A pulled
back muscle is a condition where the muscles of the back are injured due to a
traumatic pulling of the fibers. This tearing of the fibers is known as a pulled back
muscle and typically causes lower back
pain.
A sudden
or abrupt movement that causes the muscles to stretch can result in a pulled
back muscle past their point of elasticity usually causing back pain. While some
back strains are the result of a high velocity impact (an example is a car
accident that causes whiplash or Sciatica), other types of pulls are caused by
repetitive strain and can result in a herniated disc.
For
example, a person who maintains improper posture at a computer on a regular
basis, or a tennis player who uses improper form may have their muscles tighten
to the extent that something as simple as reaching for a salt shaker can cause
them to pull a muscle and will than need to do back pain
exercises. To add to the pain of a pulled muscle, the surrounding muscles
react to the tear by stiffening to protect the injured muscle from further harm
and back pain will set in.
On
average it takes about six weeks to recover from a pulled back muscle with some
relief being felt after about three weeks. Scar tissue will continue to form
past six weeks in some cases and as long as a year in a severe pulled back
muscle.
The
first line of treatment is to support and protect the pulled back muscle, it
helps them to be loosened up and to lessen the pain and minimize any
inflammation. After the scar tissue has begun to accumulate, it will be
important to perform procedures that help break down the scar tissue in the area
of the pulled back muscle so as to let the muscle regain it's normal flexibility
and lessen the chance of further injury. This is done through ultrasound,
massage, chiropractic adjustments and back pain exercises and stretches.
After three weeks, the muscle strain usually benefits from a program of mild
exercise.
Article
courtesy of Steve Hefferon and Jesse Cannone of www.losethebackpain.com.
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