Presentation
Up to the present, these explanations have satisfied most physicians, depending on which side of the fence they happen to be. [jamanetwork.com]
Patient Education Committee Acute low back pain is defined as low back pain present for up to six weeks. It may be experienced as aching, burning, stabbing, sharp or dull, well-defined, or vague. [spine.org]
A lumber strain that has been present for days or weeks is referred to as acute. If it has persisted for longer than 3 months, it is considered chronic. [shorelineortho.com]
Entire Body System
- Pain
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 Pain when sitting, standing, or walking Causes and Diagnosis of a Pulled Back Muscle [blog.gameready.com]
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. [healthlibrary.uchospitals.edu]
Sudden onset of pain; pain may be accompanied by muscle spasms. Difficulty standing or walking, with some relief from pain when resting. [shorelineortho.com]
They can also be chronic and cause back pain that lasts for months to years. [nemanispine.com]
- Inflammation
Applying cold therapy (ice or something frozen) to acute musculoskeletal injuries is greatly beneficial because it constricts the small blood vessels around the injury and prevents inflammation from building up. [5] Preventing inflammation reduces swelling [wikihow.fitness]
The inflammation attributable to this cycle of events may persist for days to weeks. [spine.org]
Ice and heat —Application of ice or some type of cold pack immediately following the injury can help reduce inflammation. [shorelineortho.com]
Cold helps reduce inflammation, which is the primary source of pain in the first few days. 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. [blog.gameready.com]
[…] abdominal muscles) Stretching and strengthening exercises (for the lower back as it heals) Learning how to use and wear appropriate protective equipment Medicines, such as anti-inflammatories and spinal injections, may also be used to relieve pain and inflammation [healthlibrary.uchospitals.edu]
- Weakness
The risk factors are: Severe lower back curvature Forward-tilted pelvis Weak back or abdominal muscles Tight hamstrings What are the symptoms of lumbar strain? The following are the most common symptoms of a lumbar strain. [healthlibrary.uchospitals.edu]
Seek immediate medical treatment if you experience sudden or severe pain, loss of mobility, complete muscle weakness, or if the potential for a fracture or other serious injury exists. [shorelineortho.com]
Back strain is also more common in people with excessive curving of the back, weak muscles (as in muscular dystrophies ) and tight thigh muscles. [en.wikipedia.org]
After the initial pain subsides, returning to previous level of activity may help prevent the muscles from growing weak. Stretch. [blog.gameready.com]
Musculoskeletal
- Back Pain
The pain may begin suddenly or develop gradually. Who experiences acute low back pain? At least 80% of individuals experience a significant episode of low back pain at some point in their lives. [spine.org]
Diagnostic imaging tests such as X-rays may also be performed to rule out dangerous causes of back pain before initiating lower back strain treatment. [nemanispine.com]
A complete exercise regimen for the low back may include: stretching for back pain relief, back strengthening exercises, and low-impact aerobic exercise. [shorelineortho.com]
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 look like other conditions and medical problems. [healthlibrary.uchospitals.edu]
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 Pain when sitting, standing, or walking Causes and Diagnosis of a Pulled Back Muscle [blog.gameready.com]
- Muscle Strain
[…] back muscle strains. [blog.gameready.com]
The pain can be from a lumbar muscle strain alone or more commonly due to a strain of more than one of the structures listed above. [nemanispine.com]
Traction of your spine and back muscles with an inversion table may also help your back strain. [wikihow.fitness]
Recovery and Outcome Back muscle strains typically heal with time, many within a few days, and most within 3 to 4 weeks. [shorelineortho.com]
Neurologic
- Irritability
No matter which tissue is initially irritated, a cascade of events occurs which contributes to the pain experience. Numerous chemical substances are released in response to tissue irritation. [spine.org]
One is frequently troubled by the fact that there is a negative roentgenogram of a patient whose clinical signs and symptoms are those of extreme irritation in the sacro-iliac or [jamanetwork.com]
A strain refers to the abnormal stretching or irritation of a muscle, tendon, ligament, or disc. The pain can be from a lumbar muscle strain alone or more commonly due to a strain of more than one of the structures listed above. [nemanispine.com]
Some medicinal lotions and creams contain NSAIDs, which are absorbed through the skin and into the strained muscle(s) without risking stomach irritation. [wikihow.fitness]
Repetitive movements that stress and irritate the back muscles. Unsafe lifting, lifting while twisting, or lifting a very heavy object. Parents sometimes injure their backs throwing or playing with children. [blog.gameready.com]
Treatment
To enhance the success of your lumbar strain treatment, two or more treatment modalities are often recommended in combination. [nemanispine.com]
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. [healthlibrary.uchospitals.edu]
Nonsurgical Treatment Treatment for a lumbar strain typically involves: limiting the activity that caused the injury (heavy lifting, twisting, bending or other actions); applying ice for the first 48 hours, and applying heat, thereafter; anti-inflammatory [shorelineortho.com]
If the pain does not subside in two weeks, additional treatment may be required. [en.wikipedia.org]
Some of the best advice for treatment for acute low back pain is to continue to remain active “as tolerated”. [spine.org]
Prevention
Prevention Some of the preventive measures that can help prevent low back strain, especially in chronic cases, include: Abstinence from smoking Maintenance of a healthy body weight Regular aerobic exercise A healthy well balanced diet Regular stretching [nemanispine.com]
Prevention of back strain is possible by adopting proper body mechanics while sitting, standing and lifting. [4] Cessation of smoking, maintaining a healthy diet, exercise and normal weight is also good for preventing back strain. [en.wikipedia.org]
Applying cold therapy (ice or something frozen) to acute musculoskeletal injuries is greatly beneficial because it constricts the small blood vessels around the injury and prevents inflammation from building up. [5] Preventing inflammation reduces swelling [wikihow.fitness]
After the initial pain subsides, returning to previous level of activity may help prevent the muscles from growing weak. Stretch. [blog.gameready.com]
It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, helping prevent reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back. Use good posture to prevent reinjury When moving, bend at the hips and knees. [healthlibrary.uchospitals.edu]