Are You Experiencing Lower Back Pain?
Check out this video on how back pain is caused.
Understanding Back Sprains & Strains
Your "lumbar spine", or low back, is constructed and built from five bones that are stacked on top of each other with a shock-absorbing disc between each level.
Your low back depends heavily on the muscles and ligaments in the area for stability. Similar to how a rope frays when it is stretched past its safe limit, "strains" and "sprains" are a direct result of these tissues being stretched too much or too hard.
The term "sprain" means that the tough, durable ligaments that support bones have been damaged, while a "strain" refers to when your muscles or tendons that move your trunk have been partially torn.
It Is Very Common To Face Back Pain.
The majority of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lifetime, and 70% of those patients can attribute their symptoms to sprain/strain injuries.
Lumbar sprains and strains can often result from sudden or forceful movements like a fall, twist, lift, push, pull, direct blow, or quickly straightening up from a seated, crouched, or bent position. Most commonly, sprains and strains are not the result of any single event, but rather from repeated overloading.
The spine is quite adept at dealing with modest, isolated stresses, but frequent strains can cause damage, much like how repeatedly bending copper wire will eventually cause it to break. Stress factors that might lead to lower back discomfort include poor posture, sedentary habits, uncomfortable workstations, repetitive motions, inappropriate lifting techniques, and being overweight.
Understanding The Symptoms Of Back Pain.
Symptoms from a sprain/strain can begin very abruptly but in most cases will actually develop gradually.
In certain circumstances, rest may help you feel better, yet it frequently makes you stiff. Although it often only affects your lower back, the pain can potentially travel to your hips or thighs. If your discomfort goes beyond your knee, you experience weakness in your lower extremities, or you develop a fever, you should call your doctor.
Back Strains & Sprains Need Early & Appropriate Treatment
Sprain/strain injuries can cause your normal healthy elastic tissue to be lost and replaced with less elastic "scar tissue."
A continuing cycle of pain and possibly arthritis might result from this practise. 60% of patients who choose to forgo therapy and "just cope with it" end up with persistent low back pain.
It is critical to seek early and appropriate treatment like the type we provide.
Recovering From Lower Back Pain
Depending on how severe your lower back injury is, you may need to limit your activity for a period of time, especially bending, twisting, lifting, and movements that cause pain.
Bed rest is not in your best interest. You should only allow yourself to return to normal activities as your symptoms allow.
Utilizing a lumbar support belt for a brief period of time could help lessen your pains. Sitting temporarily increases your back's susceptibility to sprains and sprains from rapid movements. Every 20 minutes, it could be a good idea to leave your workstation for a 10-second "micro-break."
Following acute injuries, you can apply ice for 15-20 minutes each hour. Heat may also be helpful after several days or for more chronic origins of pain. Be sure to inform your doctor of your exact situation and to ask for specific ice/heat recommendations. Some patients report partial relief from sports creams.
