How Do You Know if You Hurt Your Back
Overview
The back is a complex structure of bone and musculus, supported by cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and fed by a network of blood vessels and nerves. The back—especially the lumbar, or lower back—bears much of the body's weight during walking, running, lifting and other activities. Information technology makes sense, then, that injuries to the lower dorsum—such as strains and sprains—are common.
What is a strain?
A strain is an injury to either a muscle or tendon. Tendons are the tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone. With a back strain, the muscles and tendons that support the spine are twisted, pulled or torn.
What is a sprain?
A sprain is the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Ligaments are the fibrous bands of tissue that connect ii or more basic at a joint and prevent excessive movement of the joint.
How mutual are back strains and sprains?
Strains and sprains are very common injuries. Next to headaches, back problems are the most mutual complaint to healthcare professionals.
Symptoms and Causes
What causes a back strain or sprain?
Twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon can issue in a strain. It can as well be acquired past a single case of improper lifting or by overstressing the back muscles. A chronic (long-term) strain ordinarily results from overuse after prolonged, repetitive move of the muscles and tendons.
A sprain often occurs after a fall or sudden twist, or a blow to the body that forces a joint out of its normal position. All of these conditions stretch one or more ligaments beyond their normal range of motion, causing injury.
In addition, several factors tin put a person at greater risk for a back strain or sprain, including:
- Curving the lower dorsum excessively
- Being overweight
- Having weak back or abdominal muscles, and/or tight hamstrings (muscles in the back of the thighs).
Playing sports that involve pushing and pulling—such every bit weightlifting and football—also increases the risk of a depression back injury.
What are the symptoms of a back strain or sprain?
Symptoms of a strain or sprain include:
- Pain that gets worse when you move
- Musculus cramping or spasms (sudden uncontrollable muscle contractions)
- Decreased function and/or range of motility of the articulation (difficulty walking, bending forward or sideways, or continuing direct)
In some cases, the person may feel a popular or tear at the time of the injury.
Diagnosis and Tests
How are back sprains and strains diagnosed?
Mild strains and sprains can unremarkably be diagnosed based on a medical history—including a review of the symptoms and how the injury occurred—and a physical test by a healthcare provider. In cases of more than severe strains and sprains, especially when there is weakness or loss of function, an 10-ray may exist taken to rule out a fractured (broken) or herniated (bulging) disc as the cause of the back hurting.
Direction and Handling
How are back strains and sprains treated?
The treatment for strains and sprains is similar, and oft takes place in 2 phases.
The goal of the first phase is to reduce the pain and spasm. This may involve rest, and the use of ice packs and compression (force per unit area), especially for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. An over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such every bit ibuprofen (Motrin®), may be recommended to help reduce pain and swelling.
Afterward the offset 24 to 48 hours, returning to normal activities, as tolerated, is appropriate. Extended bed residual or immobility (nonmovement) simply prolongs symptoms and delays recovery.
Nearly people with lumbar strain/sprain symptoms amend in about two weeks. If symptoms keep for more than 2 weeks, boosted treatment may be required.
What complications are associated with back strains and sprains?
The well-nigh common complication of a back strain or sprain is a reduction in activity, which can pb to weight gain, loss of bone density, and loss of muscle strength and flexibility in other areas of the body.
Prevention
How can back sprains and strains be prevented?
It is not possible to foreclose all back injuries, just you tin can take some steps to help lower the take chances of a sprain or strain:
- Eat a salubrious, well-balanced diet to go along your bones and muscles strong.
- Maintain a good for you weight. Excess weight puts added stress on the structures of the lower back.
- Exercise regularly, including stretching, to go along your joints flexible and your muscles in practiced condition.
- Do condom measures to aid prevent falls, such every bit wearing shoes that fit properly, and keeping stairs and walkways free of clutter.
- Use good body mechanics when sitting, standing and lifting. For example, try to go on your back straight and your shoulders back. When sitting, keep your knees bent and your feet apartment on the flooring. Don't over-accomplish, and avoid twisting movements. When lifting, bend your knees and use your strong leg muscles to help residue the load.
- Stop smoking. Nicotine interferes with claret catamenia to the muscles.
Outlook / Prognosis
What is the prognosis (outlook) for people with dorsum strains and sprains?
Most people with back strains and sprains have a total recovery with handling inside 2 weeks.
Living With
When should I contact my healthcare provider about a back strain or sprain?
Phone call your healthcare provider if:
- Y'all have severe hurting and cannot walk more than than a few steps.
- Y'all have numbness in the area of injury or down your leg.
- You lot accept injured your lower back several times before.
- You have a lump or area with an unusual shape.
- You take pain that interferes with sleep.
- You have obvious weakness in an extremity (easily or feet) afterwards an injury.
Source: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10265-back-strains-and-sprains
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