A pulled back muscle is a very common injury. You can pull a back muscle by lifting a heavy item, throwing an object while twisting, or falling unexpectedly. Regardless of the cause, a pulled back muscle is painful, and you want to treat it as quickly as possible. Show
A pulled muscle, in the back or anywhere else in the body, is the common term for a muscle strain. When a muscle is strained, the fibers actually tear; sometimes the tear is minor, sometimes it’s a larger, more serious strain. SYMPTOMS OF A PULLED BACK MUSCLEThe spine is divided into three major sections: the neck, upper back and shoulders, and lower back. The symptoms are different for pulled muscles in each of these areas. For a pulled muscle in the neck, you might experience:
In shoulder and upper back injuries caused by pulled muscles, the common symptoms may include:
In lower back strain injuries, many people experience symptoms such as:
CAUSES OF STRAIN IN LOWER BACK MUSCLESAs one of the most common injuries among adults, lower back strain can occur due to a broad range of causes, including:
Lower back muscle strain is typically diagnosed by a medical professional after performing a physical examination and evaluating your history of injury. In cases of severe pain, other tests such as an x-ray or MRI might be performed to rule out other types of injuries. TREATMENT STEPS FOR A PULLED BACK MUSCLEThe treatment protocol for a muscle strain is typically the same no matter where it is in the body. Always consult a physician after an injury, especially if you are concerned that it might be a severe one. If you have a pulled back muscle, the recommended treatment steps typically include:
For strains in lower back muscles, treatment might also include light, low-impact exercise to help maintain range of motion and build muscle strength. Walking, cycling, and swimming are some good options for staying active while recovering from lower back muscle strain. After recovering from a pulled back muscle, help prevent future injury by practicing good posture and properly warming up before activity. Game Ready provides both therapeutic cold and active compression to help reduce pain, control swelling, reduce edema, and pump freshly oxygenated blood to healing tissue. http://blog.gameready.com/blog/bid/357162/how-to-treat-a-pulled-back-muscle-in-8-steps
A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back. This results in damaged tendons and muscles that can spasm and feel sore. The lumbar vertebra make up the section of the spine in your lower back. What causes lumbar strain?Injury can damage the tendons and muscles in the lower back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weight lifting or football, can lead to a lumbar strain. In addition, sports that require sudden twisting of the lower back, such as in tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf, can lead to this injury. Certain risk factors, such as excessive lower back curvature, forward-tilted pelvis, weak back, or abdominal muscles, and tight hamstrings, can increase the risk for this injury. What are the symptoms of lumbar strain?The following are the most common symptoms of a lumbar strain. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of a lumbar strain may resemble other conditions and medical problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is lumbar strain diagnosed?In addition to a complete medical history and physical exam, diagnostic procedures for low back pain may include the following. However, during many initial assessments and exams, specialized tests aren't usually recommended.
How is lumbar strain treated?Specific treatment for a lumbar strain will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider based on:
Treatment may include:
Medicines, such as anti-inflammatories and spinal injections, may also be used to relieve pain and inflammation. When should I call my healthcare provider?Call your healthcare provider if any of the following happen:
Contact your healthcare provider immediately for the following:
Living with lumbar strainCold reduces swelling. Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source.
ExerciseExercise can help your back heal. It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, preventing any reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back. Use good posture to avoid reinjury
Key points about lumbar strain
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
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