what is the treatment for lower back strain

How to Treat a Strained Lower Back

• Method 1 Treating a Sprain at Home. Ice your back to reduce swelling. Wrap a bag of ice or reusable frozen gel packs in...
• Method 2 Stretching and Exercising Your Lower Back. Take short walks each day. While complete bedrest might feel like...
• Method 3 Getting Medical Care. Seek immediate care if you exhibit serious symptoms. If you are...

Full Answer

What to do if you strain your lower back?

• Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds or so.
• Your doctor may also recommend specific stretches for you to try.
• Don’t try to push through any pain or you could make the strain worse. If a stretch starts to hurt, stop right away.

How do you treat a lower back strain?

To speed the healing, you should:

• Ice your back to reduce pain and swelling as soon as you injure yourself. ...
• Apply heat to your back -- but only after 2-3 days of icing it first. ...
• Take painkillers or other drugs, if recommended by your doctor. ...
• Use support. ...
• Get physical therapy to build up strength, if your doctor recommends it. ...

More items...

What exercises put stress on your lower back?

What Exercises Put Stress on Your Lower Back?

• Bad Exercises. Some exercises can be totally eliminated from your repertoire. ...
• Proper Form. Some exercises shouldn't strain your back, but can if you don't maintain proper form. ...
• Bad Variations. Leg curls on a machine are basic hamstring strengtheners. ...
• Modifications. ...

What is the best treatment for lower back problems?

Treatment options for lower back pain

• Self-help for lower back pain. There are a number of things you can do to help relieve back pain. ...
• Medicines. Your GP may recommend that you take over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) – for example, ibuprofen.
• Physical therapies. ...
• Psychological therapy. ...
• Injections and other procedures. ...
• Surgery. ...

How long does it take for lower back strain to heal?

Back muscle strains typically heal with time, many within a few days, and most within 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients with mild or moderate lumbar strains make a full recovery and are free of symptoms within days, weeks, or possibly months.

What does a back strain feel like?

Strained muscles usually feel sore, tight, or achy. Pain that feels hot, tingling, or electric is more likely caused by an irritated nerve root, not a pulled muscle. Intensified pain with movement. Low back strain typically worsens with specific movements that activate the affected muscles.

Is walking good for lower back pain?

The simple movement of walking is one of the best things we can do for chronic lower back pain. Ten to fifteen minutes of walking twice a day will help ease lower back pain. Substitute this activity for a more vigorous type of exercise if you prefer and/or are able.

What is the fastest way to relieve back pain?

Exercise has been found to be one of the most effective ways to relieve back pain quickly. Try swimming, walking, or yoga.

What causes lower back strain?

Lumbar muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. Lumbar sprain is caused when ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that hold bones together) are torn from their attachments. Both of these can result from a sudden injury or from gradual overuse.

How do you know if you strained your back?

Symptoms of a strain or sprain include: Pain that gets worse when you move. Muscle cramping or spasms (sudden uncontrollable muscle contractions) Decreased function and/or range of motion of the joint (difficulty walking, bending forward or sideways, or standing straight)

How should I sit with lower back pain?

Sit with a back support (such as a rolled-up towel) at the curve of your back. Keep your hips and knees at a right angle. (Use a foot rest or stool if necessary.) Your legs should not be crossed and your feet should be flat on the floor.

What exercises to avoid if you have lower back pain?

Worst Exercises for Back PainAvoid: Crunches.Try this instead: Modified sit-ups. Start by lying on your back. ... Avoid: High-impact activities.Try this instead: Water aerobics or yoga. ... Avoid: Running.Try this instead: Walking. ... Avoid: Biking off road.Try this instead: Use a recumbent bike.More items...•

What should I not do with lower back pain?

Do not sit on a low soft couch with a deep seat. It will force you to sit with your hips lower than your knees and will round your back. You will loose the normal curve in your back. Do not place your legs straight out in front of you while sitting (e.g. sitting in the bath tub).

What drinks help back pain?

Cherry juice can help relieve muscle pain, which may be chronic or exercise-induced. Cherry juice is easily available to buy at grocery stores and commonly contains the tart cherry extract. Try drinking a glass of cherry juice on a daily basis and see if it has positive effects in relieving your back pain.

Is a heating pad good for back pain?

Heat therapy is an effective remedy for back pain because it boosts circulation, which then allows nutrients and oxygen to travel to joints and muscles. This circulation helps repair damaged muscles, relieves inflammation, and improves back stiffness. Any type of heat therapy can help relieve back pain.

Is it better to sit or lay down with lower back pain?

You should lie down to relieve the pain, but the goal should be not to return to sitting, but rather to regain your ability to stand and move. "The goal isn't to get into the chair. The goal is to start moving. Walking is better than sitting," he says.

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.

How to treat a strained lower back muscle?

1. Ice your back to reduce swelling. Wrap a bag of ice or reusable frozen gel packs in a cloth, and apply it to your injured lower back. This should reduce swelling and pain. Keep your strained muscles cool for 15-20 minutes at a time, then remove the ice for at least that long. [1]

What is the best way to relieve back pain?

Massage is a helpful form of pain-relief that can lead to better long-term back comfort. Ask your masseuse to focus on the quadratus lumborum (QL) and the gluteus medius. Only go to an experienced masseuse who is familiar with back injuries. An inexperienced masseuse can re-injure you.

How to heal a sprained core?

Rest in comfortable positions. Walking and stretching will help you heal, and exercising will strengthen your core so that you prevent future injuries. Consider getting a massage to relieve your pain. Visit your doctor if your pain is intense, lasts longer than a week, or travels to other parts of your body.

How to stop back pain from bedrest?

While complete bedrest might feel like the safest response to a lower back strain, it can actually worsen your back pain. Walk and move through your day as you normally do, stopping if anything worsens the pain. Walk 10 to 15 minutes a day at first and work up to more.

How to prevent back pain?

3. Attend physical therapy if recommended by your doctor. Physical therapy is one of the most effective interventions for a back injury. Your physical therapist can also treat you stretches and exercises that will help you prevent strengthen your core and prevent future back pain.

How to help lower back pain?

Yoga focuses on mental relaxation as well as physical stretching, so it can be useful in addressing the mental aspects of coping with lower back pain. Try Iyengar yoga, Viniyoga, or a class that is specifically designed for back pain.

What causes lower back pain?

Lower back strain is the most common cause of lower back pain. It can occur gradually, from overuse, or come on suddenly from injury. Most lower back strain can be treated using non-invasive at home methods. Use ice, heat, or both, and consider taking an over-the-counter medication. Rest in comfortable positions.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

What is the best treatment for low back pain?

Therapy may include pelvic traction, gentle massage, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation and stretching exercises.

How to help back pain?

Staying active and avoiding bed rest is recommended when experiencing back pain. Bed rest can lead to a loss of muscle strength and may increase muscle stiffness, adding to pain and discomfort. Sprain and strain is commonly treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, if the pain is mild to moderate.

What is a lumbar strain?

Lumbar muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. Lumbar sprain is caused when ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that hold bones together) are torn from their attachments. Both of these can result from a sudden injury or from gradual overuse. Lumbar strain or sprain can be debilitating.

How long does it take to recover from a lumbar sprain?

More than 90% of patients completely recover from an episode of lumbar muscle strain or sprain within one month. Heat and ice treatment are recommended on an as-needed basis at home to treat sudden flare-ups of low back pain, along with anti-inflammatory medications.

What causes a swollen lower back muscle?

Low Back Strain and Sprain. When the lumbar (lower) spine is strained or sprained, the muscles and tissues become swollen. This inflammation causes pain and may cause muscle spasms.

Why does my lower back hurt?

Muscle strains and sprains are common in the lower back, because it supports the weight of the upper body and is involved in moving, twisting and bending . Lumbar muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn.

How long does low back pain last?

Inability to maintain normal posture due to stiffness and/or pain. Muscle spasms either with activity or at rest. Pain that persists for a maximum of 10-14 days.

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.

How to treat a back pain?

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.

What is lumbar strain?

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.

How do you know if you have a lumbar strain?

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.

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

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 that is accompanied by fever, weakness in the leg, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels.

Can lumbar strain cause pain?

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.

What is the best treatment for low back pain?

Several types of complementary therapy may be helpful for relief from low back pain. These include: acupuncture, in which therapists insert hair-thin sterilized needles into precise points in the body to release blocked energy. spinal manipulation, in which chiropractors apply pressure directly to the body to correct spinal alignment.

What are some home remedies for low back pain?

movement therapies, such as yoga and tai chi, which can help stretch and strengthen back muscles. Although the evidence is mixed about whether these therapies are effective, when they do work, it is often when they are combined with the other home remedies for low back pain. – By Matthew Solan. Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch.

Why does my lower back hurt?

Sometimes, a disc pushes outside the space between the bones and compresses a nerve at the point where it branches off the spinal cord . When the sciatic nerve that leads into the buttocks and leg is affected, the pain is called sciatica.

How to heal a swollen back?

But try to limit it to a few hours at a time and for no more than one or two days. Physical activity. Exercise helps build strong, flexible muscles that will be less prone to injury. It can also help the healing process for an aching back, prevent problems in the future, and improve function.

What to do if you have a back injury?

Cold and heat therapies. It's best to use cold compresses or an ice pack, not heat, immediately following a back injury, since this can alleviate pain by numbing the area and prevent or reduce swelling.

How long does it take for a low back to heal?

If the pain does not improve after three to four days, then it's time to see a doctor. However, depending on the source of your back pain and its severity, you might try a few home remedies for low back pain to help ease the pain until your back returns to normal. Here are several options to consider:

How many people have back pain?

In fact, according to the Harvard Special Health Report Men's Health: Fifty and Forward, back pain affects about four in five Americans at some point in their lives and equally strikes men and women. Age is often the culprit.

Diagnosis

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Alternative Medicine

• A number of alternative treatments might ease symptoms of back pain. Always discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor before starting a new alternative therapy. 1. Chiropractic care.A chiropractor manipulates your spine to ease your pain. 2. Acupuncture.A practitioner of acupuncture inserts thin sterilized needles into the skin at specific po...

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