Less serious back injuries include strains, spasms, and lacerations. The severity of these injuries depends on how far you fall and where you land. The most common back injury patients suffer is a strain or sprain. These injuries occur when the back muscle fibers stretch but don't tear. Stretches can come from lifting objects too heavy for you to lift, trying to reach something high, or jumping off objects. Spasms are sudden, violent contractions of a muscle group that can cause us pain if they happen frequently enough. They can also be caused by trauma to the spine. Patients who land on their backs hard enough to break a bone may require surgery to repair any damaged vertebrae. Patients who suffer severe back injuries may require assistance breathing until medical help arrives. Back injuries can be very dangerous if you're not treated properly. Avoid suffering a back injury by being aware of your body's signals to avoid doing things like lifting objects that are too heavy for you. If you do suffer a back injury, seek immediate medical attention.