3 Best Treatments for Pulled Muscles In Lower Back
- Ice for first 48-72 Hours Apply ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes, every couple of hours, to the area of injury for the first 48-72 hours. ...
- Self Massage Therapy Massage therapy can help to increase blood flow to the lower back, which helps to promote healing. ...
- Light Exercises And/Or Dynamic Stretches For Low Back
How long does it take for a pulled back muscle to heal?
Symptoms of a mild back strain usually improve within one to two weeks and are gone within four to six weeks. In the legs, mild or moderate strains may take up to 8 to 10 weeks or more to heal. Symptoms of a severe (Grade III) strain may persist until the torn muscle is repaired surgically. To help prevent muscle strains:
What the best way to treat a pulled back muscle?
Use the RICE method this way to help promote healing after pulling or straining a back muscle:
- Rest the back muscles by stopping any activity that puts extra strain on your upper back or lumbar region.
- Ice the pulled, strained, or torn back muscles to stop swelling and reduce the pain. ...
- Use a compression bandage to wrap the affected area to prevent movement and help prevent swelling.
What is the best way to relieve the back muscles?
- Mindfulness meditation. One study showed that mindfulness-based stress reduction improved back pain. ...
- Deep breathing. Taking deep breaths in and out for several minutes can calm the body’s stress response.
- Progressive muscle relaxation. This involves tensing and relaxing muscles in the body, focusing on one muscle group at a time. ...
- Guided imagery. ...
- Yoga. ...
What is the best treatment for a torn back muscle?
Treatment for a pulled muscle in the lower back
- Apply ice or heat. It’s a good idea to ice your back right away to reduce swelling. ...
- Anti-inflammatories. Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which in turn helps relieve the pain.
- Massage. ...
- Compression. ...
- Rest. ...
How long does it take for a pulled muscle in your back to heal?
Compared to many other kinds of back injuries, a pulled muscle is usually straightforward to diagnose and easy to treat, and symptoms usually resolve within 4 to 6 weeks. Some severe muscle injuries, such as a complete muscle tear, can take months to heal.
What is the fastest way to heal a pulled back muscle?
Treating a Pulled Back Muscle in 8 StepsApply cold. Cold helps reduce inflammation, which is the primary source of pain in the first few days. ... Use compression. ... Rest. ... Stretch. ... Pain medication. ... Perform strength exercises. ... Get a massage. ... Apply heat.
How do you know if you pulled a back muscle?
Symptoms of pulled muscle in lower back your back hurting more when you move, less when you stay still. pain in your back radiating down into your buttocks but not typically extending into your legs. muscle cramps or spasms in your back. trouble walking or bending.
Should I go to the doctor for a pulled back muscle?
If your back pain is from a recent strain or mild injury, your primary care doctor can probably help. But if the pain is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, it may be time to see a back doctor.
Is heat good for a pulled muscle?
A pulled muscle should first be treated using the R.I.C.E. method. During the first 72 hours, heat should be avoided to prevent increased swelling and inflammation. After about 72 hours, heat can be incorporated into treatment to increase blood flow and aid the overall healing process.
How do you fix a pulled muscle?
How to treat a pulled muscleRest. Rest the muscle for a few days or until your doctor gives you the okay. ... Ice. Apply ice to the injury for 20 minutes each hour you're awake. ... Compression. Wrapping the muscle with an elastic bandage can help bring down swelling. ... Elevation. ... Medication. ... Heat.
How painful can a pulled back muscle be?
Muscle strains are often quite painful. Many people describe the pain from tearing a muscle as a stabbing pain. Depending on which muscle you strained, your pain might be exacerbated in certain positions, such as bending over, sitting, or standing.
Should you massage a pulled muscle?
As is the case for muscle and tendon strains, deep tissue massage to the injury itself is contraindicated in the acute stage of any sprain. However, massage for your injury in the surrounding musculature can aid in reducing inflammation and speed up the recovery process.
How to prevent lower back muscle strain?
These include: stretching and strengthening exercises. walking, swimming, or other light cardiovascular training . losing weight.
How to heal a lower back muscle?
There are several exercises you can perform to help your lower back heal. Not only will they help the muscle spasms you may be having, they make your back stronger so it’s not as likely to become injured again. Here are a few easy stretching exercises. Take them slowly and move gradually into each position.
How do you know if you have a strained muscle in your lower back?
A strained muscle in your lower back can be quite painful. These are typical symptoms you might experience: your back hurting more when you move, less when you stay still. pain in your back radiating down into your buttocks but not typically extending into your legs. muscle cramps or spasms in your back.
What causes a pinched nerve in the lower back?
While a pulled muscle in your lower back could potentially cause a pinched nerve, this can also be caused by a herniated disc in your spine. If you feel radiant pain that extends into your legs, see a doctor right away.
How to prevent back pain?
Regularly exercising to help strengthen your back muscles can help prevent repeated back injuries. However, if you pull a muscle in your lower back and your pain doesn’t go away after several days, if you experience nerve tingling in your legs and feet, or if you have other symptoms like fever and weakness, see a doctor.
What happens when you pull a muscle?
You will probably notice pain and swelling, and the area will be tender to the touch. You may even notice redness or bruising.
What is the best medicine for pain?
Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which in turn helps relieve the pain. While these medications can be very effective, they also have many possible side effects and should not be used for long periods.
How to treat a pulled back muscle?
Most cases of a pulled back muscle are treated using standard self-care or non-invasive treatments. Some typical first-step treatments for a pulled low back muscle include: 1 Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen reduce inflammation, which often contributes to pain. Anti-inflammatory medicines are available over-the-counter or with a prescription.#N#See NSAIDs: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs 2 Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen, minimize pain by interfering with the way the brain interprets pain signals. Acetaminophen may also be included as an active ingredient in prescription medications, such as in combination with an opioid. 3 Muscle relaxants may be prescribed on a short-term basis to reduce muscle spasm. Most muscle relaxants do not affect muscles directly, but rather dampen pain receptors in the central nervous system. These medications have many side effects, and muscle relaxants also carry risk of addiction. 4 #N#See Muscle Relaxants: List of Common Muscle Relaxers#N# 5 Ice packs reduce inflammation that can occur shortly after a muscle is injured. Typical recommendations include applying a cold or ice pack for 10 - 20 minutes at regular intervals throughout the day, and using a towel or other barrier between the ice and the skin to prevent an ice burn.
What is the best medicine for a pulled lower back muscle?
Some typical first-step treatments for a pulled low back muscle include: Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen reduce inflammation, which often contributes to pain. Anti-inflammatory medicines are available over-the-counter or with a prescription.
How does massage help with back pain?
Massage therapy also releases endorphins, which lessen pain signals in the nervous system. Neuromuscular massage is considered especially helpful for low back muscle pain.
How to prevent back pain from flare ups?
Keeping the low back muscles active through stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce overall pain levels and prevent future flare-ups from occurring.
How to help lower back pain?
See Exercise Walking for Better Back Health. Activity modification, such as avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting when low back pain is intense, can help prevent worsening a muscle injury and low back pain.
What determines what kind of treatment is needed for a muscle injury?
Ultimately, the severity of a muscle injury will determine what kind of treatment is necessary.
Does acetaminophen help with pain?
Over-the-counter pain medicines, such as acetaminophen, minimize pain by interfering with the way the brain interprets pain signals. Acetaminophen may also be included as an active ingredient in prescription medications, such as in combination with an opioid.
How to relieve a pulled back muscle?
Stretches for a pulled-back muscle can do wonders to relieve strain instantly. You can include them in your massage therapy to improve blood circulation and relax muscles. Moreover, it can improve range of motion and decrease pain.
How to reduce lower back pain?
Using a back brace is another great way to reduce lower back pain. In fact, it is an effective and fast way to reduce strained back pain. The adjustable brace is a great recovery treatment for budging, misalignments, fractures, slipped discs, and strains.
Why do you need an X-ray for back pain?
If patients have severe sprains and strains and there is loss of mobility and weakness, a healthcare provider takes an X-ray to rule out a herniated (bulging) disc or fractured (broken) as the back pain cause.
What happens when you strain your back?
When you strain your back, the tendons and muscles supporting the spine are torn, pulled, or twisted.
What is the function of the back?
It functions with the support of ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and a network of blood vessels. However, your back, particularly the lower back or lumbar, bears much of your body’s weight while you run, walk, lift, or do other activities.
How do medical professionals diagnose strains?
Medical professionals diagnose mild strains by studying the medical history of the patients. A qualified healthcare provider reviews the symptoms of the patients and the reason for injury— or performs a physical examination.
How to reduce swelling in back?
Applying cold packs is incredibly effective in reducing blood flow to painful areas. This technique numbs back pain and decreases swelling and inflammation.
How to treat a pulled muscle in the back?
Pulled back muscle treatments also include essential oils that are effective to treat pulled, torn, or strained back muscles as well as Epsom salt bath.
How long does it take for a torn back muscle to heal?
A severely pulled trapezius, rhomboid, or latissimus dorsi muscle will take between 2 and 3 months to completely heal. Grade 3 torn back muscle.
What causes back pain?
Injury to your back can cause back muscle strain or a pulled back muscle. For example, Dr. William Blahd on WebMD says that upper and middle back pain can be caused by injury to the muscles and ligaments in the thoracic region. 5
What is the name of the muscle that connects the thoracic spine to the shoulder blades?
Rhomboid muscles are diamond-shaped muscles that are located on either side of your thoracic spine (upper spine). Both rhomboids (major and minor) connect your spine to your shoulder blades. A pulled or strained rhomboid will cause pain and discomfort on one or both sides of your upper back.
What is a strained back muscle?
A strained back muscle is a general term to describe damage to the muscle or tendon tissue. Doctors from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) say that a back muscle strain can happen over time because of repetitive actions that overstretch or damage the muscle. Or, the strain can be an acute injury caused by falling, twisting, or suffering trauma to the back. 1
Why does my back hurt?
Most people will suffer from back pain caused by a pulled, strained, or torn muscle in their back. Your back contains muscles, ligaments, and tendons that support your upper body, give you strength for performing tasks and help move your neck, shoulders, and arms. Pulling, straining, or tearing a muscle can cause shooting severe pain if you suffer an acute injury. Or, back muscle strain caused by overuse can cause deep aches and chronic pain that can affect your daily activities.
Which muscle is the longest?
The erector spinae are the longest muscles in your body and are found on either side of the spine. Advertisement. The erector spinae muscles help to keep your back straight and assist in rotating your back. Very often, incorrect posture or repetitive lifting can strain and even tear your erector spinae muscles.
How to help a person with a pulled back?
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, after a person pulls their lower back, they should: apply an ice pack for the first few days for 15–20 minutes, multiple times a day, to reduce any swelling.
What causes a pulled lumbar muscle?
What can cause a pulled lumbar muscle? Overstretching or tearing ligaments, which are bands of tissue that hold the vertebrae of the spine in place, can cause a sprain. A strain is a tear in either a muscle itself or one of the tendons that attach the muscles to the spinal column.
What happens when you stretch your muscles?
Strains happen when a person stretches the muscles or muscle fibers beyond their normal range of movement.
What kind of scan is needed for lumbar strain?
If they need to do further tests to examine the cause of the lumbar strain, the doctor may request: an X-ray. a CT scan. an MRI scan. They might also order an electromyogram to examine the muscle and nerve function or a radionuclide bone scan to look at the blood flow to the bone, as well as cell activity.
Why does my lower back hurt?
Other causes of lower back pain. According to the AANS, a pulled muscle is the most common cause of lower back pain. However, this symptom has other possible causes. If the pain is on the right side of the back, it may be due to appendicitis.
How to do a squat on the back?
Lie on the back with a flat cushion under the head. Bend the knees, keeping the feet straight and hip-width apart. Keep the upper body relaxed with the chin tucked in. Slowly flatten the lower back into the floor and lift the tailbone. Slowly perform the reverse movement, tilting the pelvis toward the heels.
What temperature is the pain in the back?
the injured part of the back is numb, discolored, or cold to the touch. a fever of 101°F (38.3°C) accompanies the pain. a person has lost control over the bladder or bowels. a person is unable to stand. urinating is painful or produces bloody urine. there is severe pain in the abdomen.
How to get rid of muscle strain in lower back?
Get up and walk around, even if for just a few minutes at a time. Incorporate gentle stretching exercises into your day to restore your mobility and protect your back against future injury. See Exercises for Lower Back Muscle Strain.
What is the best medicine for a strained back muscle?
Consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs can help reduce the inflammation of a strained back muscle and may temporarily decrease swelling and provide pain relief. Examples of over-the-counter NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Before using an NSAID, carefully read and follow the label’s directions.
What to do when your back hurts?
When your back pain suddenly flares up, discontinue the physical activity that you’re doing. It is important to protect your lower back from further injury. Don’t push through your workout or continue to do chores around the house. Overusing a strained back muscle may worsen the damage and delay the recovery.
How to sleep with a back strain?
A back muscle strain can make it difficult to sleep. For a more comfortable position to rest or sleep, try to keep your spine naturally aligned: 1 For people who prefer sleeping on the back, place a pillow underneath your knees to reduce stress on your lower back. 4 2 For people who prefer sleeping on the side, place a pillow between your knees to help maintain balanced hips and natural spine alignment.
How long does it take for a muscle to heal?
Some pain and stiffness are usually expected for a week or two as your muscles heal. If your symptoms don’t improve or continue to interfere with daily activities, contact your health care provider.
What is a pulled muscle in the lower back?
Here’s how: Lower Back Strain Video Save. Lower back strain, also referred to as a pulled muscle, is caused by damage to the muscles and ligaments of the lower back. Watch: Lower Back Strain Video.
How to get rid of bumps on back?
Applying ice to your back can reduce blood flow to the injured area, which helps numb the pain and reduce inflammation and swelling. 2 If you don’t have an instant ice pack on hand, you can try any of the following options: Fill a small plastic bag with ice (and include water to smooth out the bumps).
How long does it take for a pulled muscle in the lower back to heal?
Lower back pulled muscles tend to heal relatively quickly, with 90% of cases healing within a month. However, treatment may help to alleviate your symptoms and speed up healing. #1. Ice for first 48-72 Hours. Apply ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes, every couple of hours, to the area of injury for the first 48-72 hours.
How to heal a tight back muscle?
Self Massage Therapy. Massage therapy can help to increase blood flow to the lower back, which helps to promote healing. [5] . It also helps to loosen up tightened lower back muscles, which might be caused from those muscle spasms.
What is pulled muscle?
Pulled muscles can be classified as either: Strains (more common) – A tendon or a muscle that is stretched or torn. Strains are typically caused by an overload and stretching of the muscle and tendon that results in a partial or complete tear. Sprains – A ligament that is torn or stretched.
How to get rid of a swollen back?
Begin by kneeling on all fours with your hands positioned under your shoulders and your knees positioned directly below your hips. Exhale and arch your spine gently. Inhale and tighten your core muscle while you round your back. Aim for 10 repetitions.
What does it feel like to pull a muscle in your lower back?
If you pull a muscle in your lower back you may experience a range of symptoms from a dull, nagging ache, to debilitating pain, including: If you pull a muscle in your lower back you may experience varying intensities of pain, from a dull, nagging ache, to sharp pain. [2]
What is the best exercise for low back pain?
Exercise #3: Glute Bridge. This exercise is meant to activate your glutes, quads and core area. The idea is to use the muscles around your low back to send a signal to the brain that your muscles are in fact working fine, and thus your low back muscles can finally relax. Be gentle with this one and do it very slowly.
What is the best treatment for inflammation in the shin area?
Ice Therapy helps to help minimize inflammation in the area. [1] [3]
What is pulled muscle?
Jason DelCollo, DO, is board-certified in family medicine and on the faculty of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. A muscle strain, also called a pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle is stretched too far, and microscopic tears occur within the muscle fibers.
How to heal muscle strain?
Most muscle strain injuries will heal with simple treatment steps, but performing the right steps, at the right time, can be critical to ensuring the fastest possible recovery. As with many injuries, there is a balance between doing too much, or too little, early after the injury.
What are the symptoms of muscle strain?
The usual symptoms of this type of injury include pain, spasm of the muscle, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Often an athlete will feel a sudden grabbing or tearing sensation in the muscle, and then be unable to continue their activities. Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: 1 .
Why is it important to use caution when a muscle is fatigued?
6 . Athletes should use caution, especially as they become fatigued, as the muscle becomes more susceptible to strain injuries.
What is the best way to prevent muscle strain?
Gentle Stretching. Stretching and strengthening are useful in the treatment and prevention of muscle strain injuries. Muscles that are stronger and more flexible are less likely to be injured.
How long does it take to recover from a splint?
Rest is recommended for the early recovery phase, lasting one to five days depending on the severity of the injury. Immobilization is not usually necessary and can be potentially harmful. 2 Immobilization in a splint or cast should be carefully supervised by your healthcare provider, as this can lead to stiffness of the muscle.
How does temperature affect muscle stiffness?
Laboratory studies have shown that temperature can influence the stiffness of a muscle. 4 By keeping the body and muscles warm, the muscle is less likely to sustain a strain type of injury.