Category Archives: Spinal Injuries

Car accidents are the leading cause of spine-related trauma, which may involve severe muscle strain, fractures, disc damage, and whiplash. A common contributing factor to vehicle accidents that can result in spine injuries is distracted driving. In fact, one study of single-driver crashes found that 98 percent of those drivers were distracted. If you’re looking […]

When a spine-related injury occurs at work, most people have a desire to get back on the job, even if it’s just to avoid too many missed paychecks. While it’s understandable to want to minimize missed work days, pushing yourself to return to your normal routine too soon could do more harm than good. If […]

Days missed from work due to injuries cost U.S. employers billions of dollars each year. One of the most common areas of the body affected by such injuries is the spine. Whether it’s slipping on a slick surface or experiencing a severe strain from heavy lifting and repetitive movements, there are many ways the backbone […]

It’s not only athletes who tend to “push through” the pain. Chefs, cooks, bartenders, wait staff, and other individuals who work in the food service industry often have a similar approach to managing discomfort. Foot pain is understandably a common issue in the restaurant business, but spine-related problems are just as likely, and ignoring back […]

The bones of the spine have to absorb some degree of stress on a regular basis simply from normal daily movements. Spongy discs with a soft, gel-like center and a harder exterior shell ease some of this stress while also minimizing friction between vertebrae. Should the outside part of one of these discs become torn, […]

Along with the brain, the spinal cord makes up the central nervous system, which is responsible for many of the sensations you feel. This structure, which houses numerous essential nerves, is designed to be resilient thanks to added protection from vertebrae and attached muscles and other soft tissues. However, the spinal cord isn’t indestructible. While […]

Dura mater is one of three protective membrane layers that line the skull and vertebral canal. The purpose of this watertight sac is to provide protection for spinal nerves and the spinal cord itself. If a tear occurs, it can cause clear, colorless cerebrospinal fluid to leak, which may result in an infection and other […]

The spine’s 33 vertebrae, 23 discs, and supporting soft tissues are capable of handling certain amounts of stress. However, there are times when the spinal cord itself becomes damaged. In fact, approximately 250,000 Americans have some type of spinal cord injury (SCI). Just over half of these individuals are considered paraplegic, and 47 percent are […]

Caused by a forceful back and forth motion of the head, whiplash is a common neck injury often associated with car accidents. However, whiplash can also result from a hard fall or other motions that place excessive stress on any of the seven vertebrae in the neck or the supporting soft tissues in this area. […]

Most people reach peak bone mass by the time they’re in their late twenties or early thirties. Beyond this point, bone loss progressively occurs. It can become an issue if the loss of bone tissue is accelerated by osteoporosis, a condition that affects roughly half of all Americans age 50 and older. If the spine […]