Identifying Your Back Pain
When most people think of getting a muscle sprain or strain, the injury is usually associated with other parts of the body besides the back. Typically, leg, muscle, and even neck injuries associated with a pulled muscle are the most common assumptions. However, both strains and sprains can occur in the back. For most people, at-home care is more than sufficient to achieve relief. Yet, in some cases, individuals may need more serious medical interventions ranging from prescriptions to in-office treatments and even surgery in more severe cases. Learn the difference between a strain and a sprain, and when to see a doctor for back pain.
What is a back strain?
A strain is an injury that occurs when muscles or tendons are overstretched or torn in a joint. The lower back region is the most common area where the injury will occur. In most cases, strains happen when people move incorrectly. For example, failing to lift heavy objects with the knees, falling, sudden twisting or bending movements, overuse, and even poor posture are common culprits.
Signs of a back strain
Telltale signs that an individual has suffered a back strain include pain in the lower back that radiates to the hips, legs, and buttocks, reduced range of motion, stiffness, muscle spasms, and difficulty sitting or standing. The injury site might even feel tender to the touch.
Defining back sprains
A back sprain is slightly different from a strain and refers to when ligaments that normally help keep a joint aligned are overstretched or torn. Still, the scenarios that can lead to a back sprain are similar to those of a back strain. The most common reasons include falling and getting hit by an object or an individual who pushes a joint out of the normal position. However, lifestyle habits can also contribute to the risk of developing strains, such as being overweight, excessive curvature of the lower back, or weak core muscles. People who play contact sports are at a higher risk of experiencing back strains. Similar to back strains, sprains have similar symptoms.
At-home back pain care
Most people who suffer a back strain or sprain can expect to recover through at-home interventions. Experts recommend relying on simple methods, such as icing the injury site, in the first 24-48 hours after the injury occurs. Likewise, resting the back and even taking an over-the-counter (OTC) medication can help to ease discomfort. For most people, the first 2 days after a back sprain or strain may be the most painful, but full range of motion usually returns within 2 weeks of the injury. However, for some people, the damage is more pervasive and more serious medical interventions may be needed.
When to see a doctor
People are encouraged to seek professional medical care if back pain persists after a couple of weeks of at-home treatment. Other concerning symptoms include discomfort that intensifies, spreads down to one or both legs, leads to weakness or numbness in either or both legs, leads to weightloss, or causes swelling or discoloration. Likewise, people that experience fever after experiencing back pain should see a doctor. Additionally, if back pain results after experiencing an accident such as a car accident or a fall, seek immediate medical attention to ensure that any damage doesn't get worse.
