Sprains and Strains

Injuries resulting from overexertion while lifting, pushing and pulling are among the most frequent types of spine-related injuries. Such injuries, along with accidental slips, trips and falls can result in sprains, strains, hernias and lower back pain."Strain” refers to an injury to a muscle, occurring when a muscle-tendon unit is stretched or overloaded. “Sprain” refers to an injury to a ligament, and the diagnosis of back sprain (whether lumbar or cervical) implies that the ligamentous and capsular structures connecting the facet joints and vertebrae have been damaged.

Statistics show that back problems are second only to headaches as the most common medical complaint, and exceeded only by the common cold as the greatest cause of lost workdays. Back injuries alone cost American industry $10-14 billion annually in workers compensation costs and about 100 million lost workdays.

Only a small percentage of all serious back injuries are true sprains, strains or fractures. Most are the result of degeneration of the spine caused by aging and abuse. Most back-injuries, however, occur in the 24 to 40 year old age group.

Causes

If ligaments and muscles are weak, discs in the lower back can become weakened. With excessive lifting, a sudden movement or a fall, a disc can rupture. Years of back abuse, or with aging, the discs may simply wear out and you may live with chronic pain for several years. However, back pain caused by a muscle strain or a ligament sprain will normally heal within a short time and may never cause further problems.

Poor physical condition, poor posture, lack of exercise, and excessive body weight contribute to the number and severity of sprains and strains. Degeneration of the spine, due to aging, is also a major contributor to lower back pain, but it is often misdiagnosed as a sprain or strain.

Prevention

Back injuries can be reduced by improving physical conditioning, providing stronger muscles to hold the spine in proper posture and less body weight for the back to support.

One way to reduce back problems is by modifying your work practices. Instead of lifting objects, consider mechanical means (e.g., moving heavy items with forks or bucket on a tractor). Doing physical work on the job or around the house or yard, you should try to maintain proper posture. Prolonged sitting or standing, particularly in forward, bent or slouched positions, can cause muscle fatigue, which can lead to leg and back problems. Attempting to lift or otherwise physically move one heavy object, or repetitive moves of even light weight objects, are other causes of sprains and strains as are slips, trips, falls and jumps.

Changing the size, shape and weight of containers or other materials you carry may also help reduce back problems. This has already been done by many companies that supply materials to farmers. For example, feed, seed and fertilizer bags in the 80- or 100-pound size are no longer common.

Ways to modify work practices so you will remain strong and healthy:

Lift objects carefully, not in the quickest or easiest way.
Lift, push and pull with your legs, not your arms or back.
When changing direction while moving something, turn with your feet, not your waist.
Sit in your car as you sit in a chair, with your knees slightly above your hips. Also, provide support for your lower back.
When walking, maintain a straight posture and wear slip-resistant, supportive shoes.
When carrying heavy objects, carry them close to you and avoid carrying them in one hand.
When stepping down from a tractor, SUV or other high platform, step down backward, not forward.

Diagnosis

In most cases, it will be necessary for your doctor to investigate the source of your pain with the aid of radiographic studies or laboratory analysis, in order to rule out more serious conditions.

In addition to a thorough physical examination, some of the most commonly performed radiographic tests include:

X-rays
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
Myelogram
EMG (Electromyogram)
Discogram
CT SCAN (Computerized Tomography) and
Bone Density Test

Treatment

Treatment options for back sprains and strains aim first to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, so your back can heal and you can resume at least limited normal activities. In addition to pain medications and muscle relaxants, physical therapy is often prescribed to relieve pain, strengthen supporting musculature and provide training in injury prevention.