How long should you rest for lower back pain recovery. What are the common causes of lower back pain. Will bed rest resolve lower back pain. When should you see a doctor for lower back pain. What are effective tips to help relieve lower back pain.

Understanding Lower Back Pain: Prevalence and Impact

Lower back pain is a pervasive health issue affecting approximately 25% of the U.S. population. This condition can significantly impact daily life, particularly for individuals over 40. As we age, the disks in our lower back thin out, reducing their ability to support the spine effectively. This decreased support can lead to an increased risk of injuries and poor posture, exacerbating lower back pain.

For those 60 and older, lower back pain can become disabling, substantially diminishing quality of life. It’s crucial to understand that while some cases of lower back pain stem from congenital disorders present at birth but manifesting later in life, many instances result from injuries to the back’s tendons and muscles, often due to heavy lifting or strenuous work.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain: From Strains to Structural Issues

Lower back pain can arise from various sources, ranging from minor strains to more serious structural problems. Understanding these causes is essential 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 Most Common Culprits

Sprains and strains in the lower back are among the most frequent causes of back pain. These injuries occur when muscles, ligaments, or tendons are overstretched or torn. Common scenarios leading to such injuries include lifting heavy objects without proper support, sudden twisting movements, or even forceful sneezing or coughing.

Fractures: When Bones Break

Spinal fractures can result from high-impact accidents or may be related to underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis or spondylitis. These fractures can cause severe lower back pain and may require immediate medical attention.

Disk Issues: When Cushions Fail

The disks in our vertebrae act as cushions, helping to keep the spine properly positioned. When these disks become displaced or degenerate with age, they can press on nerves, causing lower back pain. Herniated disks are a common example of this type of issue.

Recovery Time for Lower Back Pain: What to Expect

The duration of lower back pain can vary significantly depending on whether it’s acute or chronic. Acute lower back pain typically lasts from a few days to a few weeks and often resolves on its own with proper self-care. In some cases, it may take up to several months for symptoms to disappear completely. Chronic lower back pain, on the other hand, persists for 12 weeks or longer.

Is there a standard recovery time for lower back pain? Unfortunately, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The healing process can be influenced by 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

The Role of Rest in Lower Back Pain Recovery

When experiencing lower back pain, many people’s first instinct is to rest. In the past, medical practitioners commonly prescribed bed rest as a primary treatment for lower back pain. However, current research suggests that while some rest can be beneficial, extended periods of inactivity may actually hinder recovery.

Does Bed Rest Resolve Lower Back Pain?

While short periods of rest can provide relief, prolonged bed rest is not typically recommended for lower back pain. In fact, extended inactivity can lead to muscle weakness and stiffness, potentially exacerbating the pain. Most healthcare providers now advocate for a balanced approach that includes rest, gentle movement, and targeted exercises.

Can Extended Bed Rest Aggravate Lower Back Pain?

Yes, extended bed rest can indeed aggravate lower back pain. Prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle atrophy, decreased flexibility, and reduced circulation, all of which can worsen pain and delay recovery. In extreme cases, excessive rest may even make it difficult to sleep or work comfortably.

Effective Strategies for Lower Back Pain Relief

While rest plays a role in recovery, it’s just one part of a comprehensive approach to managing lower back pain. Here are some effective strategies to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing:

1. Gentle stretching exercises
2. Low-impact activities like walking or swimming
3. Application of heat or cold therapy
4. Over-the-counter pain relievers (as recommended by a healthcare provider)
5. Proper posture and ergonomics
6. Stress reduction techniques
7. Physical therapy or chiropractic care

The Importance of Gradual Return to Activity

As pain begins to subside, it’s crucial to gradually reintroduce normal activities. This process should be done carefully and incrementally to avoid re-injury. A physical therapist can provide guidance on appropriate exercises and activity levels based on individual circumstances.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Lower Back Pain

While many cases of lower back pain resolve on their own, there are situations where professional medical care is necessary. It’s important to recognize the signs that indicate a need for medical evaluation.

When should you see a doctor for lower back pain? Consider seeking medical attention if:

• Pain persists for more than a few weeks
• Pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest
• Pain spreads down one or both legs
• You experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs
• You have unexplained weight loss accompanying the pain
• You develop fever along with back pain
• You have a history of cancer or osteoporosis
• You experience changes in bowel or bladder function

These symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

Preventing Future Episodes of Lower Back Pain

While not all cases of lower back pain can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of future episodes:

1. Maintain good posture
2. Use proper lifting techniques
3. Stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight
4. Strengthen core muscles
5. Quit smoking
6. Ensure your workspace is ergonomically set up
7. Manage stress through relaxation techniques

The Role of Regular Exercise in Back Health

Regular exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining back health and preventing future episodes of pain. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and cycling can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine without putting excessive strain on the back.

Advanced Treatment Options for Chronic Lower Back Pain

For individuals with chronic lower back pain that doesn’t respond to conservative treatments, there are several advanced options to consider:

• Epidural steroid injections
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Spinal cord stimulation
• Acupuncture
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Minimally invasive surgical procedures

These treatments should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate approach based on individual circumstances and the underlying cause of the pain.

The Promise of Regenerative Medicine

Emerging regenerative medicine techniques, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and stem cell therapy, show promise in treating certain types of lower back pain. While research is ongoing, these treatments aim to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and may offer new hope for those with chronic pain.

Understanding the Long-Term Outlook for Lower Back Pain

The long-term prognosis for lower back pain varies widely depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. Many people experience complete recovery within a few weeks to months, while others may have recurrent episodes or develop chronic pain.

What factors influence the long-term outlook for lower back pain? Key considerations include:

• The specific diagnosis and cause of pain
• The individual’s overall health and fitness level
• Adherence to treatment plans and lifestyle modifications
• The presence of any complicating factors or comorbidities
• Access to appropriate medical care and rehabilitation services

By working closely with healthcare providers and taking an active role in their recovery, many individuals can achieve significant improvement in their lower back pain and overall quality of life.

The Importance of a Holistic Approach

Managing lower back pain often requires a multifaceted approach that addresses not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological and lifestyle factors that can contribute to pain. This may involve collaborating with various healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, pain specialists, and mental health providers, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

In conclusion, while lower back pain can be a challenging and sometimes chronic condition, understanding its causes, appropriate treatment strategies, and prevention methods can significantly improve outcomes. By adopting a proactive approach to back health and seeking timely medical care when needed, individuals can often find relief and maintain a high quality of life despite experiencing lower back pain.

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 include^3:

• 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Back pain. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906. Published August 4, 2018.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Lumbar back strain. Shoreline Orthopaedics. https://www.shorelineortho.com/specialties/fractures_sprains_and_strains-lumbar_back_strain.php. Accessed May 8, 2019.
7. 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.
8. Muscle strain. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/muscle-strain-a-to-z. Published December 2018.
9. 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.
10. 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/.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.

Back strain: symptoms and treatment

Back strain is a common condition characterized by damage to muscle fibers and soft tissues. It is accompanied by pain and discomfort, aggravated by sudden movements. To restore damaged structures, it is recommended to follow the doctor’s prescriptions, attend physiotherapy and osteopathic sessions.

At Dr. Length’s clinic, all patients with back sprains use complex treatment and an individual approach. The combination of traditional methods and author’s methods of therapy allows you to get a guaranteed result in improving the patient’s well-being.

The main cause of back muscle strain is a sharp increase in load, which leads to damage to muscle fibers and soft tissues. This condition can occur when playing sports, at work associated with physical labor, as well as with sudden movements.

Risk factors for injury:

• weak muscular frame that cannot withstand intense motor loads;
• low level of physical activity, leading to unpreparedness of the musculoskeletal system;
• traumatic injuries;
• diseases of the spine, muscular system.

These conditions are characterized by an increased risk of injury to the skeletal muscles located on the back. In this case, the patient develops characteristic symptoms.

How does sprain manifest itself: signs and symptoms

The main symptom of muscle sprain is a sharp pain syndrome, which is accompanied by limited mobility. The patient experiences difficulty when trying to turn the body to the side or bend over. Similar symptoms are associated with reflex muscle spasm.

Severity of pain – from mild to intense, in which any movement is impossible. The area of ​​damage may be edematous, swollen, reddened when compared with healthy areas of the body. With a traumatic origin of damage to the skin, hematomas become noticeable.

Pain in some cases extends to the groin, buttocks or thighs. This is due to irritation of the nerve bundles when they are damaged. If the pain is localized, then only soft tissues or muscles are damaged.

There are several degrees of sprain severity:

• Moderate degree is characterized by a mild pain syndrome, which disappears within 2-4 days.
• Moderate severity is associated with severe pain that limits the mobility of a person, requiring medical attention.
• Severe muscle strain leads to severe swelling, bruising, limited range of motion. Symptoms persist for several weeks. During this period, the patient needs complex treatment.

If the back muscles are strained, pain persists for more than 2 days, or the inability to move the body, seek medical attention immediately.

Approaches to treatment

Stretching of the back muscles requires complex therapy. In the first 2-3 days, it is recommended to observe bed rest, complete immobilization. This allows you to avoid the progression of damage, to prevent complications of the injury. Cold compresses are used to reduce swelling. It is possible to use painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs.

The clinic practices modern methods of treatment – manual therapy, osteopathy, Di-Tazin procedures, kinesio taping and physiotherapy techniques. They work in combination, providing a quick recovery of damaged tissues, the disappearance of pain, finding balance in movements.

Di-tazine therapy

Di-tazine treatment is an author’s method of non-invasive elimination of muscle strain and other diseases of the musculoskeletal system. It combines three types of exposure: photodynamic laser therapy, multicomponent electrophoresis, manual techniques. Each of these methods has its own positive effect on the body:

• Manual techniques eliminate violations of muscle tone, ensure the normalization of blood circulation in the area of ​​injury.
• Electrophoresis with drugs allows you to stimulate the recovery of damaged muscle fibers, soft tissues. Medicines with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and stimulating effects are used.
• Photodynamic treatment with the introduction of Photoditazine into the body. This drug accumulates at the site of injury. When this area is exposed to the LED installation, the drug molecules are activated, stimulating regeneration.

Ditazine therapy can be used in patients of any age. The list of contraindications is minimal. The procedure is not used if the patient has benign or malignant neoplasms.

Osteopathy

This is a modern branch of medicine, which differs from other areas of medical care by a comprehensive approach to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. The best osteopaths in our clinic take into account the system nature of the human body, the individuality of reactions to any internal and external factors. Thanks to this, the doctor can establish the true root cause of the pathology, and by eliminating it, achieve a complete recovery of the patient.

In osteopathy and manual therapy, the doctor uses only his hands to influence the human body. This allows you to achieve high safety while maintaining the effectiveness of treatment. Such therapy should only be provided by a specialist who has received appropriate basic training and experience in the treatment of such diseases.

A positive therapeutic effect is observed when using exercise therapy and massage. Both methods are indicated for patients outside the acute period of stretching, when restoration of damaged structures is required. Physiotherapy exercises and massage improve blood supply to muscles and soft tissues, stimulate their regeneration, which helps to avoid complications and progression of disorders.

Kinesiology taping can be used for muscle strain. This is a modern method of prevention and treatment of such injuries, which is actively used in professional sports. Tape is a special adhesive tape applied to the back area by a specialist. Thanks to this device, the load on muscle fibers, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissues is reduced. With independent kinesio taping, the effect may be absent, since the tapes are applied in a certain way.

In addition to the above methods of treating muscle strain, drugs are used, and outside the acute period, physiotherapy procedures are used. Such techniques are aimed at eliminating the symptoms of damage, primarily pain and inflammatory changes. In the clinic of Dr. Length, therapy is mainly based on modern approaches: osteopathy, manual and Di-Tazin therapy. Their combination allows you to quickly remove the clinical manifestations of the disease in patients, gradually achieving a full recovery.

Why do patients come to us?

Clinic Dr. Length has a great positive experience in the treatment of sprains of the back muscles. It became possible due to the following factors:

• Use of only modern methods of diagnostics and treatment. All our approaches are based on scientific research. The work uses the clinical recommendations of Russian and foreign medical communities.