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Student Health 101 General Health
A Reference Guide to Student Health


Bone and Muscle Conditions

Back Pain

Strains, Sprains and Fractures

Back Pain
Strained muscles in the lower back cause most cases of this very common condition. Other causes include a slipped or herniated disc, arthritis, and osteoporosis. Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the low back, through the buttocks, and down the back of the leg. This irritation can be the result of pressure on the nerve by a herniated disc. The main symptoms of sciatica are pain and numbness radiating down the leg.

TREATMENT

Home Care

  • Stay as active as possible without over-exerting yourself. Contrary to popular belief, those who continue light activity, such as gentle walking, do better than people on complete bed rest.
  • Place cold packs on painful areas for 15 to 20 minutes every few hours. Some people prefer to use heating pads in a similar way.
  • Avoid positions or activities that worsen your symptoms.
  • Take a nonprescription pain reliever, such as Tylenol® or Advil®

Professional Care
Seek immediate medical attention for any of the following:

  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness in the leg or genital/rectal area
  • Muscle weakness in the leg
  • Unexplained fever
  • Abdominal pain
  • New, severe pain that does not change with movement
  • Pain after trauma or a fall
  • Difficulty walking or standing
  • Pain that does not improve over a few days of home treatment

PREVENTION

  • Practice proper posture-avoid slouching
  • Sleep on a firm mattress, rather than a soft mattress or waterbed.
  • Bend your knees and lift with your legs, not you back.
  • Perform exercises that strengthen your back and abdominal muscles to prevent future problems.

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Strains, Sprains, and Fractures
Strains, sprains, and fractures are some of the most common injuries seen in the physician’s office. A strain is an injury caused by over-stretching or over-using a muscle. A sprain is an injury to a muscle, a tendon (tissue that connects muscle to bone), or a ligament (tissue that connects bone to bone). A fracture is a broken bone. Common causes of these injuries include falls, twisting injuries, sport injuries, and overexertion. All cause pain and swelling.

TREATMENT

Home Care

  • Rest.
  • Elevate and ice the area to reduce pain and swelling early after the injury.
  • Avoid putting weight on the injury for 24 to 48 hours.
  • Take Tylenol® or Advil® for pain control.
  • Remove all rings and jewelry if you have a hand injury.

Professional Care
Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • You have an obvious broken bone or severe pain
  • You are unable to support weight on the affected area
  • You have a joint that feels unstable or wobbles
  • You experience numbness or tingling
  • You are uncertain of the extent of the injury.

PREVENTION

  • Check your home for general safety measures to prevent falls.
  • Keep walkways and stairs free of clutter.
  • Secure carpets to the floor and have sturdy railings in place on both sides of the stairs
  • Stretch and warm-up before any vigorous activity to prevent sports injuries.
  • Do not over-exert yourself.
  • Wear shoes that fit well and are designed for your activity.

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