Back pain can affect anyone, from professional athletes to average Joes. It can creep in after a fall or simply after a night of weird sleep (what’s up with that, anyway?).
To learn about back pain, we spoke with Dr. Jeff Stout from Stout Chiropractic in Bloomington Normal, Illinois. His insights will help you better understand different types of back injuries, their causes, and treatment options.
Types of Common Back Injuries
There’s a lot going on under the surface of your back. The spine is composed of 33 different bones called vertebrae, which allow a wide range of motion while providing support and protection for the nerves in your spinal cord.
Back pain can stem from multiple different issues, including:
- Lumbar Disc Disorders: These injuries affect the discs between vertebrae in the lower back, often causing pain and potential nerve compression.
- Facet Joint Injuries: The facet joints, which connect vertebrae, can become inflamed or damaged, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
- Tendinitis and Bursitis: These conditions involve inflammation of tendons or bursae (fluid-filled cushions) between the joints, causing pain, swelling, and limited movement.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains: Overuse or sudden movements can stretch or tear muscles and ligaments in the back. This includes injuries commonly referred to as “whiplash.”
Common Causes of Back Injuries
Dr. Stout sees all kinds of back patients after car wrecks or sports injuries, but he notes that today’s most common problems are a little more covert. Most back pain and injuries often result from a mismatch between under and overuse.
“The biggest thing I see now is that people tend to have computer desk jobs,” says Dr. Stout. “That comes with prolonged periods of poor posture.”
The flip side is people then want to do more active things after work and on weekends. “That sudden increases in activity after periods of inactivity can lead to injuries,” he explains.
“Weekend warriors might not feel it right away, but you’ll wake up sore on Monday morning and realize you overdid it!”
When to Seek Professional Help
Back injuries often present with pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
If the symptoms are mild, he explains that most people can try some “conservative care” at home—gentle stretching, ice, or over-the-counter medications for inflammation. If pain persists after a few days of conservative treatment, it’s time to consult a healthcare professional.
If the symptoms are more severe, Dr. Stout urges anyone to seek immediate medical attention. “Even if you’re at all suspicious of a fracture after a fall or injury, it’s time to go to the ER,” he says. “You may even see serious neurological signs like reduced function and strength in the arms or the lower body. That’s a sign that there could be pressure on the nerves in your spine.”
Proper diagnosis often requires a physical examination and may include imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs.
Treatment and Recovery
Treatment for back injuries depends on the specific injury and its severity. Options may include:
- RICE Method: Rest, ice, and compression (elevation is tricky for the spine!)
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and stability
- Chiropractic Care: Spinal adjustments and other manual therapies
- Medication: Over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatories
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary
Treating Back Pain with Cold Compression Therapy
Dr. Stout offers multiple recovery therapies at his clinic, including massage therapy, exercise therapy, and TENS electrical nerve stimulation. Now, cold compression therapy is another valuable tool in treating back injuries.
“The PowerPlay Back Wrap is a great option for people who may have lower back pain when they arch or straighten their back,” he explains. “That typically means there’s inflammation in the back—the posterior—part of the joint. Conditions like Facets Syndrome can be exquisitely tender, but usually respond very well to ice.”
Dr. Stout shares that it’s often difficult to get cold to inflamed tissues because they are one and a half to two inches beneath the skin, but the PowerPlay Back Wrap conforms tightly to the lower back, delivering cold and compression where it’s needed.
“Unless it’s torn, broken, or fractured, movement is good for most injuries,” he adds. “It’s great that patients can even get up and move around while they are receiving therapy with PowerPlay.”
“Whenever you have an acute injury, there’s that old mnemonic: rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE). The PowerPlay unit does 3 out of 4.”
Dr. Stout explains that while the Back Wrap is an excellent option for back pain, its effectiveness depends on the nature of the injury: “If it hurts to bend forward, that can indicate that the inflammation is on the anterior (front) part of the joint. That’s essentially too deep to treat with ice, so the wrap will be less effective. However, cold compression could still help with muscle pain and tension in the area.”
Tips for Preventing Back Injuries
To reduce the risk of back injuries during sports or daily activities, Dr. Stout recommends:
- Maintain Good Posture: Especially important during prolonged periods of sitting.
- Regular Exercise: Strengthen core muscles to support the spine.
- Proper Lifting Technique: Bend at the knees, not the waist, when lifting heavy objects.
- Warm-Up Before Activity: Prepare your muscles and joints for physical exertion, especially after long periods of inactivity!
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to pain or discomfort and address it early.
By being proactive about injury prevention and caring for your back through proper training and conditioning, you can enjoy sports and activities while minimizing the risk of debilitating back injuries.
Get Back in the Game with PowerPlay
Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or just trying to maintain back health after your nine-to-five, PowerPlay’s cold compression back wrap can provide effective relief for lower back pain.
Shop PowerPlay Cold Compression Products.
The information featured on this page is subject to our standard content policy and disclaimer. It is available for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice.
