If someone has a broken back, it means that one or more of the bones that make up the spine has broken. Doctors may also refer to a broken back as a spinal fracture. A broken back can happen for several reasons, such as an automobile accident or a weakening of the backbone. The symptoms, treatments, and recovery time for a broken back depend on the cause, location, and severity of the fracture.
A broken back will hurt. The pain in the back will come on suddenly and get worse when the person moves. The pain might be moderate or severe. Sometimes, a spinal fracture can also damage the spinal cord. This can lead to a variety of outcomes, which may include bladder or bowel dysfunction. They may also experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the limbs.
A sprained thumb occurs when the ligaments that support the thumb stretch beyond their limits or tear. This usually happens when a strong force bends the thumb backwards, away from the palm of the hand. The most common way for this to occur is by falling onto an outstretched hand. Most thumb sprains involve the ulnar collateral ligament, which is located on the inside of the knuckle joint. A tear to this ligament can be painful and may make your thumb feel unstable. It may also weaken your ability to grasp objects between your thumb and index finger. Treatment for a sprained thumb usually involves wearing a splint or cast to keep the thumb from moving while the ligament heals. For more severe sprains, surgery may be needed to restore stability to the joint.
Your doctor will want to know how and when your injury occurred and will ask you to describe your symptoms. He or she will then carefully exam your thumb and hand. To help determine if the ulnar collateral ligament is partially or completely torn, your doctor will move your thumb in different positions to test the stability of the MCP joint. If the joint is loose and unstable, it is an indication that the ligament may be completely torn.
