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Back Strains
Imagine pain shooting down your back and through your arms and legs; spasms that make you fall to the floor and not want to move. Most likely, you’ve experienced something like this at one point in your life, and if you haven’t, statistics say you probably will. In fact, back strains are the second most common cause for people to miss work.
Back strains, also known as “lumbar sprains,” happen to almost everyone at one point, and they are extremely painful and seriously limit mobility. So, how do they happen?
The strain occurs when muscle fibers are damaged. This damage comes from heavy lifting, sudden movements, and traumas like car accidents. The muscle fibers can be stretched or torn. Typically, the more stressed or anxious you are, the greater the extent of the strain. That’s because muscles become tighter and less likely to “give” when we are tense.
When you experience a back strain, it is important to seek medical advice. Doctors and chiropractors can prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain medications. It’s also important to stay as mobile as possible, even though that is exactly what your body doesn’t want to do. If you are certain it is a strain (after your doctor thoroughly examines you), lying down is not a good idea.
Resting for the first few days after you strain your back is OK. However, your goal is to keep your muscles loose and mobile, which can only be done by performing slow, gentle movements. What is not good is performing heavy lifting or other activities that twist and further strain your back.
You can also apply ice to the painful areas. Many medical specialists warn against only applying heat, because then the inflammation won’t subside. However, alternating between ice and heat is another good form of therapy.
Tags: back injury, back pain, back spasm, back strain, head and neck injury, heavy lifting, muscle reaction