\u00a9 2022 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Investigate any massage therapist youre considering by doing an internet search and checking if there are any complaints listed. For example, if one of your hip joints is weak, you may be putting strain on the opposite side of your lower back to make up for that. 4 Easy Stretches for Lower Back Pain Video, Non-Surgical Treatments for Lower Back Pain, Considering Different CBD Products for Back Pain. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. If you suffer from sprained back due to pulled and twisted muscles, learning how to treat a strained muscle in the back may benefit you. Regular icing will go a long way in those first 48 hours after injury. It is important to seek medical help if: 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. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. Alternate sides with each rep, or complete a set on one side and then switch. 1 Strains can occur acutely or develop over time from repetitive use. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. By initially resting the muscle, the amount of spasm and scarring can be minimized. This occurs at no extra cost to you, and we appreciate your support. pain or discomfort when touching the abdomen. Keep the hips and pelvis on the floor. A pulled muscle is a colloquial term for a muscle strain, which is an injury to a muscle caused by overstretching of the muscle fibers. A table explaining the differences between strains and sprains. Symptoms & causes of appendicitis. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Catal MM, et al. You will probably notice pain and swelling, and the area will be tender to the touch. Potential causes of a strained chest muscle include: Repetitive and/or forceful movements that involve the chest muscle, such as swinging a tennis racket. pain in your back radiating down into your buttocks but not typically extending into your legs. Make sure you take short walks for 3 to 10 minutes multiple times a day. Pharmacies sell various types of heat packs that you can use. in the lower back restricting motion range, In many cases of a sprained back or pulled back muscle, doctors use non-invasive and standard self-care treatments. Ice packs and anti-inflammatory medicines can help relieve swelling and pain, and a doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants. Email: Here we have enlisted seven simple and effective ways to help you relieve the strained back muscle and get back to your normal life activities. It is best to restore health in a very gradual and dedicated process, watching for worsening symptoms versus improvement. That is why injuries to the lumbar and lower back, including sprains and strains, are very common. It also causes the ligaments that support the spine to relax and generate back pain. A knot-like feeling. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This means no running, jumping and leashed walks to potty. Make sure you visit a licensed and qualified massage therapist. In addition to that, there can be many factors that may put you at greater risk of getting a sprained or strained back. Slowly flatten the lower back into the floor and lift the tailbone. Overstretching. Headaches. This article has been viewed 7,269 times. You can buy prescription or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines. Pain in the lower back when sitting may result from poor posture, an injury, or a health condition. Massaging your ankle after a sprain may help reduce pain and swelling, but you also want to be careful. They may help you reduce pain by altering the way your brain interprets the pain signals. If they need to do further tests to examine the cause of the lumbar strain, the doctor may request: 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. They are at higher risk of a lower back injury. The initial treatment of a pulled hamstring is RICE. Apply 20 minutes of ice followed by 20 minutes of heat and repeat up to three times. If the pain has not eased after 12 weeks, a person should see a doctor. You can include them in your massage therapy to improve blood circulation and relax muscles. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 7,269 times. But if the pain is unbearable or makes it difficult to move, see a doctor. Keeping the low back muscles active through stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce overall pain levels and prevent future flare-ups from occurring. Pulled Muscle In Low Back? Yoga may also help relieve pain and strengthen the back. In some circumstances, a person may need to go to the emergency department or call 911. Stretch your hamstrings to better support your lower back muscles. Lie on the back with a flat cushion under the head. Apply cold and heat. This article was medically reviewed by Erik Kramer, DO, MPH. Then squat down by bending your hips and knees. , such that you can take it in combination with opioids. a person hears a crack when they sustain the injury, the injured part of the back is numb, discolored, or cold to the touch, a person has lost control over the bladder or bowels, urinating is painful or produces bloody urine. Bruising. Supplements for heart health: Which ones are beneficial and which ones are not? If swelling has occurred in a particular area, try to keep your leg elevated. Agnes Maher. Dull, sharp, and/or achy pain in the neck. Muscle spasms. #1. Try using a posture brace like this one to train your muscles to remain in the right position. Here are some first-step strained upper back muscle treatment options to effectively reduce pain. It is important to lift heavy objects carefully and warm up before doing exercise. All rights reserved. Possible shoulder pain. . Use proper lifting techniques. A qualified healthcare provider reviews the symptoms of the patients and the reason for injury or performs a physical examination, 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. is a common phenomenon that confuses many people. Treatments for a Pulled Back Muscle Some of the Pulled Back Muscle strain treatments and home remedies are: Take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which will help in reducing the pain and improve mobility. However, treatment may help to alleviate your symptoms and speed up healing. difficulty maintaining balance or walking, severe pain that continues for more than a few days, pain that radiates into your legs, especially past your knees, walking, swimming, or other light cardiovascular training, improving your posture while sitting and standing. Dr. Kramer is a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. % of people told us that this article helped them. How to Qualify for Benefits, 7 Benefits of Turmeric for Sciatica (Best Natural Pain Relief), Discover 20 Gifts for the Elderly - For Best Comfort & Support for Seniors, Can Sciatica Cause Hip Pain? -Place a wedge pillow between knees to maintain balanced natural spine and hip alignment. Some of the best painkillers for pulled muscles are naproxen or ibuprofen. While a pulled muscle in your lower back could potentially cause a pinched nerve, this can also be caused by a herniated disc in your spine. DOI: Mayo Clinic Staff. This technique numbs back pain and decreases swelling and inflammation. Strained back vs. herniated disc is a common phenomenon that confuses many people. The most common symptoms of a pulled lower back muscle are sudden lower back pain, spasms in the lower back and feeling sore to the touch in that area. A person should seek emergency medical help if they suspect that this is the cause of their lower back pain. It is effective for mild cases which heal n 4-6 weeks. 7 Ways to Get Rid of Foot Pain, Is Scoliosis a Disability? Muscle strength and neuromuscular control in low-back pain. Ice It Any muscle pull can be treated with ice. People can get immediate relief from muscle spasms by using home treatments, such as, Poor posture, muscle overuse, and injuries can cause lower back spasms. Follow the PRICE formula which includes Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Lets look at other reasons, Does your back hurt when you bend over to pick something up or tie your shoe? Many more pain relief options are available, such as manual manipulation, acupuncture, and other medications (such as opioids). This type of injury usually causes mild to severe pain, and other symptoms, like bruising and immobility, can develop too. 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