Description

SPINE INJURIES Your spine consists of 33 bony vertebrae plus spinal discs, muscles, ligaments, tendons, fluid, and your spinal cord. Injury or damage to any of these areas can cause spine problems. Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include: • Infections • Injuries • Tumors • Conditions, such as ankylosing spondylitis and scoliosis • Bone changes that come with age, such as spinal stenosis and herniated disks Spinal diseases often cause pain when bone changes put pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. They can also limit movement. Treatments differ by disease, but sometimes they include back braces and surgery. Symptoms The signs and symptoms of common spine conditions and injuries often depend on which spinal nerves are affected. Generally, spine problems cause back pain, which may limit or get worse with movement. Spine conditions that affect your spinal cord can lead to a wide range of symptoms because your spinal cord carries nerve signals throughout your body. Nerve-related symptoms include: • Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs, depending on the affected nerves • Loss of coordination, difficulty walking, or climbing stairs • Loss of bladder or bowel control It’s essential to see a doctor right away if you have back pain with any nerve symptoms. Some spinal conditions and injuries require urgent (same day) or emergency care for rapid diagnosis and treatment. Causes Spine conditions are rare, and the most common cause is traumatic injury. Almost half of all injuries to the spine are caused by car crashes. Sporting activities such as diving, contact sports, horseback riding, and others are also common sources of injury. Arthritis, degenerative joint disease, repetitive strenuous activities, improper lifting, and tumors are other common causes of non-trauma-related spine problems. Spine conditions can also be present at birth. Types There are four regions in your spine: • Cervical (neck) • Thoracic (middle and upper back) • Lumbar (low back) • Sacral (pelvic area)

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