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 is very much reliant on its surrounding muscles and ligaments for support. "Sprains" and "strains" are a direct result of these tissues being stretched too hard or too far, much in the same way that a rope frays when it is stretched beyond its normal capacity.
A "strain" is when your muscles or tendons that move your trunk have been partially torn, whereas a "sprain" is when the strong, resilient ligaments that hold your bones have been damaged.
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.
Many times, sudden or violent motions like a fall, twist, raise, push, pull, direct blow, or quickly standing up from a seated, crouching, or bent position cause lumbar sprains and strains. The most frequent cause of sprains and strains is recurrent overloading rather than a single incident.
The spine is very good at being able to manage small isolated stressors, but repetitive challenges often can lead to injury in much the same way that constantly bending a piece of copper wire will cause it to break. Examples of stress that can cause lower back pain include bad postures, sedentary lifestyles, poor-fitting workstations, repetitive movements, improper lifting, or 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.
The short-term use of a lumbar support belt may help reduce your symptoms. Sitting makes your back temporarily more vulnerable to sustain a sprain or sprain from a sudden movement. It may be wise to take "micro-breaks" from workstations for 10 seconds every 20 minutes. Following acute injuries, you can apply ice for 15-20 minutes each hour.
After several days or for more persistent causes of pain, heat may also be beneficial. Make sure to explain your unique circumstances to your doctor and get specific ice/heat advice. Sports creams have reportedly helped some patients in part.
