Back strain often involves the lower spine (lumbar spine and sacrum). Strained back occurs to tendons or the muscles of the back. It’s a common sports injury that could result from a fast movement, fall or lifting, collision with another athlete, or any action. Back strain (pulled muscle in back) affects the pain associated with this injury in the lower back or lumbar area.
Cause of back pain
A sudden strain on the muscles of the back from lifting. Abrupt movement. Repetitive stress to the muscles of the back. Bad technique or weakness.
Signs and symptoms
Stiffness, usually lower back pain and loss of motion.
Complications if left unattended
Strained muscles in the back will resolve with a good rest. Ignoring muscle strain may result in stiffness, chronic back pain and discomfort. Muscle spasms and inflammation may cause back pain, which in some cases could be severe.
Immediate treatment
Rest on a firm surface, lying with knees raised, on the back instead of on the stomach. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic medication, ice pack.
Rehabilitation and prevention
After the use of ice treatment in amounts that can help ease discomfort and reduce inflammation, heat therapy is considered. Recovery for muscle strain in the back varies depending on the severity of the person’s strain, location and general health. When the muscles have started to heal, they must receive some use to prevent atrophy and wasting. Exercise to restore and strengthen the back helps avoid the recurrence of the injury.
Sports massage for lower back pain in Watford
Sports massage provides substantial healing and pain relief for many lower back pain problems. Specifically, for pain caused by a back strain. A lower back massage focuses on muscles including the quadratus lumborum, latissimus dorsi and the erector spinae, located around the spine. Pain in the lower back can be caused by many different reasons. One of the reasons for lower back pain is muscle tightness. Sports massage has lots of benefits for lower back pain. It helps warm up muscles and increase blood and lymphatic circulation, encouraging more healthy nutrients to be passed around the body and more toxins to be removed. A lower back massage uses a variety of different techniques to help treat a range of injuries. Our sports massage therapist at Lucas Massage Therapy uses lower back massage to help reduce pain, tension and tightness of the muscles.
Feel better – Move better – Be pain free
We have also put together a newsletter looking at the topic of back pain and sleep more broadly. If you’d like to download a copy, you can do so at the following link.
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