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.
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 MUSCLE
The 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:
- Pain in the neck and upper back area
- Limited range of motion in the neck
- Stiffness in the neck
In shoulder and upper back injuries caused by pulled muscles, the common symptoms may include:
- Pain in the area between the spine and shoulder blade
- Muscle spasms in the upper back
- Knots and tightness in the upper back and shoulders
- Pain when moving the shoulders
In lower back strain injuries, many people experience symptoms such as:
- Aching and stiffness in lower back muscles
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Pain that radiates to the hips and legs
- Limited range of motion
- Muscle spasms in lower back area
CAUSES OF STRAIN IN LOWER BACK MUSCLES
As one of the most common injuries among adults, lower back strain can occur due to a broad range of causes, including:
- Sudden impact from a fall, collision, or athletic activity
- Repetitive motion that causes stress on the muscles and joints
- Lifting while twisting, or lifting an object that is too heavy
- Poor posture or incorrect form when performing activities
- Weak or imbalanced muscles in the back and abdominals
- Excess weight that causes stress in lower back muscles
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 MUSCLE
The 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:
- Apply cold. The faster you can apply cold to a pulled back muscle, the faster you may reduce pain, help control swelling, and start the healing process. Applying cold immediately after the injury occurs may help ensure that the recovery process is as quick as possible.
- Use compression. Applying compression bandages or using an active compression system may help reduce swelling and edema so the damaged tissues can repair themselves more quickly.
- Rest. Right after a muscle strain, it is important to rest for one day up to one week, depending on the extent of the injury. After the initial pain subsides, returning to limited activity is important in order to help keep muscles from weakening..
- Stretch. As you return to activity, gentle stretching exercises may improve tissue healing by bringing more blood flow to the injured area.
- Pain Medication. If you feel that you need pain medication, consult with your physician to determine the type and dosage that is appropriate for your specific situation. Use medication sparingly because pain is actually an important indicator throughout the recovery process.
- Perform strength exercises. As the pain subsides, try adding strengthening exercises in addition to stretching. Allowing the muscles to weaken with too much rest may actually impede recovery.
- Get a massage. You can further increase blood flow to the injured tissues with light massage.
- Apply heat. After the first few days, alternating cold therapy with the application of heat can help reduce pain and increase circulation.
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.
//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:
- Sudden lower back pain
- Spasms in the lower back that result in more severe pain
- Lower back feels sore to the touch
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.
- X-ray. A diagnostic test that produces images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.
- Computed tomography scan (also called a CT or CAT scan). This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. A CT scan shows detailed images of bones, muscles, fat, and organs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
- Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging technique that uses a very small amount of radioactive material, which is injected into the bloodstream to be detected by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity within the bone.
- Electromyogram (EMG). A test to evaluate nerve and muscle function.
How is lumbar strain treated?
Specific treatment for a lumbar strain will be discussed with you by your healthcare provider based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the injury
- Your tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, and therapies
- Expectation for the course of the injury
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- Rest
- Ice packs and/or heat and compression applied to the back
- Exercises (to strengthen the abdominal muscles)
- Stretching and strengthening exercises (for the lower back as it heals)
- Education regarding the use and wearing of appropriate protective equipment
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:
- You’re unable to stand or walk.
- You have a temperature over 101.0°F (38.3°C)
- You have frequent, painful, or bloody urination.
- You have severe abdominal pain.
- You have a sharp, stabbing pain.
- Your pain is constant.
- You have pain or numbness in your leg.
- You feel pain in a new area of your back.
- You notice that the pain isn’t decreasing after more than a week.
Contact your healthcare provider immediately for the following:
- Pain radiating down the leg
- Pain that is accompanied by fever, weakness in the leg, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels
Living with lumbar strain
Cold 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.
- For the first few days, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes .
- After the first few days, try heat for 15 minutes at a time to ease pain. Never sleep on a heating pad.
- Over-the-counter medicines can help control pain and swelling. Try aspirin or ibuprofen.
Exercise
Exercise 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
- When moving, bend at the hips and knees. Don’t bend at the waist or twist around.
- When lifting, keep the object close to your body. Don’t try to lift more than you can handle.
- When sitting, keep your lower back supported. Use a rolled-up towel as needed.
Key points about lumbar strain
- Lumbar refers to your lower back.
- Strain can cause damage to the tendons and muscles causing pain and soreness.
- Nonsurgical methods can cure most low back pain.
- Call your healthcare provider if symptoms don’t get better over the next several days or if symptoms get worse.
Next steps
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:- Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.
- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.
- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.
- Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.
- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.
- Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.
- If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.