Carolina Back Institute

A Look at Injuries of the Cervical Spinal Discs

Your spinal discs help to cushion the bones and nerves of your spinal column. The discs in your cervical spine, which is made up of the top seven vertebrae, allow for the motion of your head forwards, backwards, up, down, and side to side.

As you’ll discover in this video, it is possible to injure the discs of your cervical spine. Injuries may result from sports, car accidents, and other activities that can cause trauma to the neck. If one of your cervical discs is injured, it will deteriorate and become susceptible to further injury. Watch this full video clip to learn about the symptoms of and treatment options for cervical disc injuries.

Have you suffered a traumatic neck or back injury? The spine and sports injury specialists at Carolina Back Institute may be able to help. To schedule a treatment evaluation, call us today at (919) 781-9950.

Steps to Take When You Sustain a Sports Injury

Getting regular exercise through sporting activities is a great way to help keep your body and mind healthy. However, there is always a possibility of injury during these types of physical activities. Common types of sports injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations. If you suffer any type of injury during a sporting activity, take the following steps to help prevent further damage and begin the process of recovery:

Halt the Activity

As soon as you feel pain due to an injury, stop participating in the exercise. You may be tempted to try to push through the pain, but doing so may cause the injury to become more severe and can result in permanent damage. This is the case for both acute injuries, such as a twisted ankle, and chronic injuries, such as tendonitis.

Begin R.I.C.E.

After stopping the activity, begin R.I.C.E. treatment—rest, ice, compression, and elevation. First, take all pressure off of the injured area and avoid moving it. Next, apply an ice pack to the injury. Do not use the ice pack for more than 20 minutes at a time. While you are icing the injured area, use an elastic bandage to apply pressure. This will help minimize swelling. If the injury is located in an arm or leg, you should elevate the limb above the level of your heart to decrease swelling.

Seek Medical Care

A sports injury can result in chronic problems if left untreated. Be sure to visit a qualified medical professional who can accurately diagnose and treat your sports injury. Severe injuries, such as dislocations and bone fractures, require emergency care followed by rehabilitation at a sports injury clinic. Less severe injuries, such as strains and sprains, can often be treated just at sports injury clinics.

If you have suffered a sports injury, the physicians at Carolina Back Institute can help you get on the path to healing and recovery. We offer a variety of treatments, including physical therapy, to help you regain comfort, strength, and flexibility after an injury. Please contact us online or at (919) 781-9950 to schedule an appointment.

More Information On Common Knee Injuries And The Benefits Of Physical Therapy

Carolina Back Institute offers pain management and relief so that you can enjoy your life. Read these resources to learn more about knee injuries and physical therapy. 

A sprained ligament is not the same as a strained tendon. Find out the difference and how to treat them in this article from OrthoInfo.

Not all injuries can be avoided, but you can lower the chances of an injury occurring. Keep these tips in mind to prevent knee pain and injury.

Whether you’re recovering from surgery or an injury, follow these exercises to help regain the flexibility and strength in your knee.

Here’s a look from How Stuff Works at how physical therapy can help relieve chronic back pain and benefit the patient’s lifestyle.

Within physical therapy is the field of sports medicine, which is geared to help prevent athletes from getting injured and to improve physical fitness. Learn more about sports medicine in this Esser Health overview.

Call Carolina Back Institute at (919) 781-9950 to learn how we can help relieve your pain.

Free Chronic Pain Seminar

The Basics of Physical Therapy

When the body undergoes extreme stress, it takes time and the right techniques to help it recover—this is where physical therapy comes in. Read on to learn about the basic types of physical therapy available and how they work.

Hands-On Treatments

Manual therapy involves using only the hands to massage the injured area, loosening and easing the muscles or joints. This is often followed by more forceful movements. Hands-on treatments are generally used for relieving pain and tension, as well as improving flexibility. This is especially helpful when recovering from surgery, as you might need assistance in mobility.

Technological Treatments

Physical therapy often incorporates tools and instruments to aid in the healing process. Hydrotherapy uses water in a tub or pool to help soothe pain or serve as an exercise medium. Being submerged in water takes pressure off the joints, making exercise easier. Hydrotherapy also provides horizontal resistance. Ultrasound and electrical stimulation methods can relax or tense the muscles to tone them and release endorphins to ease the pain.

Exercise

While it is important to let an injured area rest, physical movement will help prevent it from stiffening and setting in the wrong position by gradually stretching and strengthening the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Exercises should be focused on the injured area, but you don’t have to ignore the rest of your overall health. Physical therapy exercises can also help with overall flexibility, coordination, and stamina.

Prevention

In addition to rehabilitating your body, physical therapy also helps to prevent the injury from happening again. Preventative care can help you to avoid future injuries as well as recognize symptoms of injury. Identifying a problem sooner can stop the injury from worsening. Also, like exercise, prevention education addresses overall health.

Let us help you to improve your quality life at Carolina Back Institute with our array of medical services for pain relief and management. Visit us to learn more about our sports medicine and physical therapy options, or call us at (919) 781-9950 to schedule an appointment.