what is the best treatment for pulled muscles in back

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: Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen reduce inflammation, which often contributes to pain.

Full Answer

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.

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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 back muscle 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.

How do you know if your back muscle is pulled?

Common Symptoms of a Pulled Back MuscleDull, achy low back pain. Strained muscles usually feel sore, tight, or achy. ... Intensified pain with movement. Low back strain typically worsens with specific movements that activate the affected muscles. ... Pain that is localized in the low back.

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.

What is the fastest home remedy for back pain?

7 Ways to Relieve Back Pain NaturallyEnjoy an anti-inflammatory drink every day. ... Fall asleep faster and sleep longer. ... Avoid prolonged static posture. ... Gently stretch your joints and soft tissues through yoga. ... Try mindful meditation. ... Support your body in a warm pool. ... Keep a self-activating heat patch handy.

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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 to prevent lower back muscle strain?

These include: stretching and strengthening exercises. walking, swimming, or other light cardiovascular training . losing weight.

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.

What is the best treatment for a pulled 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 ...

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.

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.

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.

Should you avoid aggressive chiropractic manipulation?

Aggressive chiropractic manipulation should be avoided at the onset of treatment . It is best to restore health in a very gradual and dedicated process, watching for worsening symptoms versus improvement. Ultimately, the severity of a muscle injury will determine what kind of treatment is necessary.

How to heal a strained back muscle?

Carefully remove the sock being careful if it is too hot. Wrap the rice-filled sock in a warm moist towel and apply to the painful pulled or strained back muscle. Use 3 or 4 times a day for 20 minutes to help boost healing of a strained back muscle.

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 muscles are used to throw objects?

For example, doctors from AAOS say that trapezius muscles and rhomboids are required to throw objects with force. If this is done in a jerking motion or if the muscles and tendons have not been warmed up, you could pull a muscle in your left upper back or right upper back. 10.

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.

How to get rid of knots in back?

Massage the therapeutic essential oil mix into your rhomboids, trapezius, or latissimus dorsi muscles to ease the strain. Use twice a day, and to get rid of knots in your back continue using until your back pain has eased and you no longer have symptoms of a pulled or torn muscle.

What does it mean when a muscle tear in the back hurts?

A tear in a back muscle is a more serious injury that results in some of the tissue tearing from the connective joint or tendon. Doctors from the AAOS say that a torn muscle will cause significant swelling and will probably result in the affected area becoming immobile. 1.

7 Simple Ways to Treat a Strained Back Muscle

If you have ever sprained your back muscles, you probably know the answer to “what does a pulled back muscle feel like”?

What is Muscle Strain?

As mentioned earlier, strain is typically an injury to either your tendon or muscles. Tendons are solid fibrous bands of thick tissues that connect muscles to bones. When you strain your back, the tendons and muscles supporting the spine are torn, pulled, or twisted.

Causes of a Strained Back Muscle

Sometimes even simply pulling or twisting a tendon or muscles may result in a strained back. That means, even a single instance of overstressing the lower back muscles or improper lifting can cause back strain. If you have a long-term (chronic) strain, it may be the result of repetitive, prolonged muscles and tendon use.

Can You Diagnose Strained Back Muscle?

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 Treat a Strained Back Muscle

In many cases of a sprained back or pulled back muscle, doctors use non-invasive and standard self-care treatments. Here are some first-step strained upper back muscle treatment options to effectively reduce pain.

Summing Up

All in all, regardless of the reason you develop muscle strain, it is a painful condition and may worsen if not treated on time. The abovementioned seven ways can help you reduce the pain and heal muscles faster.

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.

How to help lower back pain?

Yoga may also help relieve pain and strengthen the back. According to a 2016 systematic review. , yoga may be an effective treatment option for chronic lower back pain. By strengthening the back and improving flexibility, this practice may help prevent a person from pulling the muscles in the lower back.

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 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 long does it take to recover from a sprain?

Most lower back strains and sprains should recover in 2 weeks, and according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), more than 90% of people recover fully in 1 month. A person should avoid vigorous exercise for 8 weeks to reduce the risk of damaging the back further.

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.

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.

How to do a squat on your back?

How to perform it: Begin lying on your back on the floor with your knees bent and feet positioned flat on the floor with your arms positioned beside your torso. Use your heels to push into the floor while you lift your pelvis off the floor until your upper body and thighs are positioned in a straight line.

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.

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 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.

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 stiffness in back?

Switching from ice to heat therapy. Place a heat pack or electric heating pad against your back. The warmth will increase blood flow to the injured area and may soothe your strained muscles and connective tissues. 1 Heat therapy can also reduce stiffness so you can more easily get up and exercise.

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).

What to do if your back hurts?

Massage. If your back pain is caused by tense or overworked muscles, massage might help. Yoga. There are several types of yoga, a broad discipline that involves practicing specific postures or poses, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques.

What are some alternative treatments for back pain?

Always discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor before starting a new alternative therapy. Chiropractic care. A chiropractor manipulates your spine to ease your pain. Acupuncture.

What is the best treatment for pain in the leg?

Cortisone injections. If other measures don't relieve your pain, and if your pain radiates down your leg, your doctor may inject cortisone — a strong anti-inflammatory drug — plus a numbing medication into the space around your spinal cord (epidural space).

How to stop pain from a swollen thigh?

Bed rest isn't recommended. Continue your activities as much as you can tolerate. Try light activity, such as walking and activities of daily living. Stop activity that increases pain, but don't avoid activity out of fear of pain.

How long does it take for back pain to go away?

Most back pain gets better within a month of home treatment. However, everyone is different, and back pain is a complex condition. For many, the pain doesn't go away for a few months, but only a few have persistent, severe pain.

What can you do to find out if you have a herniated disk?

MRI or CT scans. These scans generate images that can reveal herniated disks or problems with bones, muscles, tissue, tendons, nerves, ligaments and blood vessels. Blood tests. These can help determine whether you have an infection or other condition that might be causing your pain. Bone scan.

What can a physical therapist do to help you?

A physical therapist can teach you exercises to increase your flexibility, strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, and improve your posture. Regular use of these techniques can help keep pain from returning.

What is the best way to treat back strain?

They’ll focus on the injured area and work to treat it. A chiropractor is also a great choice if you’re looking for a more natural treatment option. They’ll also be able to recommend and teach you stretches and exercises that can help treat your back strain. Method 10. of 11:

How to help a strained back?

It’ll help reduce swelling. If you’ve just strained your back, start with cold. Use an ice pack or place a towel over the strained area to protect your skin. Place the ice pack on top of the towel and leave it in place for 15-20 minutes.

How to heal a toe strain?

If the strain persists, heat a microwavable bag of grain and place it over the area to encourage blood flow and promote healing. After a few days, perform some light stretches, like trying to touch your toes while sitting down, to strengthen the muscles.

How to stretch your back?

Try a back flexion stretch by lying down on your back, pulling both of your knees to your chest, and flexing your head forward until you feel a nice stretch. Another option is a knee-to-chest stretch, which you can do by lying on your back with your feet flat on the floor.

How to stop back pain from ice?

Controlling the initial swelling can help with the pain. Ice your back up to 3 times a day: in the morning, in the late afternoon, and about 30 minutes before bedtime. Method 2. of 11: Switch to applying heat after 3 days. ...

What are some good pain meds to take for swelling?

1. They can help with pain and inflammation. NSAIDs include over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin. Pick some up from your local pharmacy and take them according to the directions on the packaging to reduce your pain and swelling.

Does acupuncture help with back pain?

While research isn’t fully conclusive, there’s some evidence that it could be a viable treatment for back pain. If your back pain isn’t showing signs of improvement, acupuncture may work for you. Look for acupuncturists in your area and make an appointment to see them.