bathe your child
3. Sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to the side all night long
4. Watching TV with your head turned for a long time (because your TV is not centered)

Check these other pages to read about

NECK PAIN: Muscle Tension

MID BACK PAIN: Muscle Tension, Scoliosis

LOW BACK PAIN: Sciatica, Sacroiliac (SI) Pain, Scoliosis, Spondylolisthesis

DISCLAIMER: The information that appears on TheInjuryDoctors.com is presented to our prospective Las Vegas, NV patients who may have sustained injuries related to trauma from car accidents or other sources. The information is presented in summary form only and is intended to provide general understanding of neck injury and back injury topics. The information should not be used in place of a visit, call or consultation with a qualified neck and back doctor with specific training and certification to treat neck and back injuries related to car accidents, falls, or genetic predispositions. TheInjuryDoctors.com does not recommend the self-management of neck and back pain or injury. Information obtained by using TheInjuryDoctors.com is not exhaustive and does not cover all possible risks, ailments, or physical conditions related to car accident injuries or other neck and back injuries. Contact this office to schedule a consultation.