Cincinnati (March 2, 2015) – With freezing rain in the forecast, The Christ Hospital Spine Institute is reminding tri-state residents to approach “wet” sidewalks and driveways with a critical eye and cautious steps. Slips and falls due to icy surfaces can cause moderate to severe injuries to the bones and muscles in the back. In fact, falls are responsible for more than one-quarter of all spinal cord injuries in the U.S.

 

From minor muscle strains to urgent spinal cord damage, here are the most common back injuries sustained from a fall, and the signs that you should seek medical help:

 

Muscle strains and sprains
Did you know that trying to “catch yourself” to avoid falling on ice can be enough to cause deep-muscle strain and sprains – particularly in the lower back? Muscles that are strained or sprained can generally be treated with rest, heat and ice treatments and anti-inflammatory medications, but if you experience severe back pain from a fall that makes breathing or standing difficult, or have pain that radiates down your leg, consider seeing a doctor to rule out a herniated disk.

 

Herniated disc
Herniated discs usually are the result of years of wear and tear, but the sudden twisting or muscle strain of a fall can also cause a disc to rupture or slip out of place between the vertebrae. This places pressure on the nerves, which causes pain that can extend down the legs and can be accompanied by tingling or weakness. The good news is that simple, non-surgical treatment – pain relievers, muscle relaxers and anti-inflammatories – will resolve the symptoms for more than 90 percent of people.

 

Compression fractures
Compression fractures are one of the most common injuries sustained from a fall on the ice – especially among people over 50 and those with weakened bones due to conditions such as osteoporosis. The pain can be mild, even initially, but can be exacerbated by daily activities like walking or picking up a bag of groceries. Fractures can be treated with pain medication, rest and immobilization, but if the compression of the bony vertebrae is severe, it can cause long-term problems that may require surgery, so see a physician if you experience ongoing numbness, tingling, muscle spasms, weakness or continence problems.

 

Spinal cord injuries
The tissue of the spinal cord itself can be damaged by a fall – either by fractured vertebrae or by the head, neck or back twisting abnormally. Because the spinal cord is not completely severed, this is considered an “incomplete” spinal cord injury, but it is an emergency situation. Don’t attempt to get up or move if you experience symptoms like breathing problems or numbness, tingling, a loss of sensation or inability to move your arms or legs. Receiving immediate medical care is crucial to minimizing long-term effects and the risk of paralysis.

 

Tailbone injury
Falling backward onto a hard surface – such as an ice-covered driveway – is the top cause of trauma to the tailbone, or coccyx. This can bruise this small bone, located at the lower tip of the spine, and can pull the ligaments that surround it – causing significant pain for up to a month. But fractures are rare, and treatment typically involves rest, ice and using devices that decrease pressure on the area, especially when sitting.

If you suffer any non-urgent back injury from a fall and experience symptoms that do not diminish with time and rest, contact a specialist with The Christ Hospital Spine Institute at 513-585-BACK (2225).

About The Christ Hospital Health Network: The Christ Hospital Health Network is a regional system of care that extends The Christ Hospital’s 125 years of exceptional care and leadership to more than 100 locations in the Greater Cincinnati area. The Network delivers integrated, individualized healthcare and wellness services through its comprehensive physician network, advanced specialty services and the region’s Most Preferred Hospital (National Research Corporation). Its mission is to improve the health of our community and create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes, affordable care and the finest experiences. To learn more about its locations and award-winning services, visit TheChristHospital.com.