Back Injuries may be caused by accidents, strains and injuries. There are two major types of back injuries: spondylolisthesis and cervical radiculopathy. Symptoms of the back injury depend on the condition of the injury.
Spondylolisthesis is slipping of the vertebra at the base of the spine. Spondylolysis is a defect or fracture of one or both parts of the vertebra that results in slipping backward, forward or over a bone below. A vertebra might be defective from the birth of a person or broken by trauma or a stress fracture.The damage may also be due to infection or disease.
Some of the symptoms of Spondylolysis:
- Lower back pain
- Muscle tightness and stiffness
- Pain in buttocks
- Muscle weakness
- Pain radiating down the legs
Cervical Radiculopathy is damage or disturbance of nerve function that results due to compression of cervical vertebrae damaging the nerve roots in cervical area causing pain, weakness and loss of sensation in neck, arms, or shoulders depending on the location of the damage.
Some of the symptoms of Cervical Radiculopathy:
- Pain spreads to arm, neck, chest and shoulders
- Muscle weakness
- Numbness or tingling in fingers or hands
When should you consult a doctor?
Consult a doctor if have signs of severe pain and weakness in the lower back. The doctor may suggest some tests to diagnose the severity of the injury.
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