what the best treatment for a pull muscle in your lower back

^{3 Best Treatments for Pulled Muscles In Lower Back}

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. ...
2. Self Massage Therapy Massage therapy can help to increase blood flow to the lower back, which helps to promote healing. ...
3. 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 causes pulled muscle in lower back?

Pulled Back Muscle and Lower Back Strain

• Types of Lower Back Strain. Muscle strain occurs when fibers in a muscle begin to tear from being overstretched or overused (commonly called a pulled muscle).
• Inflammation and Muscle Spasm. When soft tissues in the low back are stretched or torn, the surrounding area will typically become inflamed.
• The Course of Lower Back Muscle Strain. ...

What is the best thing for pulled muscle?

Your doctor may recommend the following at-home treatments:

• Rest. 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. Elevate the injured muscle to reduce swelling.
• Medication. ...
• Heat. ...

What are the symptoms of a pulled back muscle?

• Dull, 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. Pain is usually concentrated in the lower back. ...

What is the fastest way to heal a pulled lower back muscle?

To speed the healing, you should: Ice your back to reduce pain and swelling as soon as you injure yourself. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days. You can also ice your back after physical activity.

How long does it take for a pulled muscle to heal in the lower back?

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 do I know if I have pulled a muscle in my lower back?

Symptoms to expect from a pulled lower back muscle—or any type of lower back strain—typically include: Dull, achy low back pain. 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.

What can I take for a pulled muscle in my lower back?

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.

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.

Is a heating pad good for a pulled muscle?

Use a heating pad or a warm towel to help relieve muscle aches and tension. Be sure not to cause yourself more pain and avoid burns by using a towel between the heating pad and your skin. As with ice, only apply heat for about 20 minutes at a time.

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.

How do you heal a pulled back muscle overnight?

After 24 to 72 hours, you may consider: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. ... Gentle exercises and stretches. Don't stay immobile for too long.

How should I sleep with a pulled back muscle?

1. Sleep on your side to relieve pain from a pulled back muscleAvoid a tight curled-up fetal position (knees pulled in toward the body), and instead sleep with your body slightly elongated.Slip a slim pillow between your knees to support the natural curvature of your spine.More items...

What does a pulled back muscle feel like?

Symptoms of a Pulled Back Muscle If you have pulled a muscle in your back, you will probably feel it as a sudden sharp pain when you lift, bend, or twist. The pain can range from mildly irritating to intense and debilitating depending on how badly the muscle is strained.

Should I stretch a pulled muscle?

While it may seem counterintuitive, stretching a strained muscle only makes it worse. Your best bet involves avoiding any movement that agitates the affected area and continue to rest until the pain subsides.

How to treat a pulled back muscle?

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 . Apply a cold pack for 15-20 minutes as soon as the injury occurs. Take a break of at least 20 minutes between each ...

What causes a pulled muscle in the back?

Causes and Diagnosis of a Pulled Back Muscle. Trauma, stress, and tension may all cause strains and sprains. Some of the most common causes include: Falling, especially if you hit the ground hard or fall in an awkward position. Repetitive movements that stress and irritate the back muscles. Unsafe lifting, lifting while twisting, ...

What to do after a muscle strain?

Right after a muscle strain, it is important to limit your activity level and avoid movements that increase pain. After the initial pain subsides, returning to previous level of activity may help prevent the muscles from growing weak. Stretch.

What tests can be done to determine if you have a sprain or strain?

If another injury, such as a broken bone or herniated disc, is possible, the provider may do other tests, such as an x-ray or MRI scan. 3

How long does it take for a pulled muscle to heal?

This common injury ranges from a minor inconvenience to an intense source of pain. It can take several weeks, and in some cases a few months, to heal. 1. A pulled muscle is the common term ...

How to help a muscle that is weak?

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 slow recovery and increase the chances of future injuries.

What is the pain in the lower back?

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.

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 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.

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 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 happens if you pull your lower back?

Symptoms of a pulled lower back include: loss of function and restricted movement. difficulty walking, bending, or standing straight. swelling and bruising.

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.

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 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]

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.

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.

What is abnormal posture?

Abnormal posture due to pain and stiffness in the lower back. [1] Muscle spasm at rest or with activity. [1] [3] [4] Guarding of the surrounding muscles.

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 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 treat a pulled lower back muscle?

Once it's confirmed that you have a pulled lower back muscle, the treatment is relatively simple. The first steps can be done at home and are known as RICE: rest, ice, compression and elevation. For the first week after your injury, it's best to avoid activity, apply ice and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as you let the swelling go down.

How to tell if you have a pulled muscle in your lower back?

A doctor might order an X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), EMG (electromyograph) or radionucleotide bone scan to confirm that you have a pulled lower back muscle.

What is a pulled muscle?

Pulled muscles are also known as strains, which can affect either the muscle itself or the tendon, which is a thick band of tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. Muscle strains can range from a mild or moderate overstretch of the muscle or a partial tear. In severe cases, a strain may indicate a complete tear.

Can a back injury cause a tear?

If home remedies and physical therapy don't make your injury better, you might have a more serious lower back strain. It's possible to have a complete tear in your muscle, which would require surgery and a longer recovery period. It's important that you see a doctor if your symptoms don't get better to rule out this more serious condition.

Can soccer strain your muscles?

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons explains that sports like soccer, football, hockey, wrestling and other contact sports put you at risk for muscle strains. They also cite explosive sports that require quick starts, like hurdling, long jump and running races, as potentials for acute strains.

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 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.

What is the best medicine for pain?

Anti-inflammatory or anti-swelling medicines, including aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can also help reduce inflammation that contributes to your pain. You can buy prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines.

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 to relieve back pain from a muscle strain?

Heat is a great way to relieve muscle soreness that has been caused by pulling, straining, or tearing a back muscle. Heat can also help to get rid of pain while a grade 2 or grade 3 muscle strain is healing. Heat is also an effective pain-relieving treatment for chronic back pain.

What Does Pulled, Strained, or Torn Muscle in Back Feel Like?

Doctors from the Mayo Clinic say that a strained muscle will feel painful and sore and you may notice some swelling around the injured area.

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

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 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

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.

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 treat a burn on the 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. Apply heat therapy for up to 20 minutes at a time with 2 hours of rest in between. When using a heating pad, always follow the directions carefully to reduce the risk for a burn.

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 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 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 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 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.