Back Injuries...
The spine is made up of a network of structures: the vertebrae, discs, ligaments, muscles and nerves. The lumbar spine withstands a great amount of strain during movement. A lumbar spine injury may take the form of a muscle strain, in which the muscles are stretched or torn; or a lumbar sprain may occur in which the ligaments are torn. A lumbar spine injury leads to low back pain and loss of function and is the cause of a lot of hospital visits.
The most common symptoms of a lumbar sprain or strain are:
The most common symptoms of a lumbar sprain or strain are:
- •Pain in the lower back and upper buttocks.
- •Low back muscle spasm.
- •Pain with activities and generally goes away with rest.
- •Sudden forceful movement.
- •Lifting a heavy object improperly.
- •Twisting the back.
- •A ruptured disc.
- •Lack of conditioning. This can cause the back to 'give out' during physical exercise or work activities.
- •Obesity. Excess weight leads to poor posture which puts strain on the muscles, causing injury.
- •Smoking.
