Muscle Strains

A muscle strain is a tear in a muscle. Muscle strains in the back are usually caused by lifting something that is too heavy or any kind of sudden movement. Strains are not caused by a direct blow to a muscle, in which case the muscle tear would be considered a contusion.

Symptoms of muscle strains include a sudden sharp pain accompanied by swelling or bruising in the area. Strains make it difficult to move, especially when bending forwards and sideways or straightening the back.

Strains can range from mild to severe. In mild cases, there is tightness in the back, difficulty walking and swelling. The best thing to do for this type of injury is to rest and allow the muscle to heal itself. Anti-inflammatory medication can help to reduce pain. Severe strains result in the inability to walk properly and severe pain. They are accompanied by bad swelling, which appears immediately. For this type of injury, the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) should be applied immediately. Crutches will make walking easier, but the muscles should be rested for a few weeks.

With both types of strains, massaging the area will speed up recovery. A rehabilitation program to strengthen the area and ease patients back into physical activity should be followed.

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