Description Low-back-strain is an injury to the muscles and tendons of the lower back. These muscles require great force to be able to stand upright, and the forces are tremendously increased when bending at the waist(such as to pick things up from the ground) often leading to injury .
Common Signs and Symptoms of low-back-strain - Pain in the back that usuallyaffects one side, is worse with movement, and may be felt in the hip,buttocks, or back of the thigh
- Muscle spasms of the muscles inthe back
- Swelling along the muscles ofthe back
- Loss of strength of the backmuscles
- Crepitation (a crackling sound)when the muscles are touched
Causes - Prolonged overuse of themuscle-tendon units in the lower back, usually from incorrect back mechanics
- Possibly, a single violentinjury or force applied to the back will cause strain
Risk of Low BackStrain - Any sport in which movementcauses twisting force on the spine or a lot of bending at the waist; also, contact sports, such as football, weightlifting, bowling, golf, tennis, speed skating, racquetball, swimming, running, gymnastics, or diving
- Poor physical conditioning(strength and flexibility)
- Inadequate warm-up beforepractice or play
- Family history or of pain or disk disorders
- Previous back injury or surgery(especially fusion)
- Poor mechanics with lifting,especially heavy objects
- Prolonged sitting, especiallywith poor mechanics
Preventivemeasures for reducing the risk of injury - Use proper mechanics whensitting or lifting (maintain proper posture with sitting; lift using the knees and legs, not at the waist).
- Appropriately warm up andstretch before practice or competition.
- Maintain appropriateconditioning:
- Ideal body weight
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Hamstring and backflexibility
- Muscle strength andendurance
Expected Outcomeafter a low back strain This condition is usually curable, with appropriate conservativetreatment, within 6 weeks. PossibleComplications - Frequent recurrence ofsymptoms, resulting in a chronic problem; appropriately addressing the problem the first time decreases frequency of recurrence
- Chronic inflammation, scarring,and partial muscle-tendon tear from low-back-strain
- Delayed healing or resolutionof symptoms
- Prolonged disability
General TreatmentConsiderations for low-back-strain The injury to the back results in pain and inflammation. The pain and inflammation result in muscle spasms of the back muscles, which in turnresult in more pain. Thus the initial treatment consists of rest,medications, and ice to relieve pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms. As pain and spasms subside, exercises to improve strength andflexibility and proper back mechanics are started. Referral to aphysical therapist or athletic trainer may be recommended for these exercises, education regarding back mechanics, and possibly other treatments, such as transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS)or ultrasound. A corset or back brace (low back) may be recommended. Biofeedback and psychotherapy may also be prescribed. Prolonged bedrest is felt to do more harm than good at this time for low-back-strain. Bending your knees to pick things up off the ground (as opposed to bending at the waist), laying flat on your back on a firm mattress with a pillow under your knees, and using good posture when sitting are helpful. Occasionally an injection of cortisone, with or without localanesthetics, may be administered to help relieve the pain and spasms. Medications CommonlyUsed for low-back-strain - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatorymedications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (do not take within 7 days before surgery), or other minor pain relievers, such as acetaminophen,are often recommended. Take these as directed by your physician.
Contact your physician immediately if any bleeding, stomach upset, or signs of an allergic reaction occur.
- Topical ointments may be ofbenefit.
- Pain relievers and musclerelaxants may be prescribed as necessary by your physician. Use only as directed and only as much as you need. Do not use any heavy machinery or drive a car while on these medications.
- Oral corticosteroids orinjections of corticosteroids into the spot of the most muscle spasms or pain occasionally may be administered.
Treating low-back-strain with Heat and Cold Therapy - Cold is used to relieve painand reduce inflammation for acute and chronic cases. Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2to 3 hours for inflammation and pain and immediately after any activity that aggravates your symptoms. Use ice packs or an ice massage.
- Heat may be used beforeperforming stretching and strengthening activities prescribed by your physician, physical therapist, or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or a warm soak.
Click here for more information on applying ice massage
Notify Your Physical Therapist , Coach or Health Professional When: - Symptoms get worse or do notimprove in 2 to 4 weeks despite treatment
- You develop numbness, weakness,or loss of bowel or bladder function
- New, unexplained symptomsdevelop (drugs used in treatment may produce side effects)
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