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Back Muscle Sprain

A Back muscle sprain is a typical diagnosis for common muscular back pain. The diagnosis of sprain is usually used to describe a condition in which a muscle or ligament is overstretched and possibly torn to a minor degree. A serious tear or detachment in a muscle or ligament is usually referred to as a strain. The words are sometimes used interchangeably and either can be positively diagnosed using advanced imaging techniques such as an MRI or CT scan.

back muscle sprain

Causes of Back Muscle Sprain

Back muscles and ligaments are some of the largest and strongest in the body. They are not prone to serious injury except in extreme physical circumstances, such as severe trauma, constant overuse and abuse, or attack by a neuromuscular disorder. Minor muscular tears and pulls are common and not normally any cause for concern. Ligament tears and pulls are also a common experience for patients experiencing muscular back pain.

Back Muscle Sprain Symptoms

The usual symptoms of back muscle pain are similar to many other types of back ache condition:

* Pain can be localized or radiating circular or linear from a centralized �hot spot�. Pain might extend into one or more limbs.

* Swelling can produce a lump, bump or generalized �knots� in the tissue.

* Affected tissue may feel hot to the touch.

* Muscles might feel weak and have limited movement. Pain is usually elicited from moving affected and surrounding muscles.

Treatment for Sprained Back

Most back sprains will heal on their own without medical treatment. Serious sprains or strains might require treatment or even surgical correction. Usually, simple symptomatic treatment is all that is required:

* Ice and heat therapy.

* Pain management drugs for pain and inflammation relief.

* Hydrotherapy can work wonders for muscle pain.

* Massage is a good way to speed healing and increase circulation.

Recommendation on Back Sprain

Although this type of muscular back injury is possible, it is commonly misdiagnosed. Many patients with perceived cases of physical back muscle injury are actually suffering from psychological back pain. The symptoms are often identical, since oxygen deprivation of the muscles and ligaments causes pain and related discomfort similiar to a physical sprain. If your back muscle symptoms are chronic or last more than a few weeks, consider the possibility that you might have a psychosomatic case of back pain. In this extremely common scenario, make sure to learn more about how knowledge therapy can help you to beat your pain once and for all.

Back Muscle Sprain to Back Pain Home 8/27/07 Revised 8/14/08