Can You Dislocate Your Back? Understanding Spinal Injuries

The spine’s intricate anatomy makes it susceptible to various types of trauma, which could potentially lead to severe consequences. 

Knowing how to spot the signs of a spinal injury not only leads to seeking prompt care but also determines your recovery path.

Simply Put: If your back hurts, there is a chance that it is injured.

Most simple back injuries are due to subluxations, where the bone shifts out of alignment. However, there is a chance that you dislocated your back. 

Let’s take a closer look.

Can You Dislocate Your Back? The Reality of Back Injuries

Yes, just like experiencing any other dislocated joint, like a dislocated shoulder or dislocated kneecap, it is possible to dislocate your back. 

When we talk about dislocating your back, it’s a bit more complex than the pop-and-slip scenario you might imagine with other joints. 

A spinal dislocation involves an injury to the ligaments or bones in your spine, causing vertebrae to move out of place and potentially damage the nerves around them. 

This damage can include a spinal cord injury or even an acute spinal cord injury.

These injuries are relatively rare thanks to our spines being well-protected by muscles and tissues. 

However, when they do occur, they demand urgent care because they can lead to significant impairment or even paralysis if not treated promptly.

Dislocation or Subluxation: Understanding Spinal Injuries

Before we dive into the symptoms of a back dislocation, we also want to distinguish between a dislocation and a subluxation. 

Both subluxation and dislocation involve misalignments but differ in severity and impact on our well-being.

The vertebral column comprises 33 vertebrae stacked one atop another forming three major sections: cervical spine (neck), thoracic spine (mid-back), and lumbar spine (lower back). 

The resilience of our backbone relies heavily on its complex structure, including intervertebral discs which act as shock absorbers, ligaments that hold things tight, and muscles that allow movement. 

When this finely tuned system faces trauma or degenerative changes leading to dislocation or subluxation—it spells trouble for mobility and health.

What is a Back Dislocation? 

A spinal dislocation is a severe condition where there is a complete separation between the bones of the spine, known as vertebrae. 

This injury can lead to instability and damage to the nerves housed within your spinal column. This requires medical attention.

What is a Subluxation?

On the other hand, a subluxation (partial dislocation) involves partial misalignment of these vertebrae and ligament(s) which might not cause immediate harm but can disrupt nerve function over time.

Symptoms and Signs of a Dislocated Spine

Understanding the signals your body sends when you might have a spinal dislocation is key to getting the help you need. 

Let’s explore what these symptoms look like.

Intense Pain

Shooting pain is the most common sign of a potential spinal dislocation as the dislocated vertebrae impinge on the nerves surrounding the spinal column. Therefore, the pain can be severe and debilitating. 

If this kind of pain follows an injury or accident, it becomes even more critical to consider the possibility of a dislocated back. 

While a low back dislocation may cause acute lumbar spine pain, there may also be pain in other parts of your body. 

A back dislocation can exhibit shoulder pain, upper arm pain, and pain in your glutes and upper legs (similar to sciatica pain). This is because of a potential spinal cord injury, which impacts your nervous system.

As there are many causes of lower back pain, it is important to see a medical professional for proper diagnosis.

Numbness or Tingling

Apart from pain, numbness or tingling sensations in different parts of your body could indicate nerve damage due to misalignment caused by subluxation or dislocation. 

This change in sensation can also lead to weakness in muscles supplied by affected nerves—a warning sign not to ignore because early intervention might prevent further complications.

Muscle Weakness

Weakened muscle strength sometimes creeps up following spinal trauma. 

This symptom might appear first as difficulty performing simple tasks like lifting objects or maintaining balance while standing. 

They may have been activities that were previously done effortlessly, or not stretching properly before exercising.

Limited Mobility

Research suggests that a reduced range of motion along with joint stiffness could indicate a serious back injury.

When twisting, bending forward or backward, or moving side-to-side becomes painful, there is something amiss. 

These symptoms could also mean a broken bone in your back or even spinal fractures.

Loss of Bowel or Bladder Control

Unexpected changes in bowel and bladder function are signs of serious underlying health problems, which can include significant displacement in one’s backbone structure. 

All of these symptoms suggest a serious problem. 

Diagnosing Your Dislocated Back

The spine is a complex structure, integral to our mobility and daily function. When injury strikes, accurate diagnosis becomes paramount. 

Spinal dislocations or subluxations can elude detection without the right tools.

However, a proper diagnosis can only be made by a professional chiropractor using the following techniques.

Clinic Assessment: The First Line of Detection

One of the best ways to identify if your back is dislocated is to go in to see a chiropractor for an assessment. 

They will be able to feel your back, assess your pain and mobility, and potentially diagnose your back pain. Most importantly, they will take an x ray.

While you may have dislocated your back, you may also be experiencing related issues like a shoulder dislocation or neck joint dislocation.

We recommend booking an appointment if you’re in Matthews, North Carolina.

X-rays: Diagnostic Support

In assessing spinal integrity, X-rays stand as the primary investigative tool. They offer a clear image of bone alignment and reveal disruptions in the continuity of the vertebral column. 

If a dislocation is suspected, your chiropractor will recommend an X-ray so that they can see what’s going on inside and provide the right treatment. 

This will also help them eliminate the possibility of a vertebrae fracture, compression fracture, or an injured joint like the Sacroiliac (SI) joint. 

As with any treatment option, X-rays have their limitations. Some soft tissue injuries often require more advanced imaging techniques.

MRI: Visualizing Beyond Bone

When X-rays fall short, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) excels by illuminating soft tissue surrounding spinal bones—discs, ligaments, nerves—all crucial elements potentially affected by displacement. 

An MRI may help improve your back pain diagnosis. This would be performed by a medical professional, and recommended by the chiropractor in special circumstances. 

CT Scans: Clarity in Complexity

Another treatment option is the Computed Tomography (CT) scan. 

A CT scan provides another layer of detail—a cross-sectional view that reveals nuances invisible to even digital X-rays. 

This diagnostic tool is particularly useful in diagnosing fractures after trauma. Again, this is outside the bounds of chiropractic care and would be performed by a medial professional under special circumstances. 

Treating and Recovering From a Back Dislocation in Matthews NC

Treatment for a spinal dislocation can range from physical therapy to chiropractic care. 

Chiropractic care is the long-term path to recovery following a spinal injury. It involves not just physical healing but also mental resilience and adaptability.

Immediate Treatment of the Spinal Injury

Initial management of your spinal injury may involve immobilization of the spine to promote proper alignment and healing. 

Since back dislocation is very painful, you’ll likely need emergency medicine. Chiropractic care comes after acute treatment.

Pain management is sometimes required and can include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections which can provide relief from inflammation and pain associated with these injuries. 

Consulting With Health Professionals: Rehabilitation Options for Spinal Injuries

After immediate treatment for a spinal injury, the real work begins. 

Engaging with specialized personal injury healthcare providers becomes essential at this stage. They may recommend conservative approaches to care or even surgery.

The initial approach to treating several spinal injuries often starts with conservative therapies. 

Physical therapy is pivotal as it can safely strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility, thus providing better support for the spine. 

Chiropractic care also falls under this category—chiropractors are trained in specific adjustment techniques that can help realign vertebrae gently back into place over time.

Chiropractic Care for Back Injuries

Chiropractic care is one of the best options for a serious spinal injury as chiropractors are medically trained on the anatomy, function, and treatment of the spine. 

No matter what, you’ll want to talk to a back specialist and a chiropractor to treat your back dislocation.

Chiropractic work includes non-invasive and gentle body manipulation techniques designed to encourage spinal alignment. 

This careful and safe approach relaxes muscles and unlocks stuck muscles and vertebrae to realign the back and reduce your back pain.

Treatment for back pain with a chiropractor can require multiple visits. That’s why it’s important to talk to a chiropractor to understand the treatment needed. 

Navigating Ongoing Therapy: Rebuilding Strength Safely

The integral part of any rehab program after spinal injuries starts gently and may increase in intensity over time. It’s tailored to meet individual needs because one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to our bodies’ ability to heal.

Patient-specific exercises help rebuild strength in affected areas without overstressing vulnerable spots along your spine. 

These therapeutic activities are designed carefully by therapists trained specifically for such sensitive treatments.

Invasive Procedures: When Surgery Is Necessary

Orthopedic surgery performed by an orthopedic specialist is an option when conservative approaches fail or if there’s significant structural damage needing correction. 

The most common procedure for severe dislocations is spinal fusion where two or more vertebrae are permanently joined together eliminating motion between them. 

This approach stabilizes the spine but comes at the cost of reduced mobility in that section of the spine.

The truth about back surgery is not always what is portrayed, and here in our office, we discourage seeking out back surgery outside of very special circumstances.

Recovery After a Back Injury: Mental Health and Life Adjustments

Whether you’re able to treat your back using conservative approaches or you require surgery, the road to recovery after a back injury requires a lot of adjustments.

Beyond physical medicine lies another crucial aspect—mental health support throughout rehabilitation which is often overlooked. 

Incorporating psychological counseling sessions helps address feelings of frustration or depression that might arise during long-term recovery periods.

If your back is improving, then you’ll want to make lifestyle changes to ensure that you don’t revert. 

Focusing on post-surgery recovery treatment programs is important. You’ll likely have to continue practicing strength programs, mobility work, ice or heat applications, and more. 

Adjust your lifestyle to make sure you don’t hurt your back further. This means reducing strenuous activity that might cause problems and actively seeking care in the form of relaxation techniques or preventative care.

Final Thoughts: Can You Dislocate Your Back?

So, is it possible to dislocate your back? 

Absolutely. 

Knowing the difference between a dislocation and subluxation is crucial. And spotting the symptoms of a dislocation early on can save you from severe damage.

Remember the signs: pain, numbness, and potential mobility issues are red flags. 

If you suspect a back injury, don’t hesitate – seek medical help!

Treatment might be non-invasive or surgical—listen to your doctor and chiropractic professional. They’ll be your best guide as you progress along your recovery. 

Your road to recovery will have twists and turns; stay patient. Rehab exercises aren’t just hoops to jump through—they’re stepping stones towards getting back in shape.

This journey starts with knowledge and ends with healing steps forward each day—because it’s all about taking care of that back!

Which is exactly what we do at Matthews Family Chiropractic. 

If your back is bothering you, schedule an x-ray and receive a customized adjustment plan. Just give us a call at 704-845-0699 

FAQs Regarding Can You Dislocate Your Back?

How do you know if your back is dislocated?

The symptoms can be quite dramatic: intense pain, inability to move the affected area, numbness or tingling due to nerve compression, and possibly loss of bladder or bowel control.

Can you walk if you dislocate your spine?

The ability to walk after a spinal dislocation depends on several factors including the location and severity of displacement, as well as any resulting nerve damage. In many cases, walking may not be possible. 

Is a dislocated spine serious?

Yes, a dislocated spine is a serious injury. A true spinal dislocation, or luxation, is a severe injury that usually results from significant trauma like an accident or fall. You need to seek medical help immediately.