Back Strain in Lumbar Spine Region - Treatment and Symptoms of Back Strains

Back strain or injury to muscles or tendons that attach to the vertebral column at the lumbar spine (lower part of the spine). All the muscles, tendons and vertebrae comprises of a units. The units stabilize the spine and allow its motion. A strain occurs at the weakest part of a unit. There are basically 3 types of strains:

Mild strain - It is the slight pull of the muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength. Moderate string - Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished. Severe string - Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

Most effected body parts of Strains

Tendons and muscles of the lower midspine. One or more vertebral bones or bones of the pelvis. Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Common signs and symptoms

• Pain in having movements and stretching of the lower back.
• Crackling feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers.
• Calcification of the muscle or tendon.
• Muscle spasm in the lower back.
• Swelling along muscles of the back.
• Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain).

Causes of Back Strains

• The main causes of Muscle strains are prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units in the lower back.
• Single violent injury or force applied to the lower back.

How to Prevent Back Strains

• Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Use proper lifting techniques. Don't bend over to lift. Squat to lift, and rise using leg muscles.
• Warm up before practice or competition.
• Wear the taping of back brace to avoid any strains.

Treatment of Back Strains

• Rest the injured area at the first sign of severe symptoms. Rest in bed until pain decreases. Use a firm mattress.
• Use ice to help stop internal bleeding. Prepare an ice pack of ice cubes or chips wrapped in plastic or in a container. Place a towel over the injured area to prevent skin damage. Apply ice for 20 minutes, then rest 10 minutes. Repeat applications for 24 to 48 hours after injury.
• When bed rest is discontinued, you may need a cast or brace to allow the strain to heal completely. Later, a special corset may be used.
• Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
• After 24 to 48 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Medication and diet treatment for Strains

For minor discomfort, you may use: Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Topical liniments and ointments. Stronger pain relievers may be taken for more pain. Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain. Oral dose or injection of a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation. Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

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