About this topic
A muscle strain happens when the muscle is stretched too much. Sometimes, this is also called a pulled muscle. In some cases, your muscle may bleed and you may see bruising on the skin. When this injury happens in the lower back area, it is a lumbar strain. This is a very common injury. ‚
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What are the causes?
- Overuse of the back muscles or repeat movements in the back
- Sudden twisting motions
- Not using good body form to lift or move heavy objects
- Not using good methods when working out, stretching, or playing sports
What can make this more likely to happen?
- You have had a back injury before
- Weak back muscles
- Playing sports or doing thing that make you twist like tennis, gymnastics, golf, and baseball
- Not warming up before a workout
- Working out in cold weather
- Bad posture
- Sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time
- Being too heavy
- Being too tired
- There is a problem with the position of your spine. Being born with a curvature in your spine (scoliosis) can cause your muscles not to be balanced from one side to the other.
- Pregnancy
What are the main signs?
- Pain or soreness
- Weakness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Bruising or redness
- Muscle spasms
- Not able to stand up straight
- Trouble walking
- Possible pain, numbness, or tingling shooting into the buttocks or down the legs
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
Your doctor will feel around your back area. Your doctor may also have you move in certain ways to check your motion and strength. The doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT or MRI scan
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
- Rest
- Ice
- Massage
- Exercises
- Brace to support the back muscles
- Heat may be used later but not right away. Heat can make swelling worse.
- Physical therapy (PT)
- Chiropractor
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Relax muscles
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Take breaks often when sitting or standing for a long time. Walk around when you can.
- When standing, try putting one leg up on a small step.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints. Eat a healthy diet to keep your muscles healthy.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Use good form with your body when lifting heavy objects.
- Bend your knees.
- Keep your back straight.
- Do not twist at your waist. Turn with your feet instead.
- Keep objects close to your body.
- Wear shoes with good support.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00111 ‚
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases ‚
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Sprains_Strains/sprains_and_strains_ff.asp ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚