How long does lower back strain take to heal. Lower Back Strain Recovery: Expert Guide to Healing Time and Treatment
How long does lower back strain take to heal. What are the common causes of lower back pain. Will bed rest help resolve lower back pain. When should you see a doctor for lower back pain.
Understanding Lower Back Pain: Prevalence and Impact
Lower back pain is a widespread health issue, affecting approximately 25% of the U.S. population. This condition can significantly impact daily life, particularly for individuals over 40. For those 60 and above, lower back pain can become debilitating, substantially reducing quality of life.
As we age, the disks in our lower back naturally thin, diminishing their ability to support the spine effectively. This reduction in support increases vulnerability to injuries and poor posture, which can exacerbate lower back pain. Additionally, some cases of lower back pain are linked to congenital disorders that may manifest later in life.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can stem from various sources, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Understanding these causes is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Here are some of the most common culprits:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Disk issues
- Structural problems
- Bone weakening conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Facet joint dysfunction
- Spondylolisthesis
Sprains and Strains: The Leading Cause
Sprains and strains are among the most frequent causes of lower back pain. These injuries typically occur when muscles, ligaments, or tendons are overexerted or stretched beyond their limits. Common scenarios include lifting heavy objects without proper support, or sudden movements like twisting, sneezing, bending, or coughing.
Fractures and Their Impact
Spine fractures can result from high-impact accidents or underlying medical conditions. Osteoporosis and spondylitis, for instance, increase the risk of spinal fractures. These breaks in the bone structure can cause severe lower back pain and may require immediate medical attention.
Disk-Related Issues
The disks in our vertebrae play a crucial role in maintaining spinal position and flexibility. When these disks become misaligned or degenerate, they can press on nearby nerves, resulting in lower back pain. Herniated disks are a common example of this type of issue.
Types of Lower Back Pain: Acute vs. Chronic
Lower back pain is generally categorized into two main types: acute and chronic. Understanding the difference between these types can help in determining the appropriate course of treatment and recovery expectations.
Acute Lower Back Pain
Acute lower back pain typically lasts from a few days to a few weeks. In most cases, it resolves on its own within a few days with proper self-care. However, complete symptom resolution may take up to several months in some instances.
Chronic Lower Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain persists for 12 weeks or longer. This type of pain often requires more intensive treatment and may be indicative of underlying conditions that need addressing.
Recovery Time for Lower Back Pain
How long does it take to recover from lower back pain? The answer to this question isn’t straightforward, as recovery time can vary significantly based on several factors:
- The nature and extent of the injury
- The underlying cause of the pain
- The type of treatment used
- The patient’s daily activities and lifestyle
While there’s no standard timeframe for lower back pain recovery, most acute cases improve within a few weeks with proper care. Chronic cases may require ongoing management and treatment.
The Role of Rest in Lower Back Pain Recovery
Is bed rest the best solution for lower back pain? Contrary to popular belief, extended periods of bed rest may not always be beneficial for lower back pain recovery. In fact, in some cases, it can even exacerbate the condition.
The Drawbacks of Prolonged Bed Rest
While short periods of rest can provide relief, prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle weakness and stiffness, potentially worsening lower back pain. In extreme cases, excessive bed rest may even interfere with sleep patterns and daily activities.
The Importance of Balanced Activity
Current medical advice often recommends a balance between rest and gentle activity for optimal lower back pain recovery. Light exercises, stretches, and maintaining regular movement (within pain limits) can help promote healing and prevent further complications.
Effective Strategies for Lower Back Pain Relief
While recovery times may vary, there are several strategies that can help alleviate lower back pain and promote faster healing:
- Apply ice or heat therapy
- Practice gentle stretching exercises
- Maintain good posture
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Consider physical therapy
- Practice stress-reduction techniques
- Ensure adequate sleep and rest
The Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be particularly beneficial for lower back pain recovery. A trained therapist can provide targeted exercises and techniques to strengthen the back muscles, improve flexibility, and promote proper alignment. This approach not only aids in recovery but can also help prevent future episodes of lower back pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Lower Back Pain
While many cases of lower back pain can be managed at home, there are instances where professional medical attention is necessary. But when should you consult a doctor for your lower back pain?
It’s advisable to seek medical help if:
- Your pain persists for more than a few weeks
- The pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest
- You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs
- You have difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
- The pain is accompanied by unexplained weight loss or fever
These symptoms may indicate more serious underlying conditions that require prompt medical evaluation and treatment.
Prevention Strategies for Lower Back Pain
While not all cases of lower back pain can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and maintain a healthy back:
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Excess weight puts additional stress on your lower back. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing lower back pain.
Practice Good Posture
Poor posture is a common contributor to lower back pain. Be mindful of your posture when sitting, standing, and lifting objects. Use ergonomic furniture and supports when necessary.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise, particularly activities that strengthen core muscles, can help support your lower back and prevent pain. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and yoga can be especially beneficial.
Use Proper Lifting Techniques
When lifting heavy objects, bend at the knees and keep the object close to your body. Avoid twisting while lifting, and ask for help with particularly heavy items.
Manage Stress
Stress can contribute to muscle tension, which may lead to or exacerbate lower back pain. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness to help keep stress levels in check.
By understanding the causes, types, and management strategies for lower back pain, you can take proactive steps towards recovery and prevention. Remember, while most cases of lower back pain resolve with time and proper care, persistent or severe pain should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
How Many Days Should I Rest For Lower Back Pain Recovery?
Content
- Overview
- Common causes of lower back pain
- What’s the average recovery time for low back pain?
- Will bed rest resolve lower back pain?
- Tips to help relieve lower back pain
- Can extended bed rest aggravate my lower back pain?
- When to see your doctor
- The lowdown
Lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain in the US, affecting about 25% of the population.¹ It can result from diseases and injuries. Still, in most cases, it results from injury to the tendons and muscles in your back. Most people experience this form of pain from heavy lifting and hard work.
Despite being a source of relief, extended bed rest can also aggravate lower back pain. In extreme cases, too much rest may make it impossible to sleep or work.
In this article, we will answer the question, “how many days should you rest to recover from lower back pain?”
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Lower back pain is more common in individuals over the age of 40. For individuals aged 60 and above, lower back pain can become disabling, reducing their quality of life.²
As you age, the disks located on your lower back become thinner, making them less effective in supporting the spine. When the spine isn’t well-supported, you are more prone to injuries and poor posture, aggravating lower back pain.
In addition, lower back pain can also be linked to congenital disorders, which means you may acquire them at birth but present later in life.³
Below are more causes of lower back pain:
Sprains and strains
Strains and sprains in the lower back are among the top causes of back pain. These conditions strain and injure muscles, ligaments, and tendons and mainly occur when lifting heavy objects without any support. Some individuals may also sustain strains on their back when twisting, sneezing, bending, or coughing.
Fractures
During impact accidents, bones in your spine can fracture, resulting in lower back pain. Also, some medical conditions, such as osteoporosis and spondylitis, increase the risk of fractures in the spine.
Disk issues
Disks in your vertebrae help keep your spine in position. When disks get out of position, they can press on nerves and cause lower back pain. With age, some disks degenerate, and others, such as the herniated disks, worsen pain in your back.
Structural problems
One such condition is spinal stenosis which occurs when the spinal column becomes too narrow for the spinal cord. In such cases, you may experience severe pain in your lower back.
Scoliosis, when the spine forms a curvature instead of being straight, is another structural problem that causes stiffness, pain, and difficulty in moving.
Bone weakening conditions
Osteoporosis is a form of bone disease that can cause lower back pain and is most common in women. The thinning of bone tissue in the spine increases the risk of fractures and broken bones, and a minor injury in the spine can result in very painful conditions.
Fibromyalgia
This condition causes pain in different body parts, including the lower back. It’s characterized by widespread soft tissue pain, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and tenderness in different body parts.
Facet joint dysfunction
Each vertebrae disk has two facet joints on the backside. These joints can become dysfunctional with age, leading to lower back pain. Facet joint syndrome is a degenerative disease similar to arthritis that occurs due to inflammation of the cartilage in these joints.
Spondylolisthesis
Typical wear and tear of different structures in the spine make it difficult for ligaments and joints to keep the spine in its proper position. Spondylolisthesis occurs when a vertebra slides on top of another, pressing nerves in the spine and causing lower back pain.
There are two types of lower back pain: acute and chronic back pain. Acute lower back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks, and it tends to resolve itself within a few days with proper self-care. In some cases, it may take up to a few months for the symptoms to disappear completely. Chronic lower back pain lasts for up to 12 weeks or longer.
How Long Does Lower Back Pain Last?
However, there is no standard time frame for lower back pain recovery since the causes of back pain are so diverse. Recovery time may vary depending on the following factors:
The nature of the injury
Cause of the pain
The extent of the injury
Type of treatment used for the injury
The activities a patient is involved in
Most people are inclined to rest when they experience lower back pain. Medical practitioners commonly prescribed bed rest to relieve lower back pain in the past. Recent studies, however, show that staying in bed for more than 48 hours doesn’t help you heal faster but rather delays recovery.⁴
Extended bed rest causes your muscles to lose their strength and flexibility, leading to more pain and the potential to reinjure the tissue. ⁵ Prolonged bed rest is only an option for people with back pain due to severe spine injuries.
To get the most benefit from your rest, limit how long you lay down to a few hours at a time and for no more than a day or two. You can rest on a sofa or bed in a comfortable position.
A good way to reduce strain is placing a pillow between your knees and beneath your head when lying on your side, under your hips when lying on your stomach, and under your knees when lying on your back. These positions help reduce the strain that sitting and standing put on your back.
Staying active during your discomfort is a better way of managing lower back pain, and it’s recommended to engage in active rest. Active rest refers to moving as much as can be tolerated while avoiding activities that make your back pain worse, such as heavy lifting or jogging. Alongside appropriate stretches and exercise, active rest can help you quickly recover from lower back pain.⁶
Here are some tips that can help you recover from lower back pain faster.
Consider short periods of bed rest
You should consider bed rest for a few hours when your lower back pain becomes severe. Place a pillow between your knees and sleep on your side when in bed.
Keep moving
The sponge disks and soft tissues in the spine rely on a steady supply of blood flow to get nutrients and oxygen to help your spine heal faster. When you rest in bed for an extended period, your heart rate decreases and your blood flows more slowly. The trick is to remain active to ensure enough blood flow to your spine to deliver the nutrients needed for healing.
Medication
Pain killers can help relieve lower back pain. Also, if the pain is due to an underlying medical condition, your doctor can prescribe the appropriate drugs to treat the root cause. Follow your doctor’s instructions for optimal results when taking these medications.
Exercise if possible
If you suffer from lower back pain, switching between rest periods and activity helps your body respond better and recover faster. Moderate exercise is the best way to increase blood flow to your spine and ensure you get sufficient nutrients for faster healing.
Yes, extended bed rest can worsen your lower back pain significantly. Here’s what happens to your back when you rest for extended periods:
Muscle conditioning
Flexor and extensor muscles in your spine are responsible for backward and forward bending movements. When you lie in bed for prolonged periods, these muscles become weak and reduce in size.
Increased risk of injury
During prolonged rest periods, changes in your spine make your back weaker and more prone to lower back pain. The risk of injury due to spinal instability also increases.
Typically, taking breaks while moving and exercising eases your lower back pain. However, if your condition doesn’t improve, it’s time to see your doctor. It is also advisable to see a doctor if your pain lasts for more than 24 to 48 hours. The following are signs you need to see your doctor:
Fever associated with back pain
Pain doesn’t get better after taking medication at home
The pain and muscle spasms in your spine are interfering with your everyday activities
You are experiencing numbness, tingling pain, and weakness in your legs and buttocks
You are experiencing bladder and bowel problems
Unexplained weight loss
Pain, limited movement, and stiffness can significantly impact your quality of life. You can manage low back pain by staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
In addition, while short bed rest can help manage low back pain, extended bed rest periods only aggravate the situation. Finally, do not wait until your back pain worsens before talking to a physician. Managing your low back pain with the help of your physician speeds up recovery time, ensuring you regain your mobility sooner.
What is the Average Pulled Back Muscle Recovery Time?
A pulled back muscle may happen suddenly while lifting a squirming child or overexerting at the gym. It may also appear over time as weak muscles steadily debilitate and trigger injuries. A pulled muscle in the back refers to one of two injuries:
- A sprain, which is when the ligaments that hold bones together are torn or stretched.1
- A strain, which is when muscles are stretched or torn.1
Both injuries may have similar symptoms, with the primary one being pain. The most common location for a pulled back muscle is in the lumbar spine, which is the lower back area. This painful injury is the most common cause of disability and lost work time among people under the age of 45.2
Pulled Back Muscle Symptoms
The soft tissue in the lower back may become damaged for many different reasons, but some of the most common may include3:
- Twisting the spine or using poor form while lifting a heavy object
- Falling in a way that puts too much pressure on the spine
- Poor posture that stresses the connective tissues in the spine
- Sports injuries caused by pivoting, twisting, or physical impact
- A sedentary lifestyle followed by sudden intense exercise, since weak muscles and ligaments are more vulnerable to injury4
A sprain or strain in the back may cause symptoms such as5:
- Dull, aching pain in the lower back
- Difficulty standing, sitting, and twisting
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Muscle spasms
- Pain that radiates to other areas—lower back sprains and strains may radiate to the hips or buttocks, while injuries in the upper back can cause neck or head pain
Although sprains and strains are different injuries, the treatment and symptoms are similar.
Pulled Back Muscle Recovery Time
A pulled back muscle may take anywhere from days to weeks to achieve a full recovery.6
Doctors assign a grade to sprains as a measure of severity. Grade 1 means that there is slight stretching in the ligament. Grade 2 means there is minimal tearing. Grade 3 means there is significant tearing.7 Strains follow a similar grading scale. More severe strains and sprains take longer to heal.8
Proper treatment may help speed recovery. To try and recover as quickly as possible, consider a proactive treatment approach that includes physical therapy and the techniques described below.9
Treatment for a Pulled Back Muscle
Except in the cases of severe injuries, most of the time, a pulled back muscle may be treated at home with RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation).7 Working with a physical therapist may help move along your recovery because you may have access to more advanced treatments such as cryotherapy, active compression, and contrast therapy.
Cryotherapy
The application of therapeutic cold has been proven to help reduce the pain and swelling associated with a pulled muscle in the back. It may also shorten recovery time and enable you to more quickly return to sports and other activities.10
While ice packs are one way to apply cold, they get warmer as your body heat transfers to the ice pack. By the end of a treatment session, the ice pack is no longer at a therapeutic temperature and is, therefore, less effective. Another problem is that an ice pack delivers cold only to an area limited to the size of the ice pack itself.
A cryotherapy system solves these problems by using body-conforming wraps to deliver therapeutic cold at a consistent temperature over a larger surface area. This means that you get the same therapeutic benefit throughout the duration of the treatment session, and the cold is able to reach more of your damaged tissues.
Active Compression
Static compression with a brace or elastic bandage may be good to help prevent excess swelling, but active compression takes it a step further by helping pump away excess fluid. With the same body-conforming wraps, air is pneumatically pumped through the wrap to mimic natural “squeeze and release” muscle contractions, helping flush away excess fluids. Active compression also helps enhance the benefits of cold therapy by promoting deeper, longer-lasting penetration of therapeutic cold.11
Contrast Therapy
As you recover from a pulled back muscle, the initial inflammation may likely die down after a few days, but that doesn’t mean the injury is healed. At this point, it may be safe to start using heat therapy to help promote circulation, which brings freshly oxygenated blood and nutrients to the healing tissues.
However, applying only heat may actually cause additional swelling, which is why contrast therapy (alternating heat and cold) may be a good treatment choice. By quickly alternating between heat and cold, you get the benefits of both types of therapy without the risk of swelling that heat alone may cause.12,13
Using these treatment approaches may help you recover more quickly from a pulled muscle in the back. Although the recovery time may vary depending on the severity of the injury, shaving off any amount of recovery time is worth the effort.
Sources
- Low back strain and sprain. American Association of Neurological Surgeons. https://www.aans.org/en/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Low-Back-Strain-and-Sprain. Accessed May 8, 2019.
- Lumbar sprain/strain. Landmark Healthcare. http://uni.lmhealthcare.com/RoboHelp/PT OT CPG/Orthopedic_-_Lumbosacral_Non-Specific/Lumbar_Sprain_Strain.htm. Accessed May 8, 2019.
- Back pain. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906. Published August 4, 2018.
- Low back pain fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet. Published August 8, 2017.
- Hamilton K. Pulled back muscle and lower back strain. Spine-health. https://www. spine-health.com/conditions/lower-back-pain/pulled-back-muscle-and-lower-back-strain. Published September 8, 2017.
- Lumbar back strain. Shoreline Orthopaedics. https://www.shorelineortho.com/specialties/fractures_sprains_and_strains-lumbar_back_strain.php. Accessed May 8, 2019.
- Sprains, strains and other soft-tissue injuries. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/. Published July 2015.
- Muscle strain. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/muscle-strain-a-to-z. Published December 2018.
- Physical therapy in our clinic for muscle strains. Rocky Mountain Therapy Services. http://www.rmtsinc.com/Injuries-Conditions/Muscle-Injury/Muscle-Injury-Issues/Muscle-Strains/a~8609/article.html. Accessed May 8, 2019.
- Hubbard TJ, Aronson SL, Denegar CR. Does cryotherapy hasten return to participation? A systematic review. Journal of Athletic Training. 2004;39(1):88-94. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC385267/.
- Quillen WS, Rouillier LH. Initial management of acute ankle sprains with rapid pulsed pneumatic compression and cold. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 1982;4(1):39-43. https://www.jospt.org/doi/abs/10.2519/jospt.1982.4.1.39.
- When to use hot and cold to treat a muscle injury. United Hospital Center Orthopaedics. https://wvorthocenter.com/when-to-use-hot-and-cold-to-treat-a-muscle-injury/. Published May 4, 2017.
- Halvorson GA. Therapeutic heat and cold for athletic injuries. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. 1990;18(5):87-94. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00913847.1990.11710045.
Lumbar Sprain
Stretching of the lumbar muscles and ligaments is the most common cause of pain in the lumbar spine, characterized by damage to the fibers and soft tissues. To restore the affected structures, it is necessary to undergo a diagnosis and strictly adhere to the course of treatment developed by the doctor based on the results of the study.
What is lumbar spine sprain
A lumbar sprain is caused by tears in the ligaments that connect the bones, or as a result of a severe strain or tear in the muscles. Such damage is diagnosed in people of any age, employed in different fields of activity. Ignoring this problem or untimely access to a doctor increases the risk of chronic myofascial pain syndrome.
Species
There are 4 degrees of muscle damage:
– I – stretching of some muscle fibers while maintaining the integrity of the connective tissue structures. Pathology is accompanied by the formation of a connective tissue scar and is reversible.
– II – damage to a small number of fibers with a slight violation of the integrity of the shells.
– III – numerous damage to muscle fibers and connective tissue.
– IV – complete rupture or separation of the muscle.
With moderate and moderate sprains, pain and swelling disappear within a few days. However, in order not to provoke an exacerbation, it is necessary to make an appointment with a doctor.
Causes
The main cause of sprains in the lumbar spine is a sudden increase in load, leading to rupture of soft tissues and muscle fibers. This phenomenon often occurs as a result of a sudden movement during exercise, especially those associated with power loads.
The following can provoke a lengthening contraction or rupture of muscle fibers:
– lifting weights incorrectly or lifting very large weights that do not correspond to individual capabilities;
– lack of warming up before training;
– a sharp turn of the body;
– Wrong distribution of power.
The likelihood of injury is determined by several factors:
– weak muscular frame, unable to withstand intense motor loads;
– pathology of the muscular system of the spine;
– the presence of traumatic injuries received earlier;
– Unpreparedness of the musculoskeletal system due to low physical activity.
Symptoms and signs
There are two forms of stretching the lumbar muscles, each of them is characterized by certain signs:
– Acute – pain in the area of damaged muscle fibers increases within 1-2 days. With numerous tears of connective tissues, spasms appear – painful convulsive tension and numbness, and in some cases – subcutaneous hemorrhages. Injury in acute form most often occurs as a result of rotational movements or a direct blow.
– Chronic – the victim has stiffness of the body, which increases during activity, and subsides during rest.
Diagnostic methods
The complex of diagnostic studies for the correct diagnosis includes:
– collection of anamnesis;
– clinical examination, identification of the localization of the pain syndrome;
– MRI of the lumbar;
– Ultrasound of the soft tissues of the back.
It is best to undergo an examination in a multifunctional diagnostic center. For example, the “Health Clinic” has its own diagnostic base (ultrasound, CT, MRI). All procedures are performed on modern equipment with low radiation exposure. After a comprehensive examination, the patient can, without leaving the clinic, make an appointment with a qualified specialist who will appoint him effective treatment.
Which doctor treats
An orthopedic traumatologist deals with the treatment of damage to the muscles of the lumbar spine.
Methods of treatment
Conservative therapy includes:
– application of cold;
– the use of NSAIDs;
– manual correction;
– relaxing therapeutic massage;
– physiotherapeutic procedures;
– use of gels and ointments.
In the first 2-3 days, the patient is prescribed bed rest, which involves complete immobilization.
Results
With timely access to a doctor and strict adherence to his recommendations, the recovery rate is 80% -90%.
Rehabilitation and lifestyle restoration
Gradual resumption of physical activity is possible for 4-5 days from the moment of stretching. Rehabilitation measures include a program of eccentric exercise therapy exercises, wearing a special corset that supports the lumbar muscles, as well as including a large amount of fresh vegetables and fruits in the diet. Rehabilitation is carried out until complete restoration of muscle tone.
Lifestyle with sprained lumbar spine
To protect the muscles of the lumbar region from stretching, it is necessary to carefully control the power load, lead an active lifestyle and be sure to warm up before training.
How to help yourself with a pull or strain in the lower back: useful tips
Contents
- 1 What to do if you have back pain: recommendations and top tips
- 1.1 Identify the cause of pain
- 1.2 Use temperature changes to relieve pain
- 1.3 Use special exercises
- 1.4 How to help yourself with a pull or strain in the lower back: useful tips
- 1.4.1 Follow the correct posture 9 0092
- 1.5 Use medicines appropriately
- 1.6 Avoid heavy carrying
- 1.7 Manage stress to prevent back strain
- 1.8 Using massage to relieve pain
- 1.9 Visiting a physiotherapist as an important step in the treatment of back strain or strain in the lumbar region
- 1. 10 Learn preventive measures
- 1.11 Do not self-medicate
- 1.12 Related videos:
- 1.13 Q&A :
- 1.13.0.1 What is lumbar stretching and stretching?
- 1.13.0.2 What are the symptoms of stretching or stretching of the back in the lumbar region?
- 1.13.0.3 How to treat back strain or strain in the lumbar region?
- 1.13.0.4 What are the preventive measures to prevent stretching or stretching of the back in the lumbar region?
- 1.13.0.5 What exercises are recommended for stretching or stretching the back in the lumbar region?
- 1.13.0.6 Is it possible to prevent stretching or stretching of the back in the lumbar region when playing sports?
Find out what to do if you have stretched or torn your back in the lumbar region. Tips for first aid and rehabilitation. How to avoid re-injury and strengthen your back.
Back pain is one of the most common problems in the modern world, which can accompany us throughout our lives. Sitting in front of a computer, poor posture, lack of movement, and aging can lead to stretching or stretching of the back, especially in the lower back.
Fortunately, there are many ways that can help in this situation to reduce or even completely get rid of back pain. Some of these ways include changing your behavior in daily life, increasing your level of physical activity, and doing yoga or Pilates.
In this article, we’re going to look at some helpful tips to help you relax your back and avoid future pain, whether it’s pulling or spraining your lower back. For example, we will tell you which exercises will help reduce back tension, how to reduce pain and inflammation with food, and how to use different types of massage to improve your well-being.
Determine the cause of the pain
If you are experiencing pain in the lumbar region, the first step is to find out what caused it. This will help you choose the most effective treatment methods and speed up the recovery process.
Identifying the cause of the pain will also help avoid additional injury and ineffective treatment that can slow down the recovery process.
- See a doctor to determine the cause of pain
- Avoid additional injury and ineffective treatment
- Accelerate recovery by identifying the source of pain
Use temperature changes to relieve pain
When you experience pulls or strains in your lower back, you can experience a lot of pain and discomfort. To relieve these symptoms, methods such as the use of ice and heat may help.
- Ice is the first tool that can help with the first symptoms. Apply ice to the area that hurts for 15-20 minutes every 2-3 hours for the first 2-3 days to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Heat – Helps relieve some types of pain and improve blood circulation, which will speed up healing. You can use heat immediately after ice, but not earlier than 48 hours after injury. Usually, a warm compress, a heating pad, or a heated bag of rice or barley is applied to the affected area.
Remember that ice and heat can help reduce symptoms, but do not cure the injury itself. If pain and symptoms persist or worsen, contact your doctor and follow his instructions.
Use special exercises
When pulling or stretching the back in the lumbar region, you need to use special exercises that will help strengthen the muscles and restore flexibility. One of the most effective exercises is the cat, which is performed as follows:
- Get on all fours with your hands directly under your shoulders and your knees under your buttocks.
- Take a deep breath and arch your back with your head down. In this position, you need to inhale for a few seconds.
- Exhale and slowly return to the starting position.
In addition, it will be very useful to perform the exercise “cat” – sitting on a chair, you need to rush on your feet and then, exhaling, slowly return to the starting position. It is also recommended to practice yoga, which helps to relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
It is important to remember that you should exercise regularly, following your doctor’s instructions and not exceeding your limits. It is necessary to engage in physical activity only after the restoration of pain and mobility of the back to the fullest.
How to help yourself with pulling or stretching your back in the lumbar region: useful tips
Maintain the correct posture
Correct posture is one of the most important components of a healthy back. When sitting in a chair or working at a computer, maintain a straight posture and do not tilt your back forward or backward. While walking, also watch your posture, keeping your back straight and not hanging either forward or backward.
Use a pillow to support your neck and head while you sleep. This will preserve the natural curvature of the neck and reduce the load on the lumbar region.
- Yoga and Pilates may be helpful for posture correction;
- Bench for back flexibility and many other machines are also useful in such cases;
- And, of course, it is strongly recommended to consult a doctor in order to prevent serious injuries and diseases of the back in the future.
Treat according to the situation
When pulling or stretching your back in the lumbar region, it is important to assess what type of pain you have. If it is muscle pain, no treatment is usually needed, but pain medications can be taken. However, if the pain is severe, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be used to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Acetaminophen
If you feel numbness and discomfort in your legs, this may indicate a problem with your disc carrier. In such cases, in addition to painkillers, drugs are prescribed to eliminate inflammation and improve the condition of tissues.
- Meloxicam
- Diclofenac
- Ketoprofen
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medication. In addition, do not abuse medicines and use them according to the instructions so as not to harm your health.
Avoid carrying heavy weights
If you experience back strain or strain in the lumbar region, you should refrain from wearing heavy weights. This means that you should avoid lifting and carrying heavy objects. Instead, ask someone for help or use a cart or other device to transport items.
If it is necessary to carry heavy weights (for example, when moving), use a back belt or better, ask your doctor for advice.
Stress management to prevent back strain
Stress can be one of the main causes of muscle and ligament damage in the lower back. Therefore, it is important to be able to manage stress in order to reduce the risk of sprains and back strains.
One way to manage stress is to exercise regularly. Practicing sports or yoga can help you relax and reduce stress levels. However, when pulling or stretching your back, it’s important to get permission from your doctor first and avoid exercises that can stress damaged muscles.
Another useful way to manage stress is the practice of meditation. Not only does it reduce stress levels, but it can also improve sleep, memory, and concentration.
It is important to take care of your emotional and psychological well-being, avoid strong emotional stress and find ways to relax, such as music, deep breathing, or relieving muscle tension.
- Some helpful tips to reduce stress:
- get regular physical activity;
- practice meditation or other forms of relaxation;
- talk to friends or a professional if you feel too stressed out;
- make time for hobbies or other activities that you enjoy.
Massage for Pain Relief
Massage is one of the most effective methods for quickly relieving pain when your back is stretched or pulled. Applying massage can help improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension in the lower back.
Massage can be done by yourself or with a massage therapist. If you decide to massage yourself, make sure you know the correct massage techniques and don’t hurt yourself further.
- Advice: Consult your physician or physiotherapist before commencing massage, especially if you experience acute pain.
- Tip: Do not massage areas with severe pain, sprains or pulls, as this can cause more pain and damage nerves.
Visiting a physiotherapist as an important step in the treatment of back strain or strain in the lumbar region
When there is a strain or strain in the lumbar region, it is important to see a specialist. A physiotherapist will help you quickly restore back function and relieve pain. He will conduct special procedures that are aimed at relaxing the muscles and increasing blood circulation in the affected area.
One of the most effective methods of physiotherapy is massage. It is aimed at relaxing tight muscles and increasing blood circulation in the tissues. In addition, massage helps to improve metabolism and activate the protective functions of the body.
Another useful method of physiotherapy is exercise. Treatment of stretching or stretching of the back in the lumbar region without exercise is impossible. Physical exercises are aimed at relaxing the muscles of the back, which reduces inflammation in the tissues and increases the mobility of the spine. The specialist will help analyze the conditions for playing sports, show how to perform exercises without harm to the injured area and select a specific exercise program, taking into account the nature of the damage.
- A visit to a physiotherapist will help:
- Relieve pain in the lumbar region;
- Reduce inflammation;
- Improve spinal mobility;
- Choose a specific exercise program;
- Faster recovery of back functions.
Learn Preventive Measures
Learn preventive measures to avoid pulling and straining your back in the lumbar region. They can help avoid possible injuries and keep your back healthy for a long time.
- Be active. Regular exercise will help strengthen the muscles in your back and make it more flexible, which will reduce the risk of injury.
- Lift weights correctly. When lifting heavy objects, avoid twisting the body and use bending of the knees.
- Wear the right shoes. Choose shoes with good cushioning to reduce impact on your back.
- Control your weight. Being overweight can put more stress on your back, which can lead to injury and pain.
- Vary your sitting position. Frequent sitting in one position can lead to discomfort in the back. Change positions and take breaks to release tension from the back muscles.
Knowing preventive measures will help you maintain a healthy back and avoid future troubles. Be sure to apply these recommendations in your life to keep your back strong and healthy.
Do not self-medicate
Do not self-medicate if you have a pull or strain in the lumbar region. This can lead to negative consequences and aggravate the health condition.
Instead, contact a specialist. Only he can make the correct diagnosis and offer effective treatment.
Do not trust dubious advice on the Internet or from friends. However, it is necessary to take measures so as not to aggravate the state of health until you see a doctor.
- Avoid exercise and back strain for a week or two;
- Limit your sedentary lifestyle;
- If necessary, use a lumbar brace to relieve tension in the back muscles;
- Take pain medication only as directed by your doctor.
Remember that correct treatment begins with a correct diagnosis, which can only be made by an experienced doctor. Do not risk your health and contact a specialist in time.
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Q&A:
What is stretching and stretching of the back in the lumbar region?
Traction and stretching of the back in the lumbar region are injuries to the muscles, ligaments and joints that occur due to excessive load on the back, incorrect body position or sudden movement. They may present with pain, restricted movement, swelling, and bruising. To restore back health, it is important to properly care for it and limit physical activity.
What are the symptoms of stretching or stretching of the back in the lumbar region?
The main signs of pulling or stretching of the back in the lumbar region are pain, limitation of movement, swelling and bruising. However, there may also be numbness or weakness in the legs, indicating pressure on the nerves running down the back. If you notice these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
How to treat pulling or stretching of the back in the lumbar region?
A holistic approach is recommended when treating a strain or strain in the lumbar region, including: reducing physical activity, taking pain and anti-inflammatory drugs, applying cold and heat to the sore spot, stretching and massage. The use of orthopedic products also helps to reduce the load on the lower back and speed up recovery.
What are the preventive measures to prevent stretching or stretching of the back in the lumbar region?
The main measures to prevent stretching or stretching of the back in the lumbar region are the correct selection of shoes and clothing, maintaining the correct position of the body when performing physical exercises, regular physical activity, observing the correct regime of work and rest. In addition, you need to monitor your weight and provide the body with the proper amount of vitamins and minerals.
What exercises are recommended for pulling or stretching the back in the lumbar region?
When stretching or stretching the back in the lumbar region, stretching and strengthening exercises are recommended. For example, you can perform the “cat” exercise, which consists in being on all fours and straightening up, pointing your back down and relaxing your stomach and lower back. It’s also helpful to do the crab exercise, which involves lying on your back, bending your knees, and pushing your feet off the floor to lift your hips up, bringing them in line with your shoulders.