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Back Muscle Injury
A back muscle injury is one of the most common of all damaging events in
the back
and
spine.
The back muscles are very strong and resist injury, but can still be traumatized from many possible causes. Resulting
back muscle pain
might be excruciating, but most muscular injuries are not serious and few even require formal medical attention. Most commonly, muscular symptoms simply need time and basic
rehabilitation
in order to feel good as new.
Types of Back Muscle Injury
Injury to the
back muscles
and ligaments usually takes the form of a
sprain
or
strain.
These events typically occur from overuse or abuse.
Repetitive stress back pain
is generally muscular in nature, but can prove to be a real problem for patients whose work involves using the same muscles over and over. Serious muscle and ligament tears can even cause muscles to become detached from their respective bones. These rare events can create considerable functional limitations and pain, often requiring professional and sometimes surgical treatment.
Injured Back Muscle Treatment
The general rule for minor back muscle pain is that the area should be
iced
for the first 48 hours and then given liberal heat for several days. Wet heat always works best to really warm up the area and increase circulation. The region should be rested, but not immobilized. It is important not to place ongoing stress on an injured muscle, to prevent additional damage and possible scar tissue from forming.
Acupuncture
or OTC
pain management drugs
may be considered for severe pain, but patients are advised to stay clear of
prescription drugs for back pain,
unless their symptoms are truly unbearable.
Back Muscle Injury Advice
Never forget that many
psychosomatic pain syndromes
use actual or perceived injury as a
trigger
mechanism for
chronic back pain
to begin. Rarely is this condition correctly diagnosed, which explains why so few patients find permanent relief from their nagging symptoms. Be vigilant to watch out for the signs of any pain which might be caused, worsened or perpetuated through the
oxygen deprivation
process. Do not stress over minor injuries, as these will heal in a short time, even without formal treatment. Just use common sense and take it easy till you feel completely better. Serious muscular injuries should be professionally rehabilitated by a qualified
physical therapist
or sports medicine specialist.
Back Muscle Injury to Back Pain Home
2/23/09 Revised 10/11/09
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