How to heal a pulled muscle in back

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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..
4. Stretch. As you return to activity, gentle stretching exercises may improve tissue healing by bringing more blood flow to the injured area.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Get a massage. You can further increase blood flow to the injured tissues with light massage.
8. 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.

http://blog.gameready.com/blog/bid/357162/how-to-treat-a-pulled-back-muscle-in-8-steps

Angela Santini, MD is board certified in orthopedic surgery and fellowship trained in spinal surgery. She is a member of the Inova Spine Program with privileges at Inova Loudoun Hospital, which has earned the Gold Seal of Approval® from The Joint Commission for spine surgery. Dr. Santini serves as Chief Medical Director of Virginia Spine and Sports Orthopaedics in Loudoun County.

Back strains can occur anytime, anywhere, during almost any kind of activity. Luckily, “throwing your back out” is usually a temporary situation. The sudden onset of pain caused by twisting, lifting or bending is most often due to a muscle strain. As we age, we become more prone to muscle strains because our muscles lose elasticity.

Most people can identify the injury or activity that caused their pain. One minute you are bending over to tie your shoe, reaching for something in a cabinet or teeing off on the back nine. Then, out of nowhere, “OUCH!” – sudden tension and pain in the mid to lower back.

Throwing your back out can cause intense low-back pain and stiffness. It can even be an on–the-floor-can’t-move debilitating experience. Typical symptoms include muscle spasms with bouts of muscle tightening and difficulty standing up straight. You want pain relief and you want it now!

The good news is, in most cases, your back pain will go away on its own. Here are some at-home tips to help you feel better in the meantime.

DOs

• Stop what you are doing and apply ice to ease the pain and inflammation. Cold therapy can be continued for about 20 minutes every 6-8 hours for the next 2-3 days. But remember – don’t put ice directly on your skin. It can damage the tissues and nerve endings.
• You may find it helpful to lie flat on your back on a hard surface for support, rather than a cushy bed. This can help relax the injured muscles in the immediate aftermath.
• Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) can help. However, they may not be advisable for anyone with kidney problems or a stomach ulcer. It’s a good idea to check with your doctor about which medications you should or should not take.
• Once you are upright and stabilized, do whatever you can to stay that way so your injury does not worsen. That means avoiding bending, lifting or twisting through the spine. If you need to pick up something from the floor, keep your spine straight. When you brush your teeth or wash the dishes, maintain a straight, neutral spine, bending forward from your hips.
• Sleep in a position that’s comfortable for your spine. Put pillows under your knees when you are on your back or a pillow between your legs if you sleep on your side. This helps the muscles to release.
• If your pain persists after the third day, try a little moist heat. This can help reduce stiffness and improve blood flow to the injured area.
• Massaging the affected muscle with firm pressure may help reduce tension. Press on the area for 30-60 seconds, then rub the surrounding area in a circular motion.
• Drink water to stay hydrated when you are recovering from injury. Chronic dehydration can affect the strength and quality of your spinal muscles.
• If tolerated, try to stay mobile in the first few days after your injury. Move gently. Mild movement is better than bed rest. Any lengthy bed rest can prolong your back pain.
• When you are ready, engage in slow, easy stretching such as pulling your knees toward the chest. If it hurts doing any exercise, stop, slow down and try again later. Walking for short intervals can also help.
• Get back to your regular activities, such as work, as soon as you can. Modify activities as needed. But remember, staying active will stimulate blood flow, increase flexibility and prevent spasms.

DON’Ts

• Do not try to “play through the pain.” It is essential to let your body recover before resuming strenuous activity.
• Do not sleep on your stomach. This can worsen back pain.
• Do not perform heavy lifting or repetitive twisting of your back for up to six weeks. This can disrupt the healing process.
• Do not ignore how you injured yourself. Make changes to the way you lift. Practice good posture and use judgement when lifting heavy items (ask another person to help you). Strengthen your core with abdominal exercises, which can protect your back. Do not sit in one position for long periods of time. Move around and stretch every 20 minutes to help prevent injury. Consider lifestyle changes such as losing weight to reduce your chances of recurring back issues.

After throwing your back out, it is natural to worry that your back will never get better. Listen to your pain and take care of yourself. You will most likely be on the road to recovery with these simple at-home solutions.

Symptoms that require prompt medical attention, but are not an emergency include:

• Pain that has not reduced with at-home treatments
• Pain that continues to interfere with your daily activities

Seek emergency medical attention if you have the following symptoms related to your back pain:

• Bladder or bowel dysfunction
• Numbness down one or both legs
• Weakness or pain in your legs
• Fever greater than 101.5 F, or other symptoms of illness

Back Pain Treatment in Northern Virginia

 To make an appointment, call the Inova Spine Program at 703-776-4700 or visit inovaspine.org