How do falls result in back injuries?

Falls are a common accident that can occur almost anywhere. Whether it is a slip and fall or a fall from a height, this type of accident can result in serious back injuries. The jarring of your body is often bad for the back and could leave you in serious pain.

Cedars Sinai explains back injuries from falls can happen in a variety of ways.

Bone breaks

It is very possible to land in a way that will break a vertebra. These injuries can be minor or severe. They also could lead to issues with the spinal cord, including paralysis, or nerve damage that results in sensation loss.

Sprains or strains

Another potential issue is spraining or straining your back muscles. These injuries usually heal up in time, but they can be quite painful in the meantime. They could also lead to spasms or tightening in the back that causes pain. These may come and go, leaving you unable to know when an attack may come.

Spinal fluid leak

A leak of fluid from a disc in the spinal column can cause a herniated disc. A herniated disc leads to nerve problems that produce pain. This pain usually radiates in your body. It can be very difficult to function because the pain can be immense.

Back injuries from falls happen all too easily. They usually require downtime so you can rest and heal. After a fall, it is a good idea to have a medical evaluation just to be sure you did not injure your back because sometimes, you may not realize there is an issue until the pain hits you.